Medica Foundation 2017 Annual Report

THE POWER BEHIND CHANGE

Our mission is to fund community-based initiatives and programs that support the needs of Medica’s customers and the greater community by improving their health and removing barriers to health care services.

Dear Readers,

Sometimes the challenges our communities face seem overwhelming. » » The number of adults over 65 is growing, placing increasing pressure on family members who act as caregivers. » » Trauma experienced in early childhood years can set people on a path that has destructive consequences over their lifetime. » » Fear about one’s legal status in the U.S. can lead to paralyzing inaction in the face of urgent medical needs. » » The lack of money and insurance can make even routine care feel out of reach. But people are resilient. When smart people with compassionate hearts come together, and when they have the resources they need, the power to change is unleashed. This report tells the stories of people who have experienced that power. A mom and her children escaped from the violence of their home to Mary’s Place with

nothing but the clothes on their back. They had to start from scratch, but found their way to a better and more stable life. Sometimes the change comes in an instant. Such was the case at a group session for incarcerated pregnant women receiving services through the Prison Doula Project. These women have endured significant trauma throughout their lives. The program helps them better understand their own experiences and reactions, allowing them to learn about their pregnancy and gain parenting skills to stay connected with their children. In one session, a participant said, “I’d like a time out please. I need everyone in this room to know that this is what healing feels like for me. Thank you.” Because the challenges can seem overwhelming, it’s important to be reminded of how powerful change can be, and of the ingredients — people, passion, resources, community — that fuel change. That’s why we offer these stories in this year’s Medica Foundation Annual Report.

INSIDE THE REPORT The Power Behind Change. ............................3 Changing Communities...................................4 It Takes a Community.....................................6 Roots of Strength...........................................10 2017 Financial Summary. ............................13 Investing in Our Community. .......................14 2017 Grant Recipients...................................15

Robert Longendyke Executive Director

JoAnn Birkholz Foundation Director

Published by the Medica Foundation. The Medica Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable grant-making foundation. It is an affiliate of Medica Health Plans, a Minnesota-based nonprofit HMO. Grants are provided to organizations in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. Please contact us if you wish to reproduce any of the information in this report. © 2018 Medica Foundation. All rights reserved. FOUNDATION STAFF JoAnn Birkholz Foundation Director Heather Craig Foundation Coordinator Gina DiMaggio Program Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (From left) Samuel Leon, M.D.; Esther Tomljanovich, Vice Chair of the Board; Burton Cohen; and John Buck, Chair of the Board.

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