June 26, 2008:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $393,337 to eight area non-profit organizations.  Mr. Oliver stated, “Applications for funding are reviewed for appropriateness for our Foundation, the need and impact of the project and the quality of the proposal.  Each of these grants addresses critical quality of life issues, particularly for the disadvantaged residents of our community.” 

                        Grants Chairman Dr. Rob Patyrak said the following applications for funding were approved:  

       ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE COUNCIL FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY was awarded $57,879 for computers, furnishings and other improvements for their various facilities.  This organization provides substance abuse prevention and education programs to thousands of youth annually.  Their target population includes homeless and indigent persons who may be unable to access treatment through private or personal means.  The Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council served over 400 clients through their direct treatment programs last year. 

      CHRISTIANS IN ACTION was awarded $100,000 toward the purchase of a building.  Founded in 1982, Christians in Action operates a distribution center and a thrift shop.  The new facility will enable them to consolidate operations into one location. This Christian based ministry provides basic life necessities including food, clothing, utility assistance and transportation to qualifying individuals and families.  They served 10,424 individuals in the last year. 

      THE CITY OF JUNCTION was awarded $40,000 toward the renovation of their community swimming pool and addition of a splash pad.  The new pool is part of an $800,000 project to improve their City Park, which serves the residents of Junction, Kimble County and thousands of tourists each year.  The County’s only public swimming pool is expected to attract more young users and provide therapeutic activities for older users. 

                        THE CITY OF SAN ANGELO was awarded $132,000 to provide lights for the       new public tennis facility at the proposed Jackson Street location.  The community      tennis             courts are possible through the cooperation and support of the San Angelo     Independent             School District, the City of San Angelo and the Concho Valley Tennis           Association.              Construction on the eight court complex is scheduled to begin in the          fall of this year.  

                        MHMR SERVICES FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY was awarded $20,000 to          assist with their Veterans Services Program.  In an effort to supplement services         offered by our military forces, MHMR has established a new program to serve           veterans of the Iraq-Afghanistan conflict in addressing readjustment issues and post-         traumatic       stress disorder.  Services will be offered to every active, reserve, National      Guard and veteran service member and family members residing in the Concho   Valley.

                        RUST STREET MINISTRIES AKA CONCHO VALLEY TURNING POINT was    awarded $22,400 to provide heating and insulation for the warehouse used for their           food, clothing and furniture program.   This organization serves the less fortunate        individuals in our community and offers anger management classes and a faith- based twelve step support group for substance abusers.

                        D.E.S.K., INC. was awarded $10,000 to provide school supplies to needy students in the SAISD.  The organization was started locally in 2004 and works       through the school counselors to ensure that students have the necessary supplies       to succeed in school. 

                        SAN ANGELO LIONS CHARITIES was awarded $11,058 toward renovation of   their eyeglass recycling center in downtown San Angelo.  Local Lions Clubs have      been active since 1917 and currently provide glaucoma and diabetic medications,    recycled eye glasses and eye screening exams for children.  The generous gift of           Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline            Holmes Williams, made this bequest through the        San Angelo Health Foundation possible.

March 31, 2008:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $1,293,818 to six area non-profit organizations.  Mr. Oliver stated, “The Trustees were pleased with the quality and diversity of proposals this cycle, which represents one of our most significant quarterly funding commitments.  Over $28 million have been committed to community projects and area non-profit organizations since the Foundation began making grants in 1997. 

                        Grants Chairman Dr. Rob Patyrak said the following applications for funding were approved:  

       HOUSE OF FAITH was awarded up to $900,000 over five years to initiate a higher education scholarship program for qualifying House of Faith participants.  A full time counselor will oversee the program and provide the support structure for the youth throughout their academic career.  Foundation funds would provide for tuition, fees, books and in some instances, room and board.  Begun in January of 1994, House of Faith is a non-denominational, faith-based organization that serves hundreds of at-risk children and youth in west central Texas.  Their programs address such problems as youth delinquency, substance abuse, violence and gang involvement by teaching a value-based curriculum through a network of weekly neighborhood clubs for children and a range of engaging programs for older youth. 

