The Partnership for Better Health champions and invests in ideas, initiatives, and collaborations to advance equity and improve the health of the people and communities in our region.
Annual Report 2024
Advancing Health in our Region
The foundation began in 2001 with $58 million from the sale of Carlisle Hospital and related trusts. Since then, over $51.6 million has been invested in the community through grants and initiatives.
Service Area
The Partnership for Better Health is a nonprofit community foundation that works collaboratively with key stakeholders throughout all of Perry County and parts of Cumberland, Adams, and Franklin Counties to positively influence the lives of our neighbors. Our service area includes the footprint of the former Carlisle Hospital & Health Services.
Commitment to Health Equity
Health equity exists when all people have fair and just access, opportunity, and resources to achieve their highest potential for health.
To reach health equity, communities must take collective action to address policies, systems, and structures that influence health. Across our work, we seek to engage neighbors and residents and amplify voices that are not always heard to ensure that all people have the chance to enjoy healthy lives.
Welcome
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
From our updated grantmaking framework to new leadership, we are ever focused on advancing equity and improving health of the people and communities in our region.
As a trusted steward of community funds, we strive to distribute resources where they are most needed in our communities. We collaborate with local nonprofits who address the social determinants of health and center people with lived experience in their work.
We understand that those living and working in our communities are best positioned to understand urgent needs. In the coming year, we will be expanding our efforts to further engage communities in guiding how funding is distributed to local nonprofits.
In 2023-2024, we funded 87 grants totaling more than $2.3 million. We strive to be a leader and catalyst in ensuring the continuous improvement of health in our communities, working to foster partnerships and advance solutions to some of today’s toughest health challenges.
Our work would not be possible without the partnership of our numerous local nonprofit organizations and their dedicated staff and volunteers. Together, with local donors and community leaders, we are positively influencing the lives of our neighbors.
We thank you for your tireless efforts as we reflect on our accomplishments and focus on the work ahead.
Wishing you good health,
Trish Nie
Board Chair
Updated Grantmaking Framework
During 2024, the Partnership for Better Health updated our grantmaking framework, moving toward trust-based philanthropy and increasing the focus on social determinants of health and health equity. This new framework provides three grant opportunities for local nonprofit organizations: General Operating Grants, Project Grants, and Spark Grants.
Social Determinants of Health
Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are the environmental, social, and economic conditions in the places where we live, learn, work and play. The SDoH play a significant role in impacting health equity and health outcomes in a community.
Addressing Health in Our Communities
The Partnership stewards community funds. In 2024, 87 grants and initiatives supported over $2.3 million in projects focused on improving Social Determinants of Health in our communities.
Centering Lived Experience
According to Poverty Action Lab, centering lived experience means creating space for people to share their experiences and expertise, and for that expertise to be valued and incorporated in decision-making. To center those with lived experience goes beyond focusing on a specific group as the beneficiary of an organization’s mission. Centering lived experience is to elevate voices of those who are not always heard by including individuals of diverse backgrounds in strategy development and guiding of work, as well as representation within staff and board membership.
Researchingracialequity:Thevalueofcenteringlivedexperienceintheresearchprocess.PovertyActionLab.RetrievedDecember5,2024from https://wwwpovertyactionlaborg/blog/11-8-23/researching-racial-equity-value-centering-lived-experience-research-process
SixConsiderationsPlanningTool:CenteringPeoplewithLivedExperienceWhenExploringSolutions.AssociationofMaternal&ChildHealth Programs RetrievedDecember10,2024fromhttps://amchporg/resources/six-considerations-planning-tool-centering-people-with-lived-experiencewhen-exploring-solutions
Recognizing Service
The Partnership recognizes Becca Raley for her dedication to our community, including serving as our Executive Director for the past 12 years until January 2024.
Becca has been a champion of health as she led the foundation’s strategic direction and investments to improve the health of our communities in South Central Pennsylvania. With a passion for our community, Becca inspired our local nonprofits to come together to address our diverse challenges, seeing the humanity in each of us.
