Western Stark Free Clinic Continues to Make an Impact

March 28, 2016

Western Stark Free Clinic’s mission is alive and well today, thanks to the creation of a charitable fund in its name. After the Clinic closed in December 2014, the Clinic’s board transferred its remaining assets to Stark Community Foundation to create The Western Stark Free Clinic Charitable Fund.

For 15 years the Clinic provided primary medical and dental care for residents of Western Stark County. That mission continues today through its charitable fund, which distributes grants to organizations that address the healthcare needs of the low-income, underinsured and uninsured of Western Stark County just as it once did as Western Stark Free Clinic. Most recently, $15,000 was awarded from the fund in support of four area nonprofits that have similar missions.

“I can say for certain that our decision to maximize our resources by creating a charitable fund was the right decision,” said Gary Feagles, former executive director of Western Stark Free Clinic and advisory board member of the fund. “Through this fund we’re continuing to make an impact in our community by helping this vulnerable population offset the cost of healthcare needs.”

This year’s grant recipients include:

• $5,000 to Community Hospice to serve 15 low-income patients in Western Stark County with quality palliative care services over the next year.
• $2,000 to Mercy Medical Center to help Mercy Dental Services strengthen the dental safety net for the underserved and underinsured of Western Stark County.
• $5,000 to Prescription Assistance Network of Stark County to purchase inhalers for residents of Western Stark County and four months of membership fees for Dispensary of Hope.
• $3,000 to Salvation Army of Massillon to purchase hygiene kits for men and women and basic first aid kits for homeless clients.

“Knowing area organizations are strategically working together to have a collective impact in our community is very meaningful and rewarding,” he added. “While it’s in a different format, I know I can speak on behalf of everyone who was involved with the Clinic that we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our residents.”

If you would like to support the fund’s mission, contributions in any amount are welcome and can be made online at www.starkcf.org or mailed to Stark Community Foundation, 400 Market Ave. N., Suite 200, Canton, Ohio 44702.

About Stark Community Foundation
Stark Community Foundation is the community’s trusted partner in giving to over 650 individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits that have created charitable funds to impact the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Ranked in the top 10 percent of community foundations in the United States today, Stark Community Foundation is committed to serving donor needs and strategically addressing local issues. The Foundation and its family of donors have granted more than $136 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org.