MINOT — St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation awarded financial gifts Thursday afternoon to organizations through its Twice Blessed grants.
The Twice Blessed program is a matching gift program that doubles donors’ contributions given to preapproved organizations that address the mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual needs of residents in the counties of Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward and Wells.
Each year the level of giving has increased, with this year reaching a grand total of more than $1.6 million. President of St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation Shelly Weppler said “It was so heartwarming” to see people contribute to the degree that they have.
2021: $1,654,887.63
2020: $1,137,543.07
2019: $729,162.92
2018: $558,038.37
2017: $287,183.99
Weppler encouraged the 44 organizations, 27 food pantries, 8 summer camps, and scholarship funds benefiting from Twice Blessed to reach out to their donors and thank them for their contributions.
“Intention plus action equals magic equals action, and I think that is a perfect way to describe Twice Blessed... Without that action, the magic doesn’t happen,” explained Weppler.
The Glenburn Rural Fire Department says it plans to use its grant funds for replacing self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) that were damaged in last year’s station fire.
Fort Berthold Native American Church Chapter in New Town says it will use the benefits to teach young people about the dangers of using opioids.
As for the Dakota Hope Clinic, the funds will help support its mission of providing pregnancy care services to those who may otherwise consider abortion and expand those services to rural areas.
Dakota Hope’s Director of Development Tim Knutson said, “I am overwhelmingly surprised at the turnout, which gives us more confidence in setting up mini-clinics and moving ahead in expanding our outreach. It is good to know that the community is backing our cause.”
“And a giant thank-you to all your contributors. We live in a generous area, and I am so thankful.” Shelly Weppler, President of SJCHF
Weppler concluded by saying, “And a giant thank-you to all your contributors. We live in a generous area, and I am so thankful.”
St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity community foundation that was formed in 1998, awarding over $9.7 million in grants to organizations with noteworthy projects and programs throughout the region.
To learn more about the history and roots of the St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation, click here.
For questions about donating or grant applications, visit twiceblessednd.com or contact Weppler at sjchf@minot.com.
