sooke-and-juan-de-fuca-health-foundation

October 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:16:42 GMT

October 2025 Newsletter

How Your Giving Changes Lives

Message from Co-Chairs Chris Bryant and Nan Hundere

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is very excited to report on the major activities undertaken to build our funds and benefit health-related charities from Port Renfrew to Becher Bay. The source of funds is varied, and the impact is immediate and local. Among our efforts are the following:

50-50 Raffles

We have now raised over $2,500 through online raffles for the following:

Sooke Family Resource Centre: prenatal education and newborn supplies
Ayre Manor: specialized positional wheelchair
Sooke Shelter Society: peer programming for the unhoused
Sooke Region Communities Health Network: seniors health and wellness programs
Sooke Autism Support Society: adaptive holiday programs

Direct Grants

Sea to Tree Foundation. This recently established local organization provides low-cost mental health care and counselling. The Health Foundation granted $5,000 from the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to provide services for those who would otherwise have been unable to afford help. Executive Director Hermione Jefferis shared how grateful they are; 65 sessions have already been provided for local residents in need as a result.

Ayre Manor

The Foundation granted funds to cover the full cost of a positioning wheelchair for Ayre Manor. This specialized equipment helps support seniors’ posture for safety and comfort. It has been at the top of Ayer Manor’s wish list for some time.

Individual Donations

Donations from individuals continue to make a real difference in helping our region thrive. Some give anonymously and some are willing to be publicly recognized. The largest thus far, $5000, was given in appreciation for the generosity of local health care providers who have helped so many in our region.

More Donations at Work

Sooke Family Resource Society received $1,336.42 from the Foundation in April to support the SFRS Prenatal Education and Outreach program. Program Manager Daphne Raymond thanked the Foundation, reporting that 18 pregnant women participated in the program this summer and seven families received “new baby bags” and nutritional support funded by our grant.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about our work. Better still, share your dreams with us about improving community health and how your financial contribution could bring these to reality.

Sooke Health Foundation Board of Directors from left to right: board members Rick Robinson, Kristin Price, Sally McLean, Diana Gallivan, Margot Swinburnsen, Dr. Chris Bryant, Nan Hundere.

August Raffle a Win Win! Top: Board Member Diana Gallivan presents cheque to Annemieke Holthuis and Katie Sperrer of Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) for health and wellness programs for seniors.

DEDICATED DONORS

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

Make a Will Week, this October 20 to 26, is The Government of B.C.’s annual public awareness campaign about the importance of having a will.

Why? Creating a will is one of the most important things adults of all ages can do to protect loved ones. It helps ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and enables you to leave a legacy to the people and causes you cherish. Appointment of guardians for children is the often most important for parents.

What Happens Without a Will? If you pass without a will in B.C., your estate will be divided between next of kin according to rules of intestate succession in BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). There is no option to include causes, and there may be higher administration costs and delays.

How Should You Create Your Will? While online will-drafting templates might seem cost-effective and convenient, they can come with significant risks. As Sitka Law explains, BC’s WESA rules must be understood and carefully navigated. Generic online will templates may not adequately address these. Legal advice is especially important in complex family situations including blended families, dependents with disabilities, or estranged family members. Lawyers can help minimize the risk of disputes, probate costs, and taxes.

When Should Your Will Be Updated? Update your will as your wishes and life circumstances change.

Legacy Giving. When leaving a gift to charity, donors are reminded to ensure that the organization’s correct legal name is used. If you wish to support a specific aspect of an organization’s work, you are advised to contact the organization to ensure that the funds can be used as intended, and to clearly state the purpose in your will.

We thank those who have included Sooke Juan de Fuca Health Foundation in their plans and those considering it. If you wish, we would be honoured to discuss legacy giving with you.

Remembering Roy Brown

Sat, 31 May 2025 18:12:37 GMT

Remembering Dr. Roy Irwin Brown

The Board of Directors sadly announces the passing of Dr Roy Irwin Brown. Dr. Brown was a founding member of the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation. Dr. Brown was a distinguished professor of psychology who in his lifetime worked and taught at several universities including Bristol University (England), University of Adelaide (Australia), and University of Calgary. Throughout his career many honours and awards were bestowed upon this eloquent communicator, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ghent, for his distinguished scientific research in disability studies, the Dr. Robert E. Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry and the IASSIDD Distinguished Service Citation.

