FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bethany Shirk
(785) 874-5106
Norton County Community Foundation Awards $7,753.29 in January and February Grant Cycles
Norton, Kansas, February 2024 – Norton County Community Foundation (NCCF) awarded $7,753.29 in the January and February grant cycles. Funds were part of the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which offers financial support to qualifying and deserving projects and programs in Northwest Kansas. Grant funds supported the following projects:
Valley Hope Association Foundation received $5,000 for their Patient Essential Fund
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas received $2,753.29 for a portable power lift
NCCF’s grant to Valley Hope will be designated to assist patients at the Norton location with essential items via the Patient Essential Fund. Each day, patients arrive at Valley Hope of Norton seeking residential drug and alcohol treatment. Oftentimes, patients arrive with only the clothes on their backs and lack the resources to meet their immediate needs. The Patient Essential Fund helps fill this gap, funding immediate needs such as clothing, treatment-related books, and dental visits. Clinical, nursing, and business office staff work closely with each patient to determine their needs and financial capacity. As a need arises, they have direct access to this Fund. The average distribution cost from the Patient Essential Fund is $100 per patient. Therefore, this gift of $5,000 will help more than 50 patients, allowing them to focus on their treatment and recovery.
With grant funds from NCCF, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) will purchase a Hoyer Advance-E Power lift, sling, and additional battery for the Frontier Developmental Center in Norton. The staff at the center will utilize the power lift system for the transfer of individuals from one location to another, providing safe and secure transfer for the individuals receiving services and minimizing the risk of injury to staff. Currently, two staff members are required to transfer an individual in and out of their wheelchair, but the lift will enable a single staff member to perform these tasks. Beyond the immediate benefits of investing in this practical and functional adaptive equipment, this project highlights DSNWK's commitment to inclusive and compassionate care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The guidelines and application for the Hansen Community Grant can be found on NCCF’s website at nortonccf.org. Applications are due the last day of the month to be considered for the next month’s funding. For more information, please contact Bethany Shirk at 785.874.5106, bethany@nortonccf.org, or visit the NCCF office at the Heaton Building in Downtown Norton, KS, located at 112 S. Kansas Street.
About Norton County Community Foundation
The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at www.nortonccf.org.
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