A Note from Amy Towner, CEO…
Wow! Thank you for the super positive response to our first eNewsletter. Our goal is to keep you informed and provide you with helpful resources that contribute to community wellness.
That’s why we are excited to announce Make-a-Will Month and a recent partnership with Giving Docs to give you peace of mind while providing for your family and supporting the causes that you love. It is a FREE, confidential and easy step by step process to create a will or living trust (among other legally sound documents). We highly recommend you join dozens of other county employees, retirees and community members who have shared their gratitude for making these tools available by clicking here today.
Last month, WeGive Employees and WeGive Retirees were featured as they rallied to provide vital funding for urgently needed medical equipment and special programs made possible by Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC). Now we want to share with you how the broader WeGive Community unites to support key programs and services with a spotlight on corporate and civic volunteers.
Driscoll’s and Lions Clubs have a longstanding tradition of giving back to the community in significant ways that support health and wellness and preventative services for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Read about their contributions below, and also learn about how Amy Dilbeck Kiesewetter, HCFVC Board Secretary and Planned Giving Advisor is making a difference in our Board Highlight Section.
Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) is a public safety-net health care system providing the best in care when it comes to pediatric medicine in the region. HCFVC is dedicated to augmenting their ability to respond to the youngest and most vulnerable community members. Specific programs relying on community support includes Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disease, Child Life Specialist, Centering Pregnancy, “Reach out and Read,” Ronald McDonald Family Room and Medical Therapy Unit. This month, we shine a spotlight on the Medical Therapy Program which facilitates independence and accessibility for children and youth living with chronic, seriously debilitating physical disabilities.
There is much more going on behind the scenes, we would love to share with you! Kindly take time to sign-up here for a special hospital tour and coffee chat in the Healing Garden at Ventura County Medical Center.
What’s next? Please look for an upcoming brief survey. By taking a few minutes of your time, we can provide you with timely and relevant content, communicate with you in ways you prefer, and offer involvement opportunities that you find most meaningful. We can’t wait to share the results!
In Philanthropic Spirit,
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT #1:
Driscoll Employees Extend a Helping Hand to
Ventura County Medical Center’s Palliative Team
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT #2:
District 4-A3 Lions Club Members Gather for
Moment of Inspiration with Ventura County Board of Supervisors
ura County who have been an excellent community partner since 2015. Their collective mission of vision and diabetes in the County has stewarded more than $200,000 in donations over the past several years, making a remarkable impact on community members facing impaired vision complicated by diabetes. In honor of Helen Keller’s birthday, June 27, 1880, Clubs and members were honored by Ventura County Board of Supervisors for their continued commitment of service and ongoing fight against diabetes as the fastest growing disease confronting our region. To help support the “Lions Roar Phase 2 Lions Clubs International Foundation” matching grant opportunity, click here..
PROGRAM IMPACT STORY:
Medical Therapy Unit Maximizes Independence and Accessibility
for Children and Youth Living with Lifelong Physical Disabilities
HCFVC recently met with the dynamic and inspired administrative team of the Medical Therapy Program (MTP) whose combined 47 years of service has made a meaningful difference in the lives of children locally. MTP is part of a larger team of over 30 healthcare heroes including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Medical Office Assistants, and student workers.
The team is unwavering in their commitment to providing a host of treatments and services to children and youth with disabilities, vastly increasing their independence and supporting them and their families throughout the journey. Among the many diagnoses they treat are cerebral palsy, spina bifada, traumatic brain injuries, and complex orthopedic impairments.
At the time of our meeting, MTP was recently recognized by Ventura County Board of Supervisors for the Moment of Inspiration segment and were eagerly looking forward to a Family Day at the Park with clients, families and staff. “It has been a long time since we have done this community event. It’s important to focus on fun, laughter, and smiles in the beautiful outdoors, of course with the added benefit of decreasing isolation and promoting increased independence and access to a wide array of community settings.” The MTP team describes the team as “superheroes” who are creative and resourceful in helping clients achieve their goals. “Fun is a trademark of our approach to what we do.”
Among recent success stories is Ulices (pictured to left) who came to the team at two months of age, diagnosed with significant limited range of motion in a limb, which required incorporating specially modified equipment for treatment and years of physical and occupational therapy. He is a shining example of how people with disabilities figure out new and innovative ways to participate in daily activities using both complex and simple devices. Newly graduated from high school and equipped with a robotic arm, Ulices has competed in a national adaptive soccer league and currently attending college.The MTP currently services over 570 clients at five Outpatient Rehab Certified Clinics (aka Medical Therapy Units), located throughout the county. “We have to be very creative in finding solutions to complex problems as each family comes to us with unique strengths and challenges,” shared an MTP team member. “This is why we are so grateful for financial support from HCFVC and community members. Our funding only covers direct services. We are limited when it comes to specialized equipment and supplies for treatment and inclusive community activities for children.”For more information, please click here to contact Allyson Harmon, Medical Therapy Program Manager. To leave a donation to support treatment services, please click here.
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BOARD HIGHLIGHTS:
AMY DILBECK KIESEWETTER, ESQ.
Amy Dilbeck Kiesewetter, a local estate planning attorney, has found serving on the HCFVC Board of Director’s as its Secretary and Planned Giving Advisor, to be gratifying personally and professionally in strengthening ties to a community she loves. As a Santa Paula native, and current resident, Amy takes great pride in helping to ensure quality services are available locally to all residents.Amy’s reasons for joining the Board in 2017 have deeper meaning than most. At the young age of 15, Amy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that required a year of treatment in Los Angeles. “While my family and I were beyond grateful for the lifesaving care, those 60 miles between the hospital and home could have been a million miles. Until you have faced not having the resources you need close to home, you can’t imagine the additional challenges that creates for a family.” It is wonderful for Amy to witness the progress in the county’s medical care development. The fact that patients and their families no longer have to seek health services outside the area is a significant achievement. By having a safety net approach in place, the community benefits from an environment of care and compassion, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
27 years later, Amy is happily in a position to help – and she gives generously of her time and expertise, serving as an advocate and supporter of both the WeGive Community Annual Fund and by leaving a legacy to help future generations of kids so they may have local access to lifesaving treatment. She is a true inspiration and ambassador of goodwill! To learn more about WeGive Community click here.
CURRENT EVENTS:
Join Us for a Hospital Tour and Healing Garden Visit!
Announcing monthly hospital tours and coffee chats in the Healing Garden. We would love to meet you and give you a personal tour of Ventura County Medical Center. Please click here to sign up today!
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