For the Health Foundation Roy brought not just experience and insight, but also heart to the organization. Roy had the rare ability to listen deeply and speak with purpose. When he spoke, people paid attention—not out of obligation, but out of respect for a man who thought before he spoke, and who always aimed to uplift, not diminish. He was never the loudest voice in the room, but he was often the wisest. Roy was a man of immense integrity and thoughtful conviction. He lived not for recognition or applause, but for purpose. His sense of duty to his community was matched only by his humility, and those fortunate enough to work alongside him knew him as a steady and compassionate voice of reason.

Roy's passing will leave an immense gap in the lives of so many people who respected and indeed loved him for the way he reached out, embraced people and enriched their lives.

First Winners of New Raffle Announced

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:36:12 GMT

A Win for Health & Families: Sooke’s 50/50 Raffle Brings Joy to Winners & Local Charities!

Community Health Foundation Funds Local Health Initiatives through 50/50 Raffle

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation (SJDFHF) conducted its first 50/50

Raffle draw on February 28, 2025. The proceeds from this draw were divided between

the winning ticket holder and the Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) for its

programming for prenatal care and outreach. This first of several raffle draws to come

was conducted through online $2 ticket sales and raised a total of $3202! The winning

ticket, worth $1601, was held by Victor and Edith Newman of Sooke.

When the Newmans were presented with their winnings by Dr. Chris Bryant, Co-Chair of

the SJDFHF, Edith Newman expressed their thanks and said,

“As one of a small handful of individuals who hammered out a constitution and set of

bylaws when the Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) first formed back in 1984, I

am very happy that the first 50/50 fundraiser of the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health

Foundation is going to the SFRS prenatal program and support for new parents. As a

side note, our son, Carey, designed the first logo for the SFRS.

Thank you, Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation, for the work you are doing and

thank you, Sooke Family Resource Society, for the support you provide to local families

and individuals.”

In a wonderful surprise at the event awarding the proceeds from the draw, the Newmans

presented a generous donation of $600 to the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health

Foundation for its work with the many health-related charities in the region.

The remaining funds raised by the raffle, minus a portion of the raffle’s expenses,

resulted in an award of over $1300 to the SFRS. Executive Director Kelly Walker was

so pleased with the award and stated,

“We wish to thank the Sooke & Juan De Fuca Health Foundation for organizing this

fundraising raffle and naming the Sooke Family Resource Society, Prenatal Education &

Outreach Program as recipient of these funds. It is because of the care and compassion

of our community members and partners that we are able to offer this valuable

program.”

The community-based Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation has been awarding

grants to many urgently needed local health initiatives since it was formed in 2019. As a

registered charity, the SJDFHF has recently launched its online 50/50 Raffles to rapidly

provide pivotal funding to community charities for health-related programs. Draws will be

held every two months throughout 2025, with each draw focusing on a different local

charity to share in the proceeds.

The next raffle is already underway to raise funds for a specially-designed synthesis

positioning chair for use by residents of Ayre Manor, the local senior residential facility.

The total cost for this revolutionary chair provides greater mobility and quality of life for

our seniors is $4262. Funds raised by the next 50/50 Raffle will be divided between the

ticket holder and Ayre Manor’s purchase of this decimal equipment.

Tickets are $2 and are now available online through the Health Foundation's website.

The draw will occur at 4 p.m. on April 30, 2025.

Go to www.sookejdfhealthfoundation.org/5050 to buy your raffle tickets. And remember, the

more tickets you buy, the better your chances to win!!

Sooke Health Foundation Launches New 50/50 Raffle

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:40:44 GMT

Sooke’s Health Foundation Launches Online 50/50 Raffle to Support Local Health Programs

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation, dedicated to supporting health-related initiatives in the region, is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever online 50/50 Raffle. The first raffle aims to raise critical funds for the Sooke Family Resource Society's prenatal outreach programs, which provide essential support to young parents and supply necessary baby equipment like cribs, car seats, and strollers.

As a registered charitable organization, the Sooke Health Foundation works diligently to distribute grants to local charities that address the health and welfare of the Sooke and Juan de Fuca communities, from Becher Bay to Port Renfrew and beyond. This new raffle initiative is one of the foundation's many efforts to make a tangible impact on the region's health-related services.

“The Sooke Family Resource Society’s prenatal outreach programs provide vital resources for young families, and we’re thrilled to support them. Every ticket sold will help improve the lives of local parents and their newborns,” said Nan Hundere, Co-Chair of the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation .

In addition to this targeted raffle, the Health Foundation plans to continue its commitment to the community with more 50/50 raffles throughout 2025, each benefiting a different cause. Tickets start at just $2, giving everyone an affordable way to contribute to a variety of important causes.

