Mercy Alliance for Women's Health presents grants to four women's programs

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Dec. 21, 2006

The Mercy Alliance for Women's Health in Sioux City presented grants to four local programs that benefit women on Dec. 14.

The grants totaled more than $16,000. The recipients included the Community Action Agency of Siouxland, Mercy Fertility Care Clinic, the Center for Siouxland and Mercy Rehabilitation Services.

"The alliance, Siouxland's first women's philanthropic giving circle, operates under the power of the collective purse," said Kim Kletschke, chairperson of the non-profit organization. "We have a very generous group of women that believe we really can make a difference in the lives of other women in our community. Our members pool their annual $500 membership. We research and vote to award grants to organizations, programs and projects that support women's health."

The organizations that receive support are nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations that are compatible with the mission and values of a Catholic healthcare organization. Grants may be awarded in the areas of women's physical, mental, social, environmental or spiritual health.

"By combining our resources, we can make significant charitable contributions that we may not be able to do individually," said Kletschke. "Through this combined effort, women in Siouxland can realize their power as donors and leaders in philanthropy. Our alliance was formed just three short years ago."

Kletschke announced the organizations that were the recipients of the 2006 grants.

Alice Mullet of the Community Action Agency accepted a check for $9,863 for the organizations Crossroads Shelter, which provides housing for homeless women, most of whom have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse or incest, drug or alcohol additions or mental illness. The program provides corrective lenses and dental services, as well as educational health and wellness videos for a 17-week wellness curriculum. In addition, the shelter makes it possible for residents to attend social events in the community.

"I would like to thank the Mercy Alliance for this wonderful gift. It really means a lot to the women in our shelter," said Mullet. She also recounted a story about one of the clients that the shelter has been able to help.

Mercy Fertility Care Services was awarded $782 for new equipment. The program uses the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology, which can be used to treat a range of health issues including infertility, repeated miscarriages, PMS and post-partum depression.

"I would like to thank the alliance for the gift that they are presenting today," noted Barb Small, a representative from Mercy Fertility Care Services. "With this we hope to enhance women's health care here in Siouxland and at Mercy."

The Mercy Alliance for Women's Health presented a check for $3,000 to the Center for Siouxland for a project that gives women in need a one-time voucher to buy physician-prescribed medications to maintain or regain their mental or physical health. The Center will also make referrals to agencies or other sources that can help these women meet the cost of future or long-term prescriptions.

Mercy Rehabilitation Services was awarded $2,990 to allow a physical therapist to receive 80 hours of training in the treatment of lymphedema.

"This is a serious and progressive condition that causes swelling in the arms and legs. It is currently not being treated in the Sioux City area," said Kletschke. "Lymphedema is common in post-mastectomy patients in the United States."

With the awarding of grants on Dec. 14, the women of the organization and giving circle has distributed over $60,000 over the last three years to local organizations that are helping women.

"I would like to thank all of you for coming today. Most importantly, I would like to thank the agencies for the services they are providing," said Kletschke.

She also thanked the women of the alliance for being generous and believing in philanthropy and helping women in the community.