As challenges resulting from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to unfold, Hope Strengthens Foundation (HSF) remains committed to prioritizing support for our current beneficiaries, many of whom are immunocompromised.
The main impact on HSF’s operations from COVID-19 has been the decision to postpone our Annual Charity Golf Outing to August 24. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and goes a long way to support HSF’s programs and beneficiaries. Despite the challenges of postponement, HSF remains committed to funding programs and partnerships, including the Ari Schultz Grant through the Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation. This grant will assist children and families receiving treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital for congenital heart disease. We will also fund the Alexandra “Ally” Smith Memorial Scholarship at Walpole High School to support a graduating senior, who will pursue health-related studies in college.
In addition to honoring our commitment to ongoing programs, HSF’s Board of Directors has decided to dedicate resources to several programs that serve those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response:
- The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Healthcare Heroes Fund is an emergency relief effort that directs critical resources to nurses, physicians, and staff fighting this pandemic on the front lines.
- The Brigham COVID-19 Response Fund was established to aid Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s efforts on every front as they work to defeat COVID-19, care for patients and families.
The Board also recognized that during this difficult time, it is important to support organizations leading critical work that may not be in direct alignment with our mission. Therefore, we’ve made contributions to the following organizations:
- The Greater Boston Food Bank works alongside their 500+ partner hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts.
- The National Domestic Workers Alliance Coronavirus Care Fund has been established to assist the many in-home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners for whom the coronavirus is especially severe. Without access to health care, paid sick leave, or job security, they are being forced to navigate this crisis alone — without a safety net.
Thank you to our donors and supporters for your unwavering commitment and placing us in a strong position to make these contributions. If you would like to make a donation to either our ongoing programs or for COVID-19 specific support we are providing, please donate here.
Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions for how HSF can help out further during this unprecedented shock to our healthcare and support systems.