David Fulcher, CEO

Recently, Milwaukee Catholic Home’s innovative programs have received significant recognition from charitable foundations.  When deciding whether to provide funding to a given organization or program, foundations consider the key question:

What is the impact?

This is the same question that we ask on a daily basis here at MCH.  Our mission goes beyond just providing for the daily needs of our residents – our goal is to make a lasting impact in their lives, the lives of their families, and the life of our larger community.

The funding we’ve received from outside entities is an affirmation to us that our work is having that lasting effect.  As you read about the various programs that have been funded, I hope that you will also feel moved to contribute in whatever way you are able to the great work being done here in the service of older adults.

Bader Philanthropies

Bader Philanthropies has an impressive track record when it comes to funding older adult programs, especially those focused on Alzheimer’s Disease treatment and awareness.  We are delighted that they have chosen to support our Intergenerational Education Initiative, which has been a topic in several of our previous email newsletters.

The goal of the program to enrich students’ understanding of aging while allowing older adults with memory loss to draw on their individual strengths to contribute to the educational process.  We piloted the program last fall, bringing together a group of around 40 MCH residents and fourth grade students.

One of the reasons this program had specific appeal to Bader Philanthropies was that we are committed to achieving measurable results through pre- and post-testing that will allow the program to be replicated, both here at MCH and at other retirement communities.  Our goal is always sustainability and lasting impact.

Eckstein Foundation

We first received funding from the Ray and Kay Eckstein Foundation in 2015, and the foundation has committed an even larger grant in 2016.  The funds have been committed specifically to support our partnership with the Assumption BVM Province of the Franciscan Friars, in keeping with the foundation’s specific interest in funding the care of retired priests and religious.

As part of our partnership with the friars, we have explored new, creative models of care, putting our 100 years of experience to work improving their health care and quality of life.  Specific initiatives in partnership with the friars have included the establishment of a friary in our healthcare center, the hiring of a nurse navigator to manage the retired friars’ health needs, and Clare Gardens, the community farm bringing new life to the friars’ Burlington property.  The Eckstein family has recognized the impact of the partnership in the lives of religious men who have given their lives to the Church, and we are glad to have their ongoing support in this important work.