United Way honors individuals, awards grants
<p>Courtesy photo</p><p>Mike Baker, left, CEO of Heritage Health, accepts the award for nonprofit professional of the year from United Way of North Idaho Director Mark Tucker.</p>
United Way of North Idaho recently held its 2016 awards luncheon to recognize top fundraising companies, distinguished individuals, and the recipients of the 2016-2018 Community Care Fund Grants.
Individual and business contributions to United Way create the fund to support strong nonprofit programs working in the areas of education, income, and health.
Three companies were recognized for their annual campaign contributions. These investments in the community were a combination of employee giving and corporate matches. The top contributor was US Bank, followed by Costco and Alliance Data. The three companies alone accounted for approximately $240,000 of the overall campaign.
Two individuals were recognized for their commitment to the nonprofit community for going above and beyond as a volunteer and professional.
The 2016 United Way of North Idaho Volunteer of the Year award winner was Kathy Bolam, a volunteer at Children’s Village. Bolam has volunteered helping mentor and entertain youth in uncertain times for more than a decade.
The 2016 United Way of North Idaho Nonprofit Professional of the Year award winner was Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health. Baker has developed many programs providing access to much needed healthcare services, including the Kroc RX program and Mobile Clinic reaching underserved populations in rural communities.
United Way Community Care Fund 2016-2018 grant recipients
Funding amounts are per year for two years unless otherwise noted
EDUCATION
• Safe Sleep for Idaho Babies
Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation $8,700
• After School Enrichment
Athol Elementary $5,400
• Nurturing Fathers & Nurtured Children
ICARE Program of St Vincent de Paul $10,000
•Advocate Training
North Idaho CASA $15,000
• Youth Awareness & Development
iDFY $6,150
• Camp Allstars
Specialized Needs Recreation $5,000
INCOME
• Workplace Excellence Series
CDA 2030 $4,000
• Future Story Initiative
Community Action Partnership $3,500
• Career Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
NIC Foundation $10,000
BASIC NEEDS
• Meals on Wheels
Post Falls Senior Center $8,000
• Grocery Rescue Program
Post Falls Food Bank $12,000
• Seniors in Motion
Hayden Senior Center $4,000
• Hand-Up Scholarship Program
Trinity Group Homes of St Vincent de Paul $3,000
• Weekend Nutrition Backpack Program
Rathdrum Lions Club $1,900
• CDA Food Bank
Community Action Partnership $12,000
• Senior Companions
Panhandle Health District $8,000
HEALTH
• Emergency Shelter and Crisis Counseling
Safe Passage $11,250/$13,725
• Mary Ellen Scholarship Fund
Heritage Health $14,577/$17,177
• Domestic Violence Assistance
Idaho Legal Aid $11,25/$13,725
• Wellness and Prevention for Diabetes and Prediabetes
Panhandle Health District $10,123
• Behavioral Health Beds
Northern Idaho Crisis Center $7,800, year one