Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

St. Mary'sCommunity Hospital – Nebraska City , Nebraska
Reach Out and Warm Up  Program

What is it?
St. Mary’s Community Hospital’s “Reach Out and Warm Up” project provides funds for community members in southeast Nebraska who need financial assistance to pay their winter utility (heat) bills. Funds are raised through winter soup luncheons hosted by the hospital. Hospital associates donate soup and baked goods and the hospital provides other necessary items.  A free will offering – matched by the hospital – is accepted for the luncheon with all proceeds being donated to Southeast Nebraska Community Action (SENCA) for heat assistance.  In addition, hospital associates collect winter coats, hats, and mittens in a collaborative community drive for area children whose parents are unable to provide these basic clothing items. SMCH donates the clothing and funds to SENCA for distribution to families who qualify.  

Who is it for?
The program benefits children and families in southeast Nebraska who qualify for assistance through Southeast Nebraska Community Action (SENCA).  Families contact SENCA by phone, walk-ins, or through referrals from other agencies.  

Why do they do it?
Through SENCA, St. Mary’s Community Hospital became aware that a number of Otoe County families were unable to pay high winter fuel costs and there was a lack of available funds for heat assistance. This was in part due to restrictions placed on SENCA’s government funds requiring a family to provide a shut-off notice or service dates in order to receive funds.  Families using propane were unable to provide documents containing this type of information. St. Mary’s Community Hospital responded to this basic community need by providing unrestricted funds that could be dispersed through SENCA for heat assistance to Otoe County families. 

Impact: In the winter of 2007-2008, St. Mary’s Community Hospital donated funds to SENCA, which enabled them to provide heat assistance to approximately 25 families in Otoe County.  

Contact: Deborah Norton
Chief Mission Officer
Telephone: 402-873-8955
E-mail: dnorton@stez.org