A dedicated leader, convener, and inspiring spokesperson, Becca will be missed at the foundation. We wish her the best as she continues to work hands-on to improve lives and welcome the newest members of our community with Church World Service Harrisburg.
Investing in Community Health
The Partnership for Better Health is committed to building an equitable, just, and inclusive community investment process and to supporting our local nonprofit community.
General Operating Grants for Organizations
Leading in Equity Work
$342,500.00 10 Grants
Flexible funding for existing grantees that can be used at their discretion to advance health equity across its mission.
CONTACT Helpline
Provides free, anonymous, confidential listening services at 800-932-4616
In Him Christian Wellness
A non-profit Christian Counseling agency providing person-centered mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and children
LEAF Project
Cultivates youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system in Perry County
Maranatha-Carlisle
Ensures the financial stability of at risk individuals and families by providing financial guidance, financial education and bill payment services to those in need
PA Coalition for Oral Health
Improves oral health for all Pennsylvanians by uniting stakeholders to advance advocacy, policy, education and innovative approaches
Perry Human Services
Empowers individuals and communities through compassionate support services, including substance abuse, prevention, and adult services
$50,000
Reins of Rhythm Riding & Horsemanship
Embraces every young person who joins their program and how to provide the most benefit to each individual
The Center for Youth and Community Development
Develops the positive potential of youth within safe and supportive families and communities
Tomorrow’s Neighbors
Empowers Returning Citizens to stop the cycle of crime by becoming responsible community members
Tri County Community Action
Builds on the strengths and resources available, provides solutions for complex issues, and empowers individuals, families, and communities to move out of poverty
$20,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$30,000
$30,000
$20,000
$25,000
$17,500
Community CARES Coordinated Entry
Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council
Middle Spring Greenway
Middle Spring Greenway - Construction, Phase 1
Employment Skills Center
Project Grants to Address Root Issues
$1,858,469.28 36 Grants
Funding for specific projects that address the root causes of one or more social determinants of health among an underserved or marginalized population.
Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center
Protecting Vulnerable ChildrenEducation / Outreach / Prevention Project
Bethany House of Cumberland County
Mental Health Program
Building Independent Youth
Bible Way Hibner Memorial Church Of God In Christ Fatherhood Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
Trauma-Informed Youth Mentoring: Supporting
Recovery in the Community
Carlisle Day Care
Improving the Mental Health of Childcare Providers through Listening
Church World Service Harrisburg (PA)
Increasing Equitable Housing Access for Refugees in Greater Carlisle
Civic Club of Shippensburg
Shippensburg Community Nurse
$20,000
$15,600
$30,000
$15,000
$10,000
$8,872 28
$55,000
$22,000
$15,000 $25,000
Healthcare Career Training (Two-Year Grant) $190,000
Friends of Spring Township
Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park
Hope Station Opportunity Area Neighborhood Council
Summer Scholarships
Interim Executive Director
Join Hands Ministry
$25,000
$6,500 $50,000
Youth Outreach, Assistance, & Empowerment Program $10,000
Keystone Human Services
Responsive Mental Health Interventions
Landisburg EMS
Citizen Responder Campaign
Latino Hispanic American Community Center
Bilingual Outreach Specialist - Cumberland and Perry Counties
Launch Pad
Health Advocacy and Employment Support to Benefit Unaccompanied and Homeless Youth in a Homeless-toWork Program
Merakey NHS Stevens Center
$15,000
$25,000
$25,000
$40,000
Comprehensive Clinical Team (Two-Year Grant) $190,000
New Hope Ministries
Refugee Workforce Development & Basic Needs
Assistance
NLC LifeWorks
Intake & LifeWorks Coordination
Project SHARE of Carlisle
Growing Healthy Kids Initiative
Sadler Health Center Corporation
$50,000
$65,000
$20,000
Oral Health Program / Community Health Worker $540,000
Shippensburg Produce and Outreach
Phase One Strategic Implementation
$50,000
SPY (Sup School Y
I-SPY Returns $30,000
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church
Apartment Ministry / WE CARE Team:
Homeless Shelter Repairs
The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties
Advocacy Services
The Food Trust
Food Bucks and Food Bucks Rx: Increasing Healthy Food Access in Central PA with Nutrition Incentives
The Salvation Army
Bulk Food Purchase – My Brother’s Table
Tomorrow's Neighbors
E-Bike Library
Valley Youth House Committee
Fueling a Healthy Future
YWCA Carlisle
Targeted Sexual Violence Marketing and Educational Resources for Underserved Communities
$25,000
$61,000
Spark Grants
$145,969.00 41 Grants
Funding to support opportunities to meet a community need in a responsive manner.