      CONCHO VALLEY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD was awarded $15,000 to provide new computers for their resource room, assessment room and computer lab.  The updated equipment will allow them to serve additional clients and employers with current technology for their training, testing and job search and

placement activities in the Concho Valley region. 

      EAST CONCHO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT was awarded $28,818 toward a fast attack truck.  The new vehicle will enable them to transport equipment and double the amount of water they can deliver to the fire scene.  The department responds to approximately 70 calls per year in eastern Tom Green County with approximately 20 active volunteers.

                        FAIRVIEW ACCELERATED EDUCATION COOPERATIVE was awarded            $50,000 to provide new playground equipment and fencing for their existing    childcare facility.   Formed in 1994 as a cooperative of eleven small school districts,   Fairview provides alternative education to approximately sixty students each year,    including a number of pregnant students and new mothers.  The on-site child care       facility allows students to continue their education while the child is in day care.              Without such a facility, the dropout rate from a traditional academic setting is projected at             100%.  

                        IRION COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) was awarded a      $50,000 challenge grant to expand their current training facility in Mertzon, Texas.             In a county with no doctor or medical facility, the EMS provides the only emergency      care and        transportation services. 

                        SCHLEICHER COUNTY WELLNESS FOUNDATION was awarded a $250,000             challenge grant to establish a Community Wellness Center in Eldorado, Texas.  In                    an effort to combat cardiovascular disease and its causes, obesity and Type II            diabetes, the proposed             center will house exercise equipment, an aerobics/

              The San Angelo Health Foundation recently nominated new trustees Devin Bates and Jim Cummings.  Board members are charged with oversight of the disbursement of funds in keeping with the mission of the Foundation, which is "to enhance the quality of life for the people of the San Angelo area."    

Devin Bates is the CIO for Susser Holdings of Corpus Christi.  He was most recently Managing Director and CFO of Town & Country Food Stores, Inc.  Mr. Bates graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.  He is the past Chairman of the Board for the United Way of the Concho Valley and Past Chairman of the Petroleum and Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards.  He served two terms on the San Angelo City Council and is active in the San Angelo Business and Education Coalition, the James Phillips Williams Foundation and First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo.  Devin and his wife, Liz, have two children.

James P. Cummings recently retired from his position as Senior Chairman of the Board of Wells Fargo Bank, Lubbock, Texas.  An honors graduate of Texas Tech University, Mr. Cummings completed Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and has worked in the banking industry in Lubbock and San Angelo for over thirty years.  He has been actively involved in many community and civic organizations in Lubbock and San Angelo including the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Salvation Army and Methodist Hospital Foundation.  He and his wife Jan have recently relocated to San Angelo where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baptist Memorial Retirement Center.  He is currently on the board of Texas Tech University Foundation, Louise H. Underwood Center for the Arts, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock United Way and West Texas Center for Innovation & Commercialization.  The Cummings have three grown children and four grandchildren. 

December 17, 2007:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $460,000 to ten area non-profit organizations.  Foundation contributions since inception exceed $27 million to over 137 organizations and 300 projects.  In addition to the quarterly grant awards, trustees designated several community organizations which provide for those with special needs during the holiday season to receive seasonal assistance.

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:   

      MOSAIC Redwine Childcare Center was awarded $100,000 toward an endowment for scholarships for special needs children in their childcare center. Some of the children served have profound developmental disabilities or a combination of motor and speech delays.  The scholarship program will enable the organization to serve additional children with special needs.          

      Rio Concho Manor was awarded $60,000 for replacement plumbing.  The Manor provides housing for 252 residents age sixty-two and older and has maintained 100% occupancy since it was built in the early 1960’s. 

      San Angelo Area Foundation was awarded $35,000 for new technology.  The community foundation manages endowments for donors and charities in order to increase local philanthropy and provide additional sources of funding for area non-profit organizations.  New software will enhance their scholarship application process and donor relations. 

            West Texas Rehabilitation Center was awarded $250,000 for a new Electronic Medical Records system.  The Rehab Center provides outpatient rehabilitative care to 11,375 children and adults of Tom Green County with physical disabilities and/or communication or hearing disorders.  The new system will benefit physicians, patients and third party payors, as well as the Rehab Center. 

