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NOW PLAYING: Chef Anthony Velazquez and Little Chef welcome a Henry Elementary student back to school. The
pair is a hit at perfect attendance luncheons. Many GVMH employees make regular appearances at the school
through a Bright Futures partnership.
Grow your
own herbs
The most tastefully dressed
dishes are wearing fresh
herbs. But herbs can be
pricey. To grow them at
home, plant your favorites
in a sunny spot with well-
drained soil. Water them as
needed—but skip the pesti-
cides. Basil, chives and pars-
ley thrive in containers. Mint
is easy to grow, too—though
it can invade your garden, so
keep a close eye on it.
Snip leaves as you need
them. To save some for
the future, rinse leaves;
place them one deep on
a tray; and dry in a dark,
well-ventilated room. Drying
intensifies flavor—so use
one-third to one-fourth less.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture;
University of Illinois Extension Program
BRIGHT FUTURES
BECAUSE EVERY CHILD
NEEDS A CHAMPION
BRIGHT FUTURES USA
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing commu-
nities together to focus on the success of children. Clinton is one of 38 Bright Futures
communities throughout Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, North Caro-
lina and Virginia.
What began in Joplin in 2010 as a way to improve graduation rates grew into a com-
munitywide support system to address the basic needs of children. Clinton became
an affiliate in 2014, and GVMH officially signed on in 2015 as the building sponsor for
Henry Elementary School, which includes preschool through second-grade students.
Since then, GVMH staff members have become a part of the learning landscape.
Employees present skits at character trait assemblies; serve a quarterly catered lunch
prepared by GVMH’s own chef for students with perfect attendance; and spend time in
the cafeteria, classroom and playground with students who need extra attention. Teach-
ers receive support also, with snacks,
small gifts and notes of encouragement.
As a Bright Futures community
partner, GVMH is opening a way for all
children to learn, lead and serve to their
full potential—now and in the future.
EMPLOYEES
GIVE BACK
EACH DAY,
GVMH employees strive to meet the mission
of providing exceptional health and wellness services with
friendliness and compassion.
Aside from caring for patients, employees domuchmore
to create a ripple that reaches far beyond the walls of the
hospital and clinics. For example:
●
●
Every fall, employees collect hundreds of pounds of
food for Christmas boxes for needy families served by The
Samaritan Center.
●
●
During the school year, employees spend time reading
to children, joining them for lunch and visiting their class-
rooms through a partnership with Clinton Bright Futures.
●
●
Annually, employees contribute thousands of dollars
to a scholarship program that helps their coworkers reach
career goals and ultimately provide better care for patients.
“Whenever we ask for help, the response is immediate,”
says Deanna Hendrich, Director of Development and Com-
munications. “Sometimes it’s simple, such as asking for boxes
of colored pencils, and sometimes it’s more involved, such
as giving up lunch hours to help students or donating dol-
lars from paychecks. It doesn’t matter. Our staff shows up.”
Nowhere is that more evident than the support the hos-
pital’s foundation receives, Hendrich says. Employees and
medical staff play a significant role in annual events, includ-
ing the diabetes walk, the 5K walk/run and the fall gala.
“They give their dollars, which is great, but they also
participate and volunteer, which also helps,” Hendrich says.
“The events could not happen without them.”
Hendrich is especially pleased with the enthusiasm for
the foundation’s continuing education awards program,
which has provided 28 awards totaling $15,000 since 2014.
“The program is funded primarily through employee
donations,” she says. “I’m continually amazed by their
willingness to share.”
The lasting impact of employee generosity is how it in-
spires others to give, Hendrich notes.
“When businesses or individuals consider how they want
to support the work we are doing, I’mquick to point out that
our own staffmembers believe strongly in what we do,” she
says. “Their passion motivates others to give.”
To make a tax-deductible gift to the foundation or
to include GVMH in an estate plan, please call
660-890-7108
or email
foundation@gvmh.org
.
Want to learn more
about the foundation? Go to
www.gvmh.org/foundationto find out how.
C om m u n i t y
H E A L T H
S C E N E
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