$20,000
$20,000
$10,000
$10,000
$10,000
Foundation Initiatives
$790,000.00 4 Initiatives
Funding to support key issues related to health equity and the social determinants of health.
Action Plan Goals and Improving Health Access $75,000
Wellness at Work 2024-2025 (Year 19)
Employers Leading Wellness Activities
$15,000
& Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg
Duncannon Senior Center
Enhancing Mobility and Social Well-being for Adults $2,500
Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region
Grow UP
Girls on the Run Capital Area
Girls on the Run in North Adams County
Girls on the Run in Perry County
International Service Center
SENAH (Survival English for Needy Afghan Housewives)
Moving Circles
$3,000
$5,000 $5,000
$5,000
Moving Circles "Widening the Circle" Project $3,000
New Life Community LifeCycle Safety Kits
Newport PA Farmers Market
Newport Farmers Market
Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation
Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab Program
Project SHARE of Carlisle
Emergency SHARE Boxes
Pallet Jack and Survey Tool $3,000 $4,450
Reins of Rhythm Riding & Horsemanship
Take the Reins Work Place Readiness
Horse Powered Math
Shippensburg Area School District Foundation
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS):
Shippensburg Area Senior High School
Shippensburg Area Middle School
Shippensburg Area Intermediate School
James Burd Elementary School
Nancy Grayson Elementary School
Grace B Luhrs Elementary School
Shippensburg University Foundation
Shippensburg Community Resource Coalition (SCRC): Hound Packs - Shippensburg Area School District
SPY (Supportive Partnerships for Youth)
Educational Software and Desks for SPY Computers
Healthier Living for SPY Campers
Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center
Improving Student Mental,
$5,000 $5,000
Strategic Initiatives
The Partnership convenes with the following groups to understand and address complex community issues.
Affordable Housing & Homeless Prevention
Withits2022strategicplan,theHousingCoalitionof CumberlandCountyhasbeenadvancingitsmissionto effectpositiveandsustainablechangeinthehousing systembyeducatingthecommunityabouthousingneeds; advocatingforprograms,policies,andfunding;andacting onnewopportunities.WiththeleadershipofitsAdvisory CouncilofkeyleadersinCumberlandCounty,effortsare underwaytoengagelandlordstoincreaseaffordable rentaloptionsandtoimprovecoordinationamong organizationsservinghomelessindividualsandfamilies.
Perry County Health Coalition
Thecoalitionisdedicatedtoimprovingaccesstohealth servicesinPerryCounty.TheUnitedWayoftheCapital RegionandPerformCarejoinwithusasproudfundersof thiswork.In2023-2024,withtheengagementofPoP Health,LLC,thecoalitionmembershavedeveloped specificgoalstoimproveaccesstomobilecareand mentalhealthservices.
$5,000
$1,000 $1,500
Cumberland County Food System Alliance
ConvenedbyShippensburgUniversity’sCenterforLand Use&Sustainability,theAlliancesupportsasustainable localfoodsystemthatadvanceseconomicvitality,food security,wellness,andcommunityresilience.Through networkingandcollaboration,resourcesharing,data analysisandassessment,andpolicydevelopment,this groupseekstoimprovethelocalfoodsystem.