October 1, 2007:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $623,000 to five area organizations.  Mr. Oliver said, “Our community continues to benefit from the efforts of diverse organizations receiving grant awards, which now exceed $26.7 million.”   

                        Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      Christoval Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $75,000 for a fire truck.  The new tanker truck, which would double as an attack truck, will increase the amount of water they can provide at the fire site.  Christoval VFD covers 220 square miles and assists other VFD’s in the area.   They responded to 41 fires and 28 emergency medical service calls in 2006.      

      City of San Angelo was awarded $500,000 toward a multi-million dollar project to renovate and expand the San Angelo Convention Center.  The extensive renovation will upgrade the entire infrastructure, provide 6,676 additional square feet of meeting room space, increase crowd capacity by 1,000 people and provide better access for handicapped individuals among other improvements.   

      Lowake Community Center was awarded $30,000 for facility improvements.  The community center, which was originally a school built in 1927, is used for weddings, family reunions, funeral receptions, business and social events and as a voting location. 

      Sonrisas Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was awarded $8,000 to obtain and train replacement horses for their program.  This organization provides therapy through equine activities for predominantly school-age youth with physical, emotional and mental challenges.  Sonrisas serves approximately 82 clients each year with volunteers and limited staff at no cost to the clients. 

      United Way of the Concho Valley was awarded $10,000 for their File of Life program.  A mini-medical history and critical information is stored in a packet on the outside of one’s refrigerator, easily accessible in the event of an emergency.  With the cooperation of other area agencies, United Way will assist senior citizens and all residents with a serious medical condition in completing and updating information on the cards. 

June 26, 2007:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $308,340 to five area organizations.  Mr. Oliver said, “We are proud to partner with our local non-profits.  Foundation funds will provide expanded educational opportunities for area students and support for youth development programs and volunteer fire fighters.“  

                        Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      Angelo State University was awarded $150,000 toward their Blackboard Expansion project to upgrade their online educational software.  Students and faculty will benefit from the enhancements that will allow Angelo State to expand their online degree program.  The Blackboard software creates a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week learning environment for ASU students.  It provides faculty members with quick and convenient ways to communicate with one student or the entire class through announcements, e-mail and messaging features.  The premise of the Blackboard software is to create a student-centered university that operates simultaneously in a local and global context unconstrained by time and place. 

      House of Faith was awarded $75,000 to establish a transitional housing facility for young male adults and meeting space for other programs.  Various programs of this faith-based organization serve approximately 1,600 at-risk youth each year by promoting God as a way to address issues confronting young people such as delinquency, substance abuse and gang involvement.  Young men accepted into the housing program will share in expenses and responsibilities and will receive individualized support and training in basic life skills. 

      Junior Achievement of West Texas was awarded $25,000 to provide programs at the schools to educate youth on the subject of free enterprise.  Business and community volunteers present lessons and activities to encourage critical thinking, positive behaviors and responsible decision making.  Last year Junior Achievement programs impacted over 7,386 West Texas students with hands-on economic education programs with over 1,000 of those students in San Angelo.  

      First United Methodist Church of Mason, Texas was awarded $8,340 for their year round child care program, Steady Steps.  The weekday Children’s Ministry started in 1999 and provides care on a sliding fee scale.  They are licensed for 51 children and maintain a waiting list.  Grant funds will provide safe, functional and age-appropriate furnishings and learning aids for newly-renovated space.             

      Paint Rock Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $50,000 toward a fire house to store vehicles and equipment.  The new location will enable volunteers to be better organized in times of emergency.  Paint Rock VFD provides fire protection for the communities of Paint Rock, Millersview, Eden and Eola, averaging 40 calls each year. 

April 2, 2007:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $540,455 to four area non-profit organizations.  Mr. Oliver said, “For over ten years the San Angelo Health Foundation has served San Angelo and our Concho Valley neighbors by supporting the efforts of local non-profit organizations and public entities.  The Foundation, which began in 1995 with $44 million, has committed in excess of $25 million in charitable grants to 140 organizations.  The San Angelo Health Foundation will continue to fund community health in its broadest form in perpetuity. “  

                        Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      City of Robert Lee Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $15,000 toward a new multi-role fire truck.  Robert Lee VFD has been in operation since 1947 and covers the 960 square miles of Coke County and aids surrounding areas in cooperation with the Texas Forestry Service, as well as mutual aid to the Bronte and Blackwell Fire Departments.  The Robert Lee VFD responded to 42 calls last year. 

