My first year as Chairman of the San Angelo Health Foundation included awarding $4.3 million in grants, awarding over $63 million since inception, and navigating the pandemic. The Foundation was formed in 1995 with a corpus of $44 million and to date, we have awarded 846 grants! The Foundation's volunteer Board of Trustees strives to fulfill the Foundation's mission which is "to enhance the lives of the people in the San Angelo area". Soon we will reach another milestone of granting $65 million in funding!
In 2021 we partnered with 31 organizations and funded 44 worthy projects. These projects address basic needs, health and wellness, disease and injury prevention, early childhood development, our aging population, and education. The Texas Ramp Project uses volunteer labor to install wheelchair ramps for low-income, disabled and homebound residents. These ramps provide the freedom for an individual to remain in their homes. The YMCA of San Angelo is renovating space to offer an expanded preschool curriculum to low-income parents. Howard College is cultivating a nonprofit leadership training program. Their program will assist in developing tomorrow's nonprofit leaders.
Partnering with 235 nonprofits since its inception has allowed the Foundation to continue its mission. Grant awards have beautified parks throughout San Angelo and the Concho Valley. Collaborations with nonprofits that provide health care, mental health, and rehabilitation services ensure those in need have quality care available to them. Volunteer fire departments give our rural neighbors firefighting services, EMS, and vehicle crash assistance. Each partnership offers services to enhance an individual's quality of life.
The pandemic changed normal ways of life for almost everyone. The Foundation decided to stay the course and remain steadfast in our partnerships with area nonprofits. In 2021 we saw area organizations create innovative ways to continue to reach their clients. For some, it was providing telehealth services or allowing employees to work remotely, or creating videos and other content to engage clients. All creating a stronger community for all of our residents in the Concho Valley.
I would like to thank my fellow volunteer Trustees for the leadership and guidance which has strengthened the core of the Foundation. The Foundation continues to seek out and identify areas that will benefit all in our community and will continue to do so. For more information please visit our website.
Sincerely,
David Lupton, Chair