Monthly trainings, workshops, and coalition meetings are hosted by the Partnership. Learn more at www.ForBetterHealthPA.org or call (717) 960-9009.
MARCH 1-31, 2024
Community Campaign
Match Madness is a matching gift campaign that supports small to midsized nonprofits in our community. From addressing homelessness and food insecurity to promoting access to health services, recreation and youth programming, these organizations promote good health for all members of our community.
Adams County Arts Council
Amelia Givin Library
Amethyst Foundation
Bethany House
Friends of Opossum Lake Conservancy
Hope Station
In Him Christian Wellness
JFT Recovery and Veterans Support Services
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
Big Spring Senior Center
Blue Mountain Escape
Bosler Memorial Library
Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg
Carlisle Arts Learning Center
Carlisle Kiwanis Club Foundation
Carlisle Tool Library
Carlisle Victory Circle
Central Pennsylvania Conservancy
Central Perry Community Senior Citizens Center
Champions for Children
Charles Bruce Foundation
Christ Among Neighbors (CAN)
Civic Club of Shippensburg
Community CARES
CONTACT Helpline
Cumberland Goodwill EMS
Join Hands Ministry
Landisburg EMS
Launch Pad
LEAF Project
Maranatha-Carlisle
Millerstown Senior Citizens Center
NLC LifeWorks
PCLC (Perry County Literacy Council)
Perry County Council of the Arts
Perry Housing Partnership
Project SHARE
Reins of Rhythm Riding & Horsemanship
Safe Harbour
Shippensburg Area Emergency Medical Services
Shippensburg Community Resource Coalition
Shippensburg Produce and Outreach (SPO)
South Mountain Partnership
SPY (Supportive Partnerships for Youth)
Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council
Cumberland Youth Cycling Development
Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties
Drew Michael Taylor Foundation
Employment Skills Center
Farmers on the Square - Fresh Match
Participating nonprofits receive 100 percent of donations designated to their organization, plus a portion of $150,000 in matching funds generously supported by:
Gifts to the Foundation
We are grateful to our donors for their support of critical healthcare programs and initiatives in our region. Thank you for your generosity!
The Partnership is dedicated to serving our region in perpetuity and we cannot do it alone. Charitable gifts directly support health programs in Cumberland, Perry, and Adams Counties, and Greater Shippensburg. The Partnership’s Cornerstone Society donors are the keystone of our giving program and a foundation of support to our communities.
Cornerstone Society
Marisol Barber
Stephen Bartoli
Joyce Bylander
Ann Carney
Mary Frances Carson
Katie Crane
Winston Cleland
Benjamin Dum
Christopher Farrands
Molly Fortney
Carolyn Freberg
Roderick and Gloria Frazier
Deborah Fulham-Winston
Helen and John Houpt
Casandra Jewell Sweeney
Deborah and Thomas Kelly
Jane Krebs
Taro Landis
Jay Layman and Christina Benson
Medha Makhlouf
Rebecca Myers
Jeffrey and Patricia Niemitz
Jaqueline and Robert Powell
Lakshmi Polavarapu
George Pomeroy
Les and Kim Poolman
Antonia and Cole Price
Mark Price
Donald Raley
Becca Raley
Sue Stonecash
Marcellus C. Taylor
Carol Thornton
Gale Wenk du Pont
Gail Witwer
Through the Partnership Legacy Society, planned gifts to the foundation ensure the ongoing legacy of our mission in the community. We thank those who have included the Partnership for Better Health in their estate plans.
Andy Towne Memorial Endowment
Elizabeth and Marcus McKnight III
Gregory and Collette Santoro
Match Madness Sponsorship
Josiah W and Bessie H Kline Foundation
M&T Charitable Foundation
PennState Health and Highmark
WellSpan Health
Perry County Health Coalition
PerformCare
United Way of the Capital Region
Partnership Legacy Society
Joan Lois Boytim
David and Linda Hoover
Sue and Robert Otway
June Shomaker
Over 500 community members have served as volunteers and generous donors through the years.