How to Participate: The online 50/50 raffle is open for ticket purchases until February 28, 2025, with the drawing taking place at 4:00 pm on the same day. Only 2000 tickets are available, so be sure to act fast for a chance to win! Tickets can be purchased through the Health Foundation’s website at www.sookejdfhealthfoundation.org/5050 or via their Facebook page @SookeHealthFoundation

Make a Difference: For those who prefer to make direct, tax-deductible donations, the Health Foundation also accepts contributions through its website. All donations go directly to trusted service groups providing health-related support in the region.

About the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation: The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is an all-volunteer, registered charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of communities from Becher Bay to Port Renfrew. The Foundation raises funds and provides grants to local non-profits, ensuring that the money stays within the region to support essential health services and initiatives.

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides new grant to Ayre Manor

admin@sookejdfhealthfoundation.org (Website Admin) — Thu, 02 May 2024 03:25:16 GMT

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides new grant to Ayre Manor

Linda Quigley, Director of Care at Ayre Manor and Health Foundation Director, Dr. Chris Bryant

Ayre Manor Senior's Housing offers inclusive care for its residents ranging from independent

living to hospice care. In the assisted living area, there has been a need for adjustable dining

room tables, because with movable surfaces, they can accommodate different individual and

mobility needs.

This much-needed improvement, a part of Ayre Manor's recent accreditation process, was

capped off by a substantial grant from our Health Foundation. With this advance, residents are

now able to sit at a table adjusted for their needs in order to maximize independence, facilitate

their safety and comfort, and enjoy socializing together at mealtimes.

New grant to support the Autism Support Society

Sun, 07 May 2023 02:16:58 GMT

New Grant for the Sooke Autism Support Society

January 26, 2023

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is pleased to announce the granting of five-thousand dollars from the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to Sooke Autism Support Society to help in the provision of services for special needs children and their families. Over the next two years the grant will provide Easter Seal Adventure Camp placements, EMCS Scholarships supporting children with special needs, and educational and support workshops.

Sherri Palle, President of the Sooke Autism Support Society, remarked, “The SASS Executive is excitedly planning on the implementation of these 3 new initiatives for 2023 in our community so please stay tuned for more information. We are deeply grateful for being awarded this grant and know that it will have a meaningful and significant impact on our families.”

Dr. Chris Bryant, Foundation Co-Chair, commented, “The Foundation is pleased to support the work of the Sooke Autism Support Society, a local charity providing education and support to families and individuals with special needs.

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation Provides Much-Needed Medical Equipment to Ayre Manor

Sun, 07 May 2023 02:16:53 GMT

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation Provides Much-Needed Medical Equipment to Ayre Manor

April 22, 2021

As if dealing with the challenges of a pandemic wasn't enough of a task for the people who make up West Coast Family Medical Clinic, they recently answered a very special call from the residents and the amazing staff at Ayre Manor, Sooke's seniors' housing complex.

While residents' urinary problems often required an arduous journey to a hospital by ambulance, a recent donation of a bladder scanner has greatly improved the ability of health care providers to deliver rapid point of care results.

"Without this generous donation, our residents would still be going to hospital for assessments that sometimes take hours. Having it done at Ayre Manor takes minutes", says Ayre Manor's Linda Quigley, Director of Care. Having access to a bladder scanner also allows medical staff to differentially diagnose conditions when time is of the essence.

Hats off to Dr Tracey Forsberg who approached the recently formed Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation to partner up with all of the staff at West Coast Family Medical Clinic in a fundraising effort that has elevated the care available to Ayre Manor's residents.

A Successful Fundraising Goal for the Coldest Night of the Year 2023!

Sun, 07 May 2023 02:16:46 GMT

Our team walks for the Coldest Night of the Year

February 15, 2023

On a cold and somewhat stormy night in February our small but mighty team participated in the Annual Coldest Night of the Year walk, sponsored by Sooke Shelter Society. Not only did the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation team exceed our fundraising goals, the whole event raised more than $28.000. towards much needed services for our vulnerable population here in Sooke.

Thanks to all who supported this event: Rick, Linda, Margot, Sally and Mary who walked with our group, and all the donors who sponsored them and made such a difference.

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is committed to helping fund health initiatives all across our region from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew.

Please help us help others - Donate now.

