Bakersfield, CA: Kern Family Health Care, through the Kern Health Systems Community Grant Program, gives grants to assist local non-profit organizations similarly devoted to improving the life and wellbeing of Kern County’s most vulnerable citizens. In 2019, Kern Family Health Care awarded $83,000 to 43 different Community Based Organizations. Many Kern Family Health Care members receive assistance through programs, services, and events by this funding.

Grant funds are used in a variety of ways. Examples of some grants include the purchase of refrigerators by the Bakersfield Homeless Center, which helps their clients get housed and have the capability to store food. Another is the grant given to The Blessing Corner that allowed them to serve 4,000 hot meals. In addition, the Central Farmworker Foundation is able to bring health screenings and education to under-served local farmworkers. Along with art classes given to children in Shafter and Bakersfield provided by the Community Action Partnership of Kern at their Friendship House and Shafter Youth Center locations, to name just a few.

A grant awarded to the Independent Living Center of Kern County assisted with their Mattress Project that helped individuals with disabilities who are transitioning from either a skilled nursing facility, homeless shelter, or off of community streets by providing mattresses as opposed to sleeping on the floor when moving into affordable housing. “ILCKC appreciates the forward thinking of Kern Family Health Care working as a team player to improve inclusion and accessibility for all individuals” stated Jan Lemucchi, ILCKC Resource Development Manager. Jan Lemucchi went on to state, “This funding will not only improve the quality of life for these individuals, but so much more. The overall physical and mental health improves in these individuals when becoming independently housed”.

For more information, please contact: Jacque Jans at (661) 332-6025.