Financial Statements
JULY 1, 2023- JUNE 30, 2024
Statement of Financial Position
Assets
Cash and Investments - Unrestricted
Investments - Temporarily and Permanently Restricted
Land, Buildings, and Equipment (net of depreciation)
Other Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Net Assets
Grants Payable
Other Liabilities
Net Assets - Without Donor Restrictions
Net Assets - With Donor Restrictions
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
Statement of Activities and Change in Net Assets
Revenues, Gains, and Other Support
Contributions and income from Third-Party Trusts
Investment Income
Net Realized and Unrealized (Gains)
Miscellaneous Income
Total Revenues, Gains, and Other Support
Expenses
Grants, Initiatives, and Other Program Services
Management and General
Fundraising
Total Expenses
Increase in Net Assets
Beginning Net Assets - July 1, 2023
Ending Net Assets - June 30, 2024
As of 6/30/20
$51,672,0
$47,509,7
$180,4
$4,2
$ 99,366,4
$1,319,9
$121,091
$48,346,415
$49,579,070
$99,366,496
Year Ended 6/30/2024
$1,611,440
$1,100,600
$8,718,741
$51,941
$11,482,722
Excerpts are from the foundation's audited financial statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024. Our Form 990 and Audited Financial Statements may be obtained from our office during regular business hours.
$3,316,838
$277,900
$8,900
$3,603,638
$7,879,084
$90,046,401
$97,925,485
Building Healthy Communities, Together!
Board of Trustees
Trish Niemitz, RN, Chairperson
Roderick Frazier, DDS, Vice Chairperson
Marisol Barber, Treasurer
Gale Wenk du Pont, Secretary
Stephen Bartoli, CIMA®*
Joyce Bylander, MPA
Win Cleland, PhD*
Katie Crane
Benjamin Dum Jr , CFP*
Molly Fortney*
Bradley Griffie, Esq
Sherry Knowlton
Chief Taro Landis*
Michael Lyman, PhD
Medha Makhlouf, J.D.*
Laura Megivern
Rev. Rebecca Myers, MSW
Lakshmi Polavarapu, MD
Mark Price, PhD
* Concluded Board Term in 2024
Staff
Carol Thornton, MPA, Executive Director, and former Director of Grants and Public Policy*
Casandra Jewell Sweeney, Office Operations Manager
Ann Carney, Finance Director
Tim Lawther, MPH, MA, Director of Grants and Public Policy
Antonia Price, Director of Communications and Development
Marcellus C Taylor, EdD, Director of Health Equity
Gail Witwer, Director of Health Promotion
Becca Raley, MA, Executive Director*
* Completed service in 2024
Community Collaborations
Cumberland Conservation Collaborative
Cumberland County Health Improvement Partnership
Eastern PA Continuum of Care
Healthy Shippensburg Coalition
PA Hunger Action Coalition
Penn State PRO Wellness Advisory Council
Pennsylvania Health Funders Collaborative
Shippensburg Human Services Council
South Mountain Partnership
Volunteers
Stephen Bartoli
Jack Carroll
Megan Celluci
Tom Coolidge
Michael Cornfield
Jeff Dentler*
Benjamin Dum
Susan Dworsak
Manal el Harrak
Mike Eschenmann*
Chris Farrrands
Teresa Festivo
Cheryl Hale*
Aaron Jumper
Deb Kelly
Matt Madden*
Amy Maley
Carrie Nace
Jackie Powell
Brady Rodgers
Susan Rose
Mindy Tremblay
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County
United Way of the Capital Region
UPMC Nurse Family Partnership – Community Advisory Board
Meg Winchester
Emma Wong
Katie Zimmerman
