March 18, 2024 – HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital today announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Mustard Seed Ministries to increase the number of people served experiencing food insecurity. The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact fund announced this year that is designed to support innovative initiatives focused on addressing high-priority community needs and health equity.
“We are thrilled to support such an important partner in serving our communities,” said HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital Chief Executive Officer Eric Goldman.
Mustard Seed Ministries provides crisis intervention services to St. Lucie County residents with medical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs, concentrating on immediate stabilization while assisting with future self-sufficiency.
“As one of the fastest growing counties in the state, when it comes to support, we expect community needs to grow as well,” said HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Chief Executive Officer Corey Lovelace.
Mustard Seed Ministries also operated two thrift stores, a food pantry, and multiple mobile kitchens. Additionally, the organization aids with medical, housing and transportation needs.
“St. Lucie County is experiencing the worst economic times in recent history, and as a result, the number of people who need safety net food assistance is increasing substantially,” said Greg Smith, Executive Director at Mustard Seed Ministries. “Mustard Seed is committed to affirmative actions that will build on the strengths of our employees, volunteers and the community to continually enhance our organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Funding the Healthier Tomorrow Fund at the HCA Healthcare Foundation is one example of the many ways HCA Healthcare is making a positive impact in the communities it serves. In 2020, HCA Healthcare provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at a cost of more than $3.4 billion and incurred $4.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Additionally, HCA Healthcare continues to invest in the ongoing education and development of its colleagues and, as an enterprise, contributed $45 million to community organizations in 2020.
“At HCA Healthcare, we believe partnerships are essential to advancing our mission to care for and improve human live,” said Joanne Pulles, president of the HCA Healthcare Foundation. “Partnering with organizations like Mustard Seed Ministries allows us to do more for our communities than we can do separately.
For more information on the HCA Healthcare Foundation, visit www.hcacaring.org.
About HCA Healthcare Foundation
The mission of the HCA Healthcare Foundation is to promote health and well-being and strive to make a positive impact in all the communities HCA Healthcare serves. We accomplish this mission by providing leadership, service and financial support to effective non-profit organizations working individually and collectively.
About Mustard Seed Ministries
Founded in 1986 by a group of local churches, Mustard Seed Ministries became a clearing house for community services because the founders realized that no one church could adequately meet all the needs of the community. This centralized agency combined the physical and financial support of the churches while striving to abate the crises of residents. Ministering in the name of Jesus Christ, Mustard Seed provides intervention services to those who may have physiological, financial, emotional and spiritual needs. Services are available to everyone in need in this county.