      Concho County Hospital District was awarded $36,830 to upgrade and digitize their radiography equipment.  The hospital is the sole community provider of emergency and acute care to the residents of Eden and surrounding communities.  Concho County Hospital District also operates rural health clinics in both Eden and Menard.  New equipment provided with this grant will enable rapid diagnosis utilizing state-of-the-art x-ray equipment and technology for trauma patients at the Concho County Hospital.    The generous gift of Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams, made this bequest through the San Angelo Health Foundation possible.     

      Howard College was awarded $446,048 to relocate and provide renovated Anatomy/Physiology, Microbiology and Distance Learning labs from their Executive Drive facility to the West Texas Training Center.  Howard College began offering classes in San Angelo in 1973 and has grown into a comprehensive community college with over 1,600 academic students this past year.  At the completion of this project the WTTC building will be fully renovated and utilized.  A single location for Howard College at San Angelo will provide for a more cohesive student body, as well as updated equipment and labs benefiting students and instructors. 

      ICD Bridges, Inc. was awarded $42,577 to support their counseling program and provide program evaluation tools.  ICD Bridges is the sole provider locally of counseling services to victims of family violence and the only local emergency shelter for victims of family violence in San Angelo.  The Stonebridge Training Residence for mentally retarded clientele is home to 13 MR clients.  In 2005 they served 888 clients, 481 adults and 270 children through counseling, children’s programs, education, transitional housing and other programs

Applications for funding are accepted on an on-going basis.  Visit the Foundation website at www.sahfoundation.org. Contact Tom Early (tomearly@sahfoundation.org) or Vicki Ford (vford@sahfoundation.org) at the Foundation office at 426 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. Phone (325) 486.0185, write P. O. Box 3550, San Angelo TX 76902-3550.

December 18, 2006:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $232,628 to twelve area non-profit organizations.  Completing their tenth year of grantmaking, Foundation contributions exceed $25 million to over 137 organizations and 295 projects.  In addition to the quarterly grant awards, trustees designated several community organizations which provide for those with special needs during the holiday season to receive seasonal assistance.

                        Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      Adult Day Care of San Angelo was awarded $23,842 for facility improvements and the purchase of equipment.  Since 1987 they have provided care to chronically ill and disabled adults with daily supervision, medical oversight and activities.  They serve up to 68 clients per day and approximately 120 families per year.         

      Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Angelo was awarded $55,000 to increase services locally.  Started in August 2005 in San Angelo, this organization matches adult mentors with at-risk or disadvantaged children.  They expect to provide services for as many as 200 young people next year. 

      Hospice of San Angelo was awarded $100,000 to support their bereavement program.  Hospice of San Angelo has provided support and care for terminally ill patients and their families since 1985.  They offer support groups for all ages including the “Building Bridges” program for children who have lost a loved one. 

      San Angelo Day Nursery was awarded $25,000 to provide age appropriate teaching aids.  The Day Nursery was established seventy-four years ago to provide care for children of low-income parents who are either working or in school.  They currently serve over 200 children age 7 weeks to 5 years Monday through Friday. 

      San Angelo DESK, Inc. (Donate Educational Supplies for Kids) was awarded $3,500 for school supplies in 2007 for needy elementary school students.  The program is administered by school counselors at the campus level.

      Western Texas Lions eye Bank Alliance dba District 2-A1 Lions Eye Bank, Inc. was awarded $9,286 for a computer, software, surgical instruments and informational brochures.  Founded in 1974 this organization promotes eye donor awareness and harvests quality corneal tissue for transplants to the communities of west Texas.  They procure an average of 30 donor tissues per year and import an additional 75 to 100 per year from other eye banks for transplants.