New Health Foundation Oversees Fundraising for Improved Health Services in the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Region

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:57:11 GMT

New Health Foundation Oversees Fundraising for Improved Health in the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Region

June 13, 2018

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation Board of Directors: Rick Robinson, Dr. Chris Bryant, Dr. Ellen Anderson, Dr. Roy Brown, Margot Swinburnson, Sally McLean, Nan Hundere

As the Sooke region grows, a vision of equity in health care access is emerging. An exciting step is the creation of the Sooke and Juan De Fuca Health Foundation, a non-profit organization created by community volunteers and designed to address our increasing need for health care and related services.

Over the past two years, the Foundation Board has developed its vision and framework by consulting with community members and organizations about crucial health and related needs in the communities of East Sooke, Scia’new Nation, Sooke, T’sou-ke Nation, Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River, Pacheedaht Nation and Port Renfrew.

The Foundation’s purpose is to raise funds for short-term projects while building an endowment to support long-range goals. We continue to engage with all communities to identify local priorities, raise awareness of community health needs and enlist the support of individuals, businesses and organizations in our area.

All community members are invited to contribute to the Foundation to support health-related projects and services for existing and emerging needs. This is an ambitious undertaking, and success will depend on the teamwork of many volunteers, donors and local partners to build a stable funding source for the many urgent needs in our community.

If you would like to learn more about the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation, or if you are interested in volunteering or making a donation, please contact the Foundation by email at admin@sookejdfhealthfoundation.org

Together we look forward to creating a vital resource to support the health and well-being of all community members.

Local Health Foundation Provides Mental Health Grant

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:43:08 GMT

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides grant in support of Mental Health to the Sooke Shelter Society

January 31, 2022

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is pleased to announce the granting of five-thousand dollars from the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to Sooke Shelter Society to help in the provision of mental health services to Sooke’s homeless population.

Mary Brown lived for many years in Shirley, BC. She was a Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker and spent her career supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges in Canada, UK, and Australia. For nearly 20 years through the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, she supported the church’s Vital Vittles lunch program. Mary also became well known in Sooke and Shirley for her early music harpsichord concerts including her historical commentaries regarding the music she played.

“The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation grant will make a remarkable difference in the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable community. We are so grateful and thankful for the Sooke & Juan de Fuca Health Foundation’s support and encouragement,” says Sherry Thompson, Sooke Shelter Society’s Executive Director.

Dr. Roy Brown, Chair, of the Foundation’s Grant Committee commented, “The Foundation is contributing to health programs in our area because people in our region and beyond are contributing to the Foundation".

Local Health Foundation Provides Second Mental Health Grant

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:10:24 GMT

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides a second grant in support of Mental Health, this time to the Sooke Family Resource Society

January 31, 2022

Following a similar grant to Sooke Shelter Society the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation (SJDFHF) is pleased to announce a granting of five-thousand dollars from the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) to help in the provision of mental health services.

Mary Brown lived for many years in Shirley, BC. She was a Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker and worked throughout her career to support people with disabilities and mental health challenges in Canada, UK, and Australia.

SFRS’ Executive Director, Nicky Logins says, “Our local community is challenged with increased mental health needs as a direct result of the pandemic. This generous grant will provide 100 hours of direct support to Sooke residents who have been waiting for counselling services for several months.”

Dr. Chris Bryant, SJDFHF’s Board Co-Chair, explained, “The creation of our public Health Foundation was done so with the very thought of providing health related grants to community focussed groups like the Sooke Family Resource Society. We are thrilled to be able to support their innovative approaches toward solving some of our community's most challenging and pressing needs. Our Health Foundation's donors rely on us to find the perfect local fit for their valuable contributions.”

Local Health Foundation Helps Sooke Medical Team

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 20:50:51 GMT

New ECG will diagnose life-threatening emergencies in ‘timely manner’ in Sooke

July 9, 2020

Dr. Tracy Forsberg and Foundation Board Member Sally McLean

When the West Coast Family Medical Clinic announced its plans to expand, their needs included an interpretive electrocardiogram (ECG).

“Expanding the scope of community-based diagnostic services increases the ability of our local medical team to diagnose life-threatening emergencies in a timely manner and will play a great part in reducing travel to unnecessary emergency room visits” says Dr Tracy Forsberg.

An ECG allows the medical team to evaluate the electrical activity of heart tissue and, in a matter of minutes, have a clear idea of the patient’s cardiac function recorded for evaluation. Previously, patients may have been asked to attend a private lab during daytime opening hours or be sent to a hospital’s ER for evaluation.

When the recently formed Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation heard of the clinic’s need, they encouraged the medical team to work with them to acquire the much-needed technology, as it fits in with the Foundation’s goal of enhancing a broad range of health-related needs for the peoples in our region.

