09/28/2021

Wentworth-Douglass Donates $125,000 in Community Involvement Grants

Two organizations that help our community members find housing and get them on the road to recovery will now be able to make an even bigger impact thanks to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

The hospital has contributed $75,000 to Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) and $50,000 to SOS Recovery Organization in community involvement grants.

The grants will allow CAPSC and SOS Recovery Organization continue to do what they do best: better our community through their services.

Wentworth-Douglass conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years as part of its commitment to the community’s well-being. Nine significant community health needs were identified, including the social determinants of health (basic needs and transportation) and substance abuse, which are directly addressed by these grants.

“As a nonprofit hospital, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has a long history of supporting and reinvesting in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the SOS Recovery Organization and the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County to help provide access to affordable housing for individuals and their families who might be faced with other challenges due to substance abuse,” President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Jeffrey Hughes, said.

Leaders of SOS Recovery Community Organization said the grant is already making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

“Since our inception, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been an exceptional partner and critical support for the success in building our infrastructure in Strafford County for peer-based addiction recovery supports,” said John Burns, Director of SOS Recovery Community Organization. “In the first few months of this grant, the funding has already provided comprehensive care coordination to over 25 individuals experiencing homelessness.”

Pictured from left to right: President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Jeffrey Hughes, MPH, FACHE; Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Betsey Andrews Parker; and Director, Strategic Planning & Community Benefit at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Michelle Hanson, RN, MSN.

SOS Recovery will use the funding to focus on providing outreach and support for individuals who struggle with problematic alcohol and drug use and are also experiencing unstable housing and homelessness. Many of these issues that both organizations focus on have been escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, CAPSC will use the donation from Wentworth-Douglass to fund two new Case Manager positions. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need of their services in helping families and their housing needs.

“Our housing programs play a key role in helping people remain healthy or recover from a medical issue. When clients have a safe and secure place to sleep, they can focus on their health and well-being as well as compliance for recovery and follow up,” said Betsey Andrews Parker, CEO. “CAPSC is thrilled to be part of the larger community that cares for people and partner with Wentworth-Douglass to keep our community healthy.” In the next 18 months CAPSC is hopeful to provide services to over 500 households.