Through HSC’s Community and Regional Empowerment (CARE) Grant, we are proud to partner with seven amazing nonprofit grant recipients in the final CARE grant round of 2024. Each of these organizations support HSC’s mission of fostering vibrant communities where our employees and their families live, work and play. By funding local initiatives, we empower organizations that share our values, deliver meaningful impact and strengthen their missions.
“HSC is committed to improving quality of life by funding projects and programs that address critical community needs through CARE grants,” said HSC Diversity & Community Liaison Raquel Ledesma Pérez. “This drives us to create meaningful and lasting impacts for the community where our employees and neighbors live. From food security to safe shelter, these community grants are having a positive impact across the Great Lakes Bay Region.”
Christmas Giveaway helps families in need
Saginaw’s Old Town Christian Outreach Center will use an HSC CARE grant to support its 2024 Christmas Giveaway, which helps families who might otherwise struggle during the holiday season. By providing essential items and gifts, the program helps to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these families, brings joy and hope to their lives, and fosters a sense of community and solidarity, reminding recipients that they are not alone and that their community cares about their well-being.
Bay County United Way expands food security program
With support from an HSC CARE grant, United Way of Bay County will expand its Food Forward program for ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households who struggle to make ends meet. Using innovative PEX card technology, the program allows participants to shop with dignity while supporting local businesses, including small grocers, markets, and farmers. Providing direct subsidies to Bay County ALICE families will help them work toward financial stability and enable them to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious food items that improve dietary health.
Rock Center focuses on disadvantaged youth
The ROCK Center for Youth Development in Midland will use its HSC CARE grant to support after-school programming and summer camps, which provide disadvantaged area youth with hands-on educational activities and mentorship that facilitate healthy life choices, develop effective social skills, and foster a sense of belonging. The ROCK partners with local food banks to ensure that participants are served nutritious meals, helping to combat food insecurity in our community.
Midland FBC improves handicap accessibility
First Baptist Church has served the Midland community since 1869 as a gathering space, host to community events and groups, and place for intentional connections and community to grow. With support from an HSC CARE grant, FBC’s Good Neighbor Initiative will add a new automated handicap accessible entrance as part of its overall roof replacement and building upgrade plan. This plan supports the many groups who require the facility to be ADA-compliant, including Alcoholic Anonymous, Shelter House, Head Start, neighborhood organizations, clothing and food drives, and much more. This investment will allow the facility to continue to be a space for gathering and fellowship that is open and accessible to all people.
Saginaw Partnership Center strengthens safe shelter program
An HSC CARE grant will help the Partnership Center in Saginaw purchase and distribute 400 beds, mattresses and bedding sets for its Beds of Hope project, an initiative that addresses the urgent need for safe sleeping arrangements for families facing crises such as natural disasters or economic hardships. Beds of Hope embodies a commitment to supporting families in need and creating a network of care while improving physical safety, comfort and emotional well-being.
GLBR Mental Health Partnership bolsters workplace mental health
Another HSC CARE grant will help the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership expand its workplace mental health programs. Advancing the iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign and offering Adult Mental Health First Aid, the Partnership will directly impact Midland, Isabella, Bay and Saginaw County, furthering the partnership’s mission of impacting the lives of others and fostering community.
Children’s Museum upgrades computer systems
The Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is a staple in our community, providing a safe space for children to learn through summer camps. STEM lessons and field trips/extension lessons, all coordinated and held by the museum, bring excitement and joy to learning. With help from an HSC CARE grant, the museum will replace outdated computers and further its mission of community connection and promoting youth involvement in STEM.
The next round of HSC CARE grants will be awarded in the new year. Schools, government units and local groups with 501(c)(3) designation may apply for grants through the Bay Area Community Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation or Saginaw Community Foundation. The application deadline for Round 1 2025 grants is January 31, 2025.
From all of us at HSC, we wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!