Health and wellness initiatives receive $500,000 in grants

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON — Fifty local organizations working to improve the health and well-being of communities across the region have received a total of $500,000 in grant awards from Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG).

“Each of the fifty organizations and projects funded this year work in their own unique ways to reach the community through the grant’s two key focus areas,” said WVMG President Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen. “We look forward each year to seeing all of the unique and impactful ways in which the submissions will reach and better the lives of North Central Washington residents.”

The grants are supported by the Community Health Partnership Fund, which is jointly funded by Confluence Health and WVMG and managed by the Confluence Health Foundation. Each year, the fund aims to award up to $500,000 in grants to work that not only enhances health and wellness directly, but also addresses the social determinants of health in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties.

“We are proud to support organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors and the community, supporting groups as they build and make lasting impacts that will serve our region for years to come,” said Dr. Andrew Jones, CEO of Confluence Health.

Among these recipients was Tierra Learning Center, a Leavenworth-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering people of all abilities to reach their fullest potential and live meaningful lives. The organization’s offerings include an adult family home, employment services, and a wide range of educational and recreational activities.

The grant will directly support wellness activities under the Tierra Learning Center’s Trails program, which stands for Tierra's Recreation Arts Independent Life Skills. This “continuing education” day program for adults with developmental disabilities teaches life skills through recreation and adventures, self-expression through the arts, and community involvement.

“We are incredibly thankful to the contribution to this work from Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group through their Community Health Partnership Fund,” said Meeche White, Tierra Learning Center’s Executive Director. “This grant will do a great deal to help better our community and advance this important work.”

WVMG is a physician group affiliated with Confluence Health, which serves the largest geographic region of any healthcare system in the state, covering more than 12,000 square miles of Okanogan, Grant, Douglas, and Chelan counties. For nearly 50 years, the Confluence Health Foundation has aimed to support the health and quality of life for families and the community by benefiting hospitals and clinics.

The Community Health Partnership Fund accepts grant applications from eligible groups and organizations each year from June 1 through July 31. More information can be found by visiting the Confluence Health Foundation website at confluencehealthfoundation.org.