St. Charles awards $190K in grants to 35 Central Oregon community organizations

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- St. Charles Health System announced Monday the recipients of a variety of Community Benefit grants, awarding more than $190,000 to 35 local organizations in Central Oregon.

The grants were awarded to provide basic needs, to support local diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, to sponsor local events and as part of St. Charles’ Priority Grants to increase a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness and isolation.

Organizations receiving funding to reduce isolation and increase belonging include:

• Destination Rehab, which received funding to create a new line of programs for adults with disabilities to engage in community events and activities throughout Central Oregon.
• Bend-La Pine Schools, which will use funding to support Sources of Strength curriculum in 20 middle and high schools.
• Bend Farmers Market, which will use funding to expand opportunities for underserved populations to engage with the market.
• Horses on the Ranch, which will use funding to engage diverse youth populations with therapeutic experiences on the ranch in Crook County.

“Our Community Benefit team is thrilled to provide funding for these organizations to create opportunities for welcoming and belonging in Central Oregon. Our hope is that, through these ongoing partnerships, we will see more Central Oregonians feel connected to their communities and reduce isolation and loneliness,” said Carlos Salcedo, Community Benefit manager for St. Charles. 

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.