Unsolicited seasonal assistance grants for a total amount of $16,000 were also awarded to:   Boys & Girls Club of San Angelo, Christians in Action, Concho Valley Home for Girls/Children's Emergency Shelter, HOPE HOUSE/CASA, House of Faith, the local Salvation Army and San Angelo State School Volunteer Services Council. 

Applications for funding are accepted on an on-going basis.  Visit the Foundation website at www.sahfoundation.org. Contact Tom Early (tomearly@sahfoundation.org) or Vicki Ford (vford@sahfoundation.org) at the Foundation office at 426 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. Phone (325) 486.0185, write P. O. Box 3550, San Angelo TX 76902-3550.

Contacts at recipient organizations:

Adult Day Care, Marcy Bosequett   942-9253

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Angelo, Jenie Wilson  486-2200

Hospice of San Angelo, David McBride  658-6524

San Angelo Day Nursery, Irma Contreras   653-1825

San Angelo DESK, Sandra Payne   486-3250

Western Texas Lions Eye Bank, Marcy McLain   653-8666

October 2, 2006:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $418,437 to five area organizations.   Foundation funds will provide health and dental services for medically underserved, uninsured individuals and neglected elderly adults.  Other grants will enhance services to patients requiring artificial limbs and brace supports, fund improved physical therapy for nursing home residents and purchase safety equipment for law enforcement reserves.

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      East Coke County Hospital District dba Bronte Health & Rehab was awarded $17,947 for a replacement whirlpool, access lift and scale attachment.  The 64-bed nursing home provides skilled nursing, hospice and long term care for senior citizens of Coke, Nolan, Runnels and Tom Green County.  They also prepare daily meals for the senior citizen center and home bound elderly.  This grant was made possible by a bequest from Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams. 

      Esperanza Health and Dental Centers was awarded $250,000 toward the cost of construction of a new facility to serve the north side of the San Angelo.  The proposed new clinic will provide primary health and dental care to the medically underserved and uninsured population.  Begun in 1994, Esperanza has two existing locations that currently serve approximately 10,000 clients each year.  This grant was made possible by a bequest from Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams. 

                  Region 9 Adult Protective Services Advisory Board was awarded $10,000 to assist their elderly clients in the San Angelo area.  This non-profit organization serves abused, neglected and exploited aged and disabled adults.  Foundation funds will provide hearing aids, dentures and medications to qualifying individuals through the advocacy organization.  

                  Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office was awarded $20,000 for bullet-proof vests and radios for their reserve deputies.  The volunteer Sheriff’s Reserve was formed in 1995 to support law enforcement activities.  Reserve officers serve in excess of 3,700 hours each year on patrol, providing security, traffic control at public events and additional law enforcement duties. 

                  West Texas Rehabilitation Center was awarded $120,490 for equipment for their Orthotics and Prosthetics Department.  The Rehab Center provides outpatient rehabilitation services to children and adults with physical disabilities and/or communications and hearing disorders.  The new equipment will enable Rehab to serve patients more efficiently and produce artificial limbs and braces in-house.  This grant was made possible by a bequest from Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams. 

Applications for Foundation funding are accepted on an on-going basis.  Visit the Foundation website at www.sahfoundation.org.  Contact Tom Early or Vicki Ford at the Foundation office at 426 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. Phone (325) 486.0185, write Post Office Box 3550, San Angelo TX 76902-3550 or email sahf.tx@sahfoundation.org.

Contacts at recipient organizations:

            Bronte Health & Rehab, Andra Arrott (325) 473-3621

            Esperanza Health & Dental Centers, Mike Campbell (325) 223-8129

            Region 9 Adult Protective Services Advisory Board, Michael Melson (432) 683-0796

            Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, Steve Mild (325) 655-8111

            West Texas Rehab, Shelli Hale (325) 223-6383

June 26, 2006:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $440,288 to six area organizations.   Foundation funds will provide services to needy individuals and families, enhanced cultural and recreational opportunities, fire suppression and emergency medical services. 

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      Angelo Civic Theatre was awarded $200,000 for renovations to their current facility.  In a separate award, Angelo Civic Theatre was awarded $37,977 toward a master plan for future facility needs of local performing arts organizations.  A proposed theatre centre will serve resident companies, the City of San Angelo and the surrounding region.  Each year over 15,000 patrons attend mainstage productions featuring local performers, children’s theater, teen theatre and workshops involving 300 plus volunteer actors, designers, technicians, musicians and dancers. 

