2023 Impact Report

IMPACT REPORT

REBUILDING A FOUNDATION

A VISION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

NEW Community Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Gillette and Campbell County With a rich history of service over more than five decades, the organization has witnessed firsthand the growing demands which must be balanced with the changing dynamics of partnerships and alliances Over the last three years, we have embarked on a visionary journey to improve our organization and lay the groundwork for a stronger and more dynamic future

A cornerstone of our future is collaboration

Recognizing that no single entity can address all the complex challenges facing community health, the organization actively pursues partnerships with local healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations By fostering cooperation and sharing resources, we can amplify the impact and create a more coordinated approach when addressing community health needs. One of the most important lessons we've learned and hope we

can imprint on the future of our community is to keep fighting for what the community wants When faced with adversity, the Foundation had to learn to pivot, rebrand and refocus In the end, the Foundation is better for it All people and organizations involved in the healthcare sector deserve grace, respect and a place at the table in the future

Fundamental to the success of the Foundation’s vision is community engagement and empowerment By engaging with community stakeholders and listening to their needs and concerns, we ensure that our efforts are responsive and tailored to the unique characteristics of our community

As NEW Community Health Foundation looks towards the future, we have and will make personalized efforts to improve community health By embracing collaboration and community empowerment, our organization is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future for all.

MEET THE TEAM

PEOPLE BEHIND THE FOUNDATION

NACHELLE MCGRATH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASHLEY BRINTLE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

RENAE REARICK-BALLARD FOUNDATION ASSISTANT

BOARD: JUSTIN HOLCOMB, LEIGH JOHNSON, KELLY MOREHEAD, CHRIS SHELLEDY, JC REYNOLDS, CHRISTIE BRINK, HOLLY TATE, LORI DOUGHERTY (NOT PICTURED EMILY ARTHUN, DANECE DAY & KRISTIN MCKENNEY)

A DECADE OF GIVING

“OUR COMMUNITY IS BETTER FOR THE FOUNDATION”

Most people would think volunteering for 10 years would be exhausting, but when you ask Leigh Johnson how she feels, her face lights up. Leigh has been a member of the NEW Community Health Foundation Board of Directors since 2013 and was the co-founder of Cancer Care, a committee which offers financial support to cancer patients

Leigh supports the Foundation for many reasons, primarily the Foundation’s long-term investments in the Oncology Department at Campbell County Health, where she has been employed for over 20 years Leigh says, “This organization has done some truly amazing things such as raising money for enhanced healthcare equipment and offering financial support to many patients in our community.” Leigh is also a cancer survivor. “Hearing you have cancer, especially as a single mom of two boys is devastating” Leigh said Leigh has not only been on the giving end of Cancer Care funds but was also a recipient of funding A dear friend of hers applied on her behalf to help her pay her medical expenses

Leigh has seen the direct impact the Foundation has on so many of her patients and the community “Our community is better for the Foundation and I will continue to advocate for as long as I can ”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

“IT MEANS A LOT TO ME TO RECEIVE THE FUNDING AND TRUST FROM AN ORGANIZATION IN MY HOME TOWN ”

path.

Riley, a student athlete at the University of Mary on a wrestling scholarship, graduated in 2023 and is now enrolled in their Physical Therapy Doctorate Program He is set to graduate in 2026 and hopes to either stay in Bismarck or return to Wyoming Riley first applied for the NEW Community Health

Foundation Scholarship Fund in 2021 and over the last three years has received $3,750 towards his studies Riley is grateful to be selected as a scholarship recipient

“Receiving scholarship funding from the NEW Community Health Foundation has held me to a high standard I set for myself and also the standard he knows the Foundation embodies.” Rylie said.

Receiving this scholarship has motivated Riley to be the best student he can be Riley is focused and knowing his dream of becoming a physical therapist has helped him stay on track and goaloriented

LADY IN RED

“THEY HELPED ME KEEP MY IDENTITY”

Candice, born and raised in Sterling, Colorado, moved to Gillette in 2012 to start a new job with a wonderful man she now calls her husband Together they have a beautiful 6-year-old daughter

On February 3, 2023, while she was getting ready for her company Christmas party, she discovered a lump in her breast Candice scheduled an appointment with her physician and after many tests, learned what no one wants to hear, “You have breast cancer ”

Candice immediately took action and started chemotherapy. She was complimented for doing everything right as her cancer was caught early However, as a side effect of the drugs that were saving her life, she was told she would lose her beautiful red hair Candice was devastated “I was afraid of losing my identity,” she said as tears filled her eyes “People knew and recognized me by my beautiful red hair”

Dr Pauline Lerma told Candice about Cancer Care

With the donations earmarked for Cancer Care, the committee can provide financial assistance to local patients battling cancer Soon after applying, she learned she was awarded a grant to purchase a custom wig. With the help of her wonderful hairstylist, Amy, her wig, named Reba, became the perfect shade of red

Candice is now in remission, living life to the fullest, and says that she can’t express enough how thankful she is to the Foundation, the Cancer Care program and donors who make such grants possible “I am forever grateful!”