Sally McLean, a founding Board member of the Health Foundation, summed it up best: “Improving patient-focused outcomes in our community requires that local health care providers have the latest point-of-care diagnostic tools. This will be valuable for on-site diagnosis, as part of a therapeutic treatment, or as essential information that is sent on to the hospital with a patient. The presence of this equipment will reduce the reliance on out-of-town travel and increase the availability of much-needed services here in Sooke.”

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation continues its drive to raise awareness of the need to fund health-related initiatives in our region from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew. As a public Health Foundation, people and businesses can donate to the foundation and receive a charity receipt that donors may use to their benefit come tax season.

Visit http://www.sookejdfhealthfoundation.org/ to find out how you can help to improve health outcomes in your community. “Our goal is to build a significant fund for the needs of our local community. All donations stay in our region.” said Mclean.
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Sooke Shelter Society is the First to Receive a Health Foundation Community Grant

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:26:14 GMT

Sooke Shelter Society is the First to Receive a Health Foundation Community Grant

February 27, 2020

Thanks to our donors, the Board of Directors of the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the Sooke Shelter Society as our first grant recipient. The Sooke Shelter Society volunteers are providing a much-needed service for the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. The $500 grant will go toward providing the necessities of life for those living without a home in and around Sooke.

The Sooke Shelter Society is sponsoring the Coldest Night of the Year family-friendly walk on Saturday, February 22nd to raise money for charities serving the hungry, homeless and hurting people in our community.

Local Health Foundation Announces the Mary Brown Memorial Fund

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:13:20 GMT

In this time of COVID we are increasingly aware of mental health and allied challenges including a growing demand for services. The is very evident in the Sooke Region and applies not only to mental health, but to individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

Following our donations to Sooke Shelter Society, Ayer Manor, and West Coast Family Medical Clinic, the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation is pleased to announce the Mary Brown Memorial Fund to support charities in our communities delivering services to people with mental health and/or disability needs.

Mary Brown lived for many years in Shirley, BC. She was a university qualified Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker and worked throughout her career to support people with disabilities and mental health challenges in Canada, UK, and Australia. For nearly 20 years through the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, she regularly made and donated soup to support the church’s Vital Vittles lunch program. Mary also became well known in Sooke and Shirley for her early music harpsichord concerts including her historical commentaries regarding the music she played.

Applications are invited from registered charities providing related services in our region from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew. Grants may be requested for amounts up to $10,000 from individual charities or collaborative partnerships. Application forms are available on our website. For further information contact the Foundation admin@sookejdfhealthfoundation.org . Applications may be submitted at any time.

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We welcome donations towards this important work in the Sooke Region. These may be made through our website or mailed directly to P.O. Box 303, Sooke, BC V9Z 1G1.

sooke-and-juan-de-fuca-health-foundation

October 2025 Newsletter

Remembering Roy Brown

First Winners of New Raffle Announced

A Win for Health & Families: Sooke’s 50/50 Raffle Brings Joy to Winners & Local Charities!

Sooke Health Foundation Launches New 50/50 Raffle

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides new grant to Ayre Manor

The Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides new grant to Ayre Manor

New grant to support the Autism Support Society

New Grant for the Sooke Autism Support Society

January 26, 2023 ﻿

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation Provides Much-Needed Medical Equipment to Ayre Manor

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation Provides Much-Needed Medical Equipment to Ayre Manor

April 22, 2021

A Successful Fundraising Goal for the Coldest Night of the Year 2023!

Our team walks for the Coldest Night of the Year

February 15, 2023

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New Health Foundation Oversees Fundraising for Improved Health Services in the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Region

New Health Foundation Oversees Fundraising for Improved Health in the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Region

﻿

June 13, 2018

Local Health Foundation Provides Mental Health Grant

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides grant in support of Mental Health to the Sooke Shelter Society

January 31, 2022

Local Health Foundation Provides Second Mental Health Grant

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation provides a second grant in support of Mental Health, this time to the Sooke Family Resource Society

January 31, 2022

Local Health Foundation Helps Sooke Medical Team

New ECG will diagnose life-threatening emergencies in ‘timely manner’ in Sooke

July 9, 2020

Sooke Shelter Society is the First to Receive a Health Foundation Community Grant

Sooke Shelter Society is the First to Receive a Health Foundation Community Grant

February 27, 2020

Local Health Foundation Announces the Mary Brown Memorial Fund

January 26, 2023