      Christians in Action was awarded $48,846 for facility improvements to their downtown thrift shop and furniture distribution center.  The Christian-based ministry assists needy individuals and families in the Concho Valley, providing basic life necessities such as food, clothing, housing, utilities, and support for medical needs, transportation and prescriptions. 

      The City of San Angelo was awarded $100,000 for the final paseo link from Celebration Bridge to the Terraced Plaza.  The project will provide aesthetic and handicap accessible improvements to an area that now functions as the heart of the City in regard to recreational, civic and cultural events.  Increased use by residents and visitors is anticipated with overall improvement to the downtown area. 

                  Lake Ivie Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $3,690 for hand-held radios.  The VFD is located in Concho County and serves an area around Lake Ivie which includes ten subdivisions with approximately 175 homes.  Responding to fifteen grass fires and one structure fire in 2005, the department covers Concho, Runnels and Coleman counties. 

                  San Angelo Emergency Corps was awarded $9,395.19 for training equipment.  Established in 1955, the Emergency Corps maintains ambulances which respond to calls within Tom Green County outside San Angelo city limits.  They provide stand-by ambulances on a donation basis for many public functions including football games, bike races, Spring Chicken Affair, and the Stock Show and Rodeo.   

                  United Way of the Concho Valley was awarded $40,380 to provide new computers, an updated server, software and staff training.  The new technology will replace a ten-year old system and provide for secure and more efficient operation and administration of funding and support for twenty United Way agencies.  As their goals state, the agencies impact our community by:

o       preparing children for success

o       building strong, safe families

o       helping seniors live independently and actively and

o       providing support to strengthen our community. 

Applications for Foundation funding are accepted on an on-going basis.  Visit the Foundation website at www.sahfoundation.org.  Contact Tom Early or Vicki Ford at the Foundation office at 426 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. Phone (325) 486.0185, write Post Office Box 3550, San Angelo TX 76902-3550 or email sahf.tx@sahfoundation.org.

Contacts at recipient organizations:

            Angelo Civic Theatre, Lisa Roberts (325) 949-4400

            Christians in Action, Carl Hansen (325) 655-5127

            City of San Angelo, Rick Weise (325) 657-4241

            Lake Ivie VFD,  Carol Sessom (325) 732-4422

            San Angelo Emergency Corps, Myron Schmiedekamp (325) 658-2935

            United Way, Carol Harrison (325) 949-3716

April 3, 2006:    Chairman of the Board T. Richey Oliver announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $466,000 to six area non-profit organizations.   Foundation funds will provide enhanced educational opportunities, improved fire protection, nutrition and fitness facilities and support for mental health services. 

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      Angelo State University was awarded $200,000 to develop a simulator teaching lab for the College of Nursing.   The Simulation Center will incorporate computer-generated simulations, videography and peer-to-peer interaction to raise the level of instruction and enhance students’ clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient-care scenarios.  This grant was made possible by a bequest from Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams. 

      Bronte Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $16,000 for a new tanker truck.  Created in 1955 to serve East Coke County, the Bronte Volunteer Fire Department averages 80 fire and/or rescue calls each year.  With 27 active volunteers, the Bronte Volunteer Fire Department serves the City of Bronte, several small surrounding communities and assists in covering fires in Tom Green, Irion, Sterling, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor and Runnels counties.

      Junior Achievement of West Texas was awarded $25,000 to support their San Angelo programs.  During the 2004-2005 school year, Junior Achievement volunteers and programs impacted over 7,200 West Texas students with hands-on economic education programs.  The rigorous courses about free enterprise and access to positive role models in the community give young people tools for success and improved self-esteem. 

      Menard County was awarded $50,000 to construct and furnish a Multi-purpose Center.  The new 17,224 square foot facility will provide a quality recreation, fitness and learning facility and rehab center for the children and adults of Menard County.  Foundation funds are designated for the Senior Citizen Center which will include a kitchen and dining area for congregate meals and events, as well as a safe place for supervised exercise, rehab and recreation.  

