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Michelle Haverkamp
Charities
2009-04-01 14:39:00
Ensuring charitable dollars are used locally
Question: I regularly give to charitable organizations but, because of the current economy, I want to make sure my donation is specifically used locally to help those who have been affected due to company layoffs, downsizing, etc. How can I ensure my contribution stays here and is not used elsewhere?
Answer: There are many wonderful charitable organizations at the local, state, national and international levels that are able to do great works because of the charitable contributions they receive from individuals such as you. These works include research, education, outreach programs, disaster relief, medical care, clothing, food, etc. Obviously, who to give your charitable dollars to is a personal choice which could be based on personal experience or knowledge of a specific need. All charitable contributions should impact locally to some degree but, if you want to ensure that your dollars are specifically used where you live, then make your gift to a local organization that provides services for area residents. One such organization is the Guadalupe Health Foundation which is the beneficiary of the Midwest Winefest (the foundation’s primary annual fundraising event). The Guadalupe Health Foundation is a major supporter of the Guadalupe Clinic located here in Wichita. The mission of the Guadalupe Clinic is to provide primary medical care to those without medical insurance and ineligible for medical cards or Medicare. Three-fifths of the clinics’ clients are “working poor” holding one or more jobs. The primary clinic at 940 S. St. Francis, was opened in 1985 in a former school and a satellite clinic operates at 1406 N. Erie. Grants from the foundation have helped fund the Guadalupe Clinic to expand its hours and days of service to six days and two evenings a week, to open and maintain a satellite clinic in northeast Wichita and to remodel and update the primary clinic to serve clients more efficiently and safely. Guadalupe Clinics serve without regard to race, religion or creed. Of the past year’s patients, 59 percent were Caucasian; 24 percent Hispanic; 11 percent African-American; 2 percent Asian American; and 1 percent Multicultural, and 3 percent undetermined. In that same period, 53,636 medical services, emergency and community services were provided to clients in 18,356 visits. The need and demand for services continues to grow. Services offered to all patients include physician visits, health screening/education, pregnancy tests, nutrition counseling, assistance with prescription medications, medical equipment, emergency food/clothing and infant formula and diapers. A volunteer corps of over 250 medical personnel and others join in providing these services. In addition, the clinic has a network of others who provide specialty care, such as orthopedics, oncology, general surgery, prenatal care and delivery. Area hospitals and laboratories provide diagnostic and laboratory tests at no cost to our patients. Working directly with drug manufacturers, the clinic helped patients receive more than $657,000 in free medications last year alone. Guadalupe Clinic receives no federal funding or insurance re-imbursement. Clients who can are asked to donate $5, but such monies represent only one percent of income. The continued success of the Midwest Winefest and its support of the Guadalupe Health Foundation assure the clinic’s continuing ability to meet the needs of our community.
 
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