Foundation’s focus on social determinants of health spotlights Neighborhood Renaissance grant
December 19, 2023 – Quantum Foundation’s board of trustees, under the chairmanship of Brian Kirkpatrick, recently approved 19 grants totaling nearly $2 million in funding to Palm Beach County-based nonprofits for its 2023 third and fourth quarter grant cycles.
Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. The health foundation was formed from $135 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $155 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $170 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.
“We are honored to continue funding organizations that bolster the health of Palm Beach County. Our most recent grant cycles include funding to Neighborhood Renaissance, a housing development corporation that is dedicated to building strong economies and diverse communities,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “The homes are built within the financial reach of low-and moderate-income families and individuals. It is representative of our foundation’s intentional focus on funding initiatives which impact our county’s social determinants of health. While access to healthcare and proper health behaviors is critical to proper health, socioeconomic factors including housing, education, early childhood development, working conditions, and more are critical in determining the health of a community. Through this lens, we are better at understanding that those with less access to social and financial resources are positioned to take the brunt of our national and local health challenges.”
Of the third and fourth quarter grants allocated in 2023, more than $300,000 is being distributed to Neighborhood Renaissance, which will fund their affordable housing projects and capital support for the completion of affordable rentals and neighborhood commercial space and leasing to minority businesses. There is an intentional focus to strengthen communities that are rich in tradition and historical value while promoting greater health outcomes in Northwest, Coleman Park, Pleasant City, Northwood Hills, Pinewood Park, and North 45th Street. Funds will also be allocated for a community organizer, who will provide hands-on assistance, including financial literacy and leadership training, credit score improvement, coordination of legal services, and advocacy for policy reform and capital resources.
“Quality affordable homes and small business opportunities are essential to creating a healthy environment that families and individuals need in order to reach their full potential,” said Terri Murray, Executive Director of Neighborhood Renaissance. “Quantum Foundation’s funding support is helping to close the gap between the high cost of homes and what is financially attainable for our residents while also supporting services that help create a path to upward financial mobility and more positive health outcomes. We thank Quantum Foundation for their continued support of meeting immediate community needs while investing long-term in the creation of affordable homes and strong neighborhoods.”
In the second half of 2023, Quantum Foundation has funded more than $940,000 to Northend West Palm Beach neighborhoods. The near $1 million in recent investments includes $500,000 as part of Quantum Foundation’s Stronger Communities Initiative; $90,000 to grassroots nonprofits in that area as part of the Quantum in the Community initiative; and another $50,000 through True Fast Outreach Ministries.
For more information about how to apply for Quantum Foundation funding, visit http://www.quantumfnd.org/ or call 561-832-7497.
Other grants for the 2023 Q3 and 4 grant cycles include:
Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) – Family Support Program ($20,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will support personnel costs and family workshops, enabling ACCF to continue empowering families to overcome adversity and build positive trajectories.
Alzheimer’s Community Care – Care Navigation Program ($65,000)
To support and expand the impact of the Care Navigation program, Quantum Foundation funding will support the role of a Family Nurse Navigator and administrative expenses.
The Arc of Palm Beach County – Adaptive Health and Wellness for Children and Adults with IDD ($39,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will go toward instructors and project supplies to contribute to the success of The Arc’s Adaptive Health and Wellness Program, enabling individuals with intellectual and development disabilities to lead healthier and happier lives.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County – Rebound & Recovery Program ($50,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will support the Rebound & Recovery (R&R) program at the Max M. Fisher Boys and Girls Club in Riviera Beach. The initiative is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth in a disadvantaged community, focusing on the development of crucial Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Caridad Center – General Operating Support ($300,000)
With Quantum Foundation funding, Caridad Center will ensure that it remains a robust force in addressing disparities and fostering a healthier, more equitable community.
Center for Creative Education – Community Resource ($60,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will support the Community Resource Liaison (CRL) position, whose role is to conduct comprehensive needs assessments, identify available or lacking resources, and establish a continuum of care by connecting students and their families to essential community resources.
Center for Trauma Counseling (CTC) – Mental Health Care for Low Income/Uninsured ($50,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will expand counseling hours on the Mobile Hope Clinic, serve 35 low-income and uninsured individuals, and provide an average of eight bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health sessions per person to underserved residents of PBC. The funding will also support CTC’s efforts to bridge gaps in mental healthcare accessibility, ultimately contributing to improved mental wellness and a better quality of life for residents in Palm Beach County.
Florida Outreach Center for the Blind – Preserving Wellness for Visually Impaired People ($108,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will support the expansion of the program, meeting the growing demand for services and equipping visually impaired individuals with the skills, confidence, and resources necessary for fulfilling lives.
The Glades Initiative – Health Equity through Food Security ($150,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will be allocated to hiring a full-time Community Resource Educator, covering occupancy and project supplies, professional development, and indirect costs. This funding directly addresses the critical needs of access to health coverage and healthy food, aiming to eliminate transportation barriers and improve overall well-being.
Global Healthy Living Foundation – South Florida Arthritis Clinic ($40,024)
With Quantum Foundation funding, the clinic will be able to continue providing quality patient care and cover laboratory costs for 110 patients who lack other means to access care throughout Palm Beach County.
Grandma’s Place – Family Support Services ($60,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will support hiring of personnel and administrative costs that will in turn enable the organization to provide 650 hours of respite care to 50 low-income families with children experiencing mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Additionally, the funding will support parent support/classes for 50 caregivers and provide therapies and activities, including gymnastics, music, a sensory room, educational software, summer camp, and field trips, benefiting 55 children.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) – Maternal Health Expansion Project ($180,000)
Quantum Foundation funds will contribute to HMHB’s comprehensive efforts in addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes during the critical postpartum period.
Holy Ground – Health, Home, & Hope ($54,050)
Quantum funding will support an array of needs and initiatives, including personnel support, counseling session, tutoring, life skills training, academic and vocational scholarships.
Jack The Bike Man ($25,000)
Quantum Foundation is funding general operating support in honor of Jack’s legacy. The grant aims to sustain and continue Jack the Bike Man’s mission in Palm Beach County to strengthen our community through bicycle education and safety programs.
Place of Hope – Transitional Living Apartments ($150,000)
With Quantum Foundation funding, the organization will be able to outfit and furnish newly constructed apartments, ensuring that each unit becomes a welcoming and supportive home for 16 transitioning young adults.
True Fast Outreach Ministries (TFOM) – Step Three Living Free ($50,000)
Quantum Foundation funds will provide transitional/supportive housing for 30 individuals, facilitating their transition to self-sufficiency and independent living in the community. Additionally, TFOM will use the funding to offer mental health therapy for 15 participants, helping them achieve their treatment plans. TFOM’s collaborative efforts with various social service agencies enhance the effectiveness of their programs, and Quantum Foundation support will cover personnel costs and family workshops, contributing to the organization’s holistic approach in fostering positive outcomes for those in need in the Northwest Neighborhood of West Palm Beach.
The Salvation Army – Medical Respite for the Homeless ($300,000)
Quantum Foundation funding will be used for services for home healthcare, medical equipment, and transportation. This collaborative and holistic approach not only benefits the medically fragile homeless clients but also alleviates the burden on local emergency rooms, decreases healthcare costs, and promotes a safer and healthier community by addressing the root causes of homelessness and healthcare disparities.