      MHMR Services of the Concho Valley was awarded $50,000 for capital infrastructure support.  MHMR serves children and adults who live with mental illness, mental retardation or autism from seven counties including:  Tom Green, Concho, Sterling, Irion, Coke, Crockett and Reagan.  Foundation funds will provide Automatic External Defibrillators for each of their four physical locations and new desktop computers with upgraded software to facilitate clinical recordkeeping.

      San Angelo Independent School District was awarded $125,000 for construction of a new field house for San Angelo Stadium.  The stadium, built in the 1950’s primarily for high school athletic programs, seats 17,500 and is the home of the Central and Lakeview football, soccer and track teams as well as ASU Rams’ football. 

January 26, 2006:  T. Richey Oliver was elected as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation at their recent meeting.  Board members are charged with oversight of the disbursement of funds in keeping with the Mission of the Foundation, which is "to enhance the quality of life for the people of the San Angelo area."  

Mr. Oliver replaces John Mark McLaughlin, who has served as Chairman of the Foundation since 2004.  Also elected were Dr. Robert S. Patyrak, Vice Chairman; Mike Boyd as Secretary and H. L. Stone, III as Treasurer.  

George Alexander, Dr. O. Sterling Gillis III and F. L. “Steve” Stephens were unanimously re-elected to serve three-year terms on the Board.  John Mark McLaughlin, Robert Polunsky and Jean Guthrie Ryon were unanimously elected to the honorary position of Senior Trustee.  Others currently serving on the foundation board are Hon. Marilyn Aboussie, Rick DeHoyos, Sande Harrison, Karen Pfluger, Joanne Rice and Dr. Joe B. Wilkinson. 

          Grant awards in excess of $24 million have been committed to area non-profits since grantmaking commenced in 1997.    

December 19, 2005:    Chairman of the Board J. Mark McLaughlin announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $2,598,155 to fourteen area non-profit organizations.  “The grants represent the foundation’s most significant commitment to date in total dollar amount and number of awards in any one quarter.  Completing their ninth year of grantmaking, Foundation contributions exceed $24 million to over 130 organizations and 288 projects.  In addition to the quarterly grant awards, trustees designated several community organizations which provide for those with special needs during the holiday season to receive seasonal assistance.”

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      The Tom Green County Library was awarded $1,750,000 toward the relocation and expansion project planned for the former Hemphill-Wells building in downtown San Angelo.  The joint effort between the City and County will double the available space and serve library patrons through the year 2025.   Amenities planned include but are not limited to:  Children’s areas, a Spanish language collection, a large-print collection, additional public-access computers and multi-purpose meeting space.                     

      Angelo State University was awarded $10,155 for ultrasound stimulation equipment for use in the Sports Medicine Center and the Athletic Training Department which received accreditation in 2004.   The equipment will provide learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Athletic Training program and provide improved treatment for student athletes.       

      Baptist Memorials Center was awarded $500,000 toward the Green House project to construct additional Alzheimers’ care units.  The Green House is designed like a home inside and out to provide care for ten residents per home and will be the first of its kind in the State.   The generous gift of Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams, made this bequest through the San Angelo Health Foundation possible.     

      The City of San Angelo was awarded $125,000 for the children’s playground to be constructed at the new Rio Concho Sports Complex and Community Park.  Located in eastern San Angelo the dedicated park land will be a multi-use facility with at least 17 forms of recreational opportunities.

      El Camino Girls Scout Council was awarded $136,000 to construct a pavilion with handicap accessible restrooms, storage and landscaping.  Renovations to the existing facility are also planned.  The covered pavilion will allow for year-round outdoor scouting activities and use of the downtown riverfront property. 

      Fort Concho National Historic Landmark was awarded $7,000 for shelves and storage equipment for the Fort library/archives in the newly-restored Officers’ Quarters #7.  The Fort has acquired books, papers, monographs, microfilm and journals covering the core themes and missions of frontier/military pioneer history constituting a unique resource.  These materials will be restored and properly housed in a climate-controlled environment.   