GIVING HOPE TO MENTAL HEALTH

In today's fast-paced world, mental health has emerged as a critical issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. However, accessing quality mental health services can often be challenging due to financial constraints Recognizing this pressing need, a grassroots initiative known as Hope Source has been introduced to provide financial assistance to mental health providers on behalf of their

clients. This innovative program aims to ensure that individuals can continue receiving counseling or therapy, thereby improving mental health outcomes within our community

The Need

Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and trauma affect individuals from all walks of life However, despite the prevalence of these conditions, access to

affordable mental health services remains limited for many Financial barriers often prevent individuals from seeking the help they desperately need, leading to untreated mental health issues and a decline in overall wellbeing

Moreover, mental health providers face challenges in sustaining their practices while offering sliding-scale fees or pro bono services to clients in need The lack of financial support can strain providers' resources and limit their ability to serve vulnerable populations effectively

Benefits for Providers

Hope Source seeks to bridge the gap between mental health providers and clients by offering financial assistance to cover the costs of counseling or therapy sessions Through donated funds, this program operates by allocating funds directly to participating mental health professionals, enabling them to continue offering their services to clients who may otherwise be unable to afford them.

Providers enrolled in the Hope Source program can submit requests for financial assistance on behalf of their clients, citing the need for support based on predetermined eligibility criteria Once approved, funds are disbursed to the provider, ensuring seamless access to care for individuals facing financial hardships

For mental health providers, participation in the Hope Source program offers several advantages By receiving financial assistance for their services, providers can maintain sustainable practices while fulfilling their commitment to serving diverse needs Additionally, this initiative fosters collaboration between providers and facilitates a more equitable distribution of mental health resources

HOPE SOURCE REPRESENTS HOPE FOR INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Furthermore, Hope Source promotes professional fulfillment by allowing providers to focus on delivering high-quality care without financial concerns inhibiting their work As a result, providers can dedicate their energy to supporting clients on their journey toward improved mental health outcomes

Impact on the Community

Individuals who may have previously hesitated to seek help due to financial barriers can now access the support they need to address their mental health concerns This, in turn, can lead to improved functioning, healthier relationships and a greater sense of resilience among community members

As Hope Source gains momentum, there is optimism about its long-term impact on mental health outcomes By prioritizing accessibility and affordability, this program sets a precedent for inclusive and equitable mental health care delivery Through continued support and collaboration, we can strive towards a future where every individual can thrive mentally, emotionally and psychologically

Hope Source represents hope for individuals grappling with mental health challenges and the providers dedicated to supporting them By investing in the well-being of our community, we pave the way for a healthier, more resilient society

OUR FUTURE IN HOSPICE

HONOR DIGNITY DURING LIF FINAL MOMENTS

After navigating past controversy and setba the Foundation is forging ahead with its pla build a hospice house, a vital addition to the community's healthcare infrastructure Des challenges and opposition, the Foundation remains committed to its mission of providin compassionate end-of-life care to those in n

To fund the construction of the hospice hou Foundation has invested all the money from recent settlement This strategic decision re the Foundation's dedication to maximizing resources and ensuring the successful com of the project. By leveraging these funds, th Foundation aims to create a facility that will the needs of patients and families for years come Due to the climate of the markets, the Foundation has capitalized on its investmen raising a significant amount of money in interest that further bolsters the Foundation's ability to fulfill its mission in reaching its capital campaign goal

One of the key developments in the Foundation's progress is the negotiation of a site for the hospice house. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, discussions are underway to secure land that will serve as the location for this essential facility The Foundation recognizes the significance of this contribution and is working diligently to finalize the details of the land deal As negotiations for the land deal progress, the Foundation encourages the community to stay engaged and informed about the latest developments The selection of an ideal site is a crucial step in the journey toward

building the house, and the Foundation is committed to transparency throughout the process As the land deal nears completion, stakeholders can anticipate further updates and announcements from the Foundation

Throughout the planning and construction phases, the Foundation values the support and collaboration of community members, donors, and stakeholders Together, we can create a hospice house that honors the dignity of every individual and provides comfort and solace during life's final moments The Foundation remains dedicated to its mission and looks forward to the positive impact the hospice house will have on the community for years to come