      Rio Concho Manor was awarded $50,000 toward a replacement chiller to provide adequate cooling of their two high-rise apartment buildings.  The Manor provides low-cost and HUD-subsidized housing for residents age sixty-two and older and has maintained 100% occupancy since it was built in the early 1960’s. 

      Wall Independent School District was awarded $5,000 for their outdoor classroom project.  Plant beds, drip irrigation and a rainwater capture system have already been built by the local 4-H and Parent Teacher Organization.  A gazebo is planned to provide space for outdoor instruction in botany, horticulture, entomology and other subjects. 

Unsolicited seasonal assistance grants for a total amount of $15,000 were also awarded to:   Christians in Action, Concho Valley Home for Girls/Children's Emergency Shelter, HOPE HOUSE/CASA, House of Faith, the local Salvation Army and San Angelo State School Volunteer Services Council. 

Applications for funding are accepted on an on-going basis.  Visit the Foundation website at www.sahfoundation.org. Contact Tom Early (tomearly@sahfoundation.org) or Vicki Ford (vford@sahfoundation.org) at the Foundation office at 426 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. Phone (325) 486.0185, write P. O. Box 3550, San Angelo TX 76902-3550.

Contacts at recipient organizations:

Tom Green County Library, Larry Justiss  655-7321

Angelo State University, Rhonda McClung  942-2116

Baptist Memorials Center, Wes Wells  655-7391

City of San Angelo, Rick Weise  657-4241

El Camino Girl Scout Council, Nancy Henderson  655-8961

Fort Concho, Bob Bluthardt  481-2646

Rio Concho Manor, Kim Hodge  653-3351

Wall ISD, Kay Thompson   224-5621

Christians in Action, Carl Hansen  655-5127

            Concho Valley Home for Girls, Sammye Ruppeck  655-3821

            HOPE HOUSE, Debra Brown  653-HOPE

            House of Faith, Kevin Reynolds or Rachel Beaver  949-6510

            Salvation Army, Capt Kevin Taylor  655-6981

            San Angelo State School, Sherry Smith  465-2557          

October 4, 2005:    Chairman of the Board J. Mark McLaughlin announced that the Trustees of the San Angelo Health Foundation recently awarded $740,259 to eight

area non-profit organizations.   Funding will provide expanded educational programs, improved housing and enhanced services for seniors, as well as recreational and cultural opportunities for the youth in our community.     

Grants Chair F. L. “Steve” Stephens said the following applications for funding were approved:  

      American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was awarded $10,252 for laptop computers and printers for their tax assistance and preparation program.    Local volunteers provided assistance through their Tax-Aide service to over 2,000 individuals last year.               

      Christmas in April of San Angelo was awarded $50,000 toward their roofing initiative.  Christmas in April provides safe, secure and weather-proof homes to low income elderly and disabled homeowners in Tom Green and Sterling Counties. 

      Coke County was awarded $50,000 toward the renovation of their community swimming pool in Bronte.  The renovation will bring the facility up to Health Department standards, make it ADA compliant and provide a safe place for children and adults to swim.  

      East Coke County Hospital District (dba Bronte Health & Rehab Center) was awarded $40,407 for a replacement generator and new walk-in cooler/freezer.  The 64 bed facility provides hospice and long term care for senior citizens of Coke, Nolan, Runnels and Tom Green Counties.  They also prepare daily meals for the Senior Citizen Center in Bronte.  The generous gift of Myrtle Williams in honor of her parents, William Harden Williams and Mary Eveline Holmes Williams, made this bequest through the San Angelo Health Foundation possible.  

      Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) was awarded $50,000 to provide additional staff and operating funds.   Begun in 2003 in the San Angelo area, this non-denominational Christ based organization assists athletes, coaches and others develop positive moral, ethical and spiritual values through their “One way to play – drug free” substance abuse prevention program, camps and support groups. 

      James Phillips Williams Memorial Foundation was awarded $39,600 to expand and renovate their existing facility.  The organization, which was established in 1985, provides educational instruction for children with dyslexia and other learning differences.   They train teachers who in turn instruct students in alphabetic phonics, offer parent education classes and diagnostic testing services.  The office houses an extensive library open to teachers and the public. 

&n