Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund giving circles grant $59,205 to women’s health in 2024

Women’s healthcare in Southeast Kansas will receive a boost thanks to the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). The Women’s Health Fund (WHF) is granting $59,205 to 13 nonprofit organizations across the region.

The Women’s Health Fund and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas congratulate the following 2024 grant recipients:

Women’s Giving Circle grants ($51,705)

  • Angels Among Us will provide financial assistance to cancer patients for various needs including gas, rent, utilities, groceries, and medication.
  • Cherokee County Health Department will provide alternative menstrual products to women and girls in Cherokee County to improve accessibility and reduce monthly expenses.
  • Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation will purchase a new fetal-monitor system for their Women’s Health triage room to ensure reliable monitoring of mothers and babies.
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will acquire ultrasound equipment to train family practice residents, medical students, and nurse practitioner students in providing prenatal care for rural communities.
  • Fostering Connections will provide college care packages containing bedding, towels, hygiene items, and senior portrait packages for young women aging out of the foster care system.
  • Horses of Hope Riding Center, Inc. will develop the Georgia Becker Memorial Trail to provide animal-assisted nature-based therapy and programming for women seeking personal growth and healing.
  • Hospital District 1 Crawford County Foundation will purchase a Butterfly iQ3 Ultrasound System to enhance women’s health services at the Girard Medical Center Clinic of Frontenac.
  • Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc. will provide up to $400 worth of essential household items to help women survivors of domestic violence establish new homes.
  • Wilson Medical Center Foundation will provide free mammograms to 10 uninsured women aged 40 and above to promote early detection of breast cancer.

Circle of Friends grants ($7,500)

  • Catholic Charities Inc. will provide furniture and household items along with financial education and case management services to help women survivors of domestic violence achieve long-term financial and housing stability.
  • Families and Children Together Inc. will host “Mom’s Night Out” events providing mothers with opportunities for self-care, social networking, and parenting support to help manage stress and promote good mental health.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States will provide specialized nursing kits containing essential supplies and comfort items to support mothers with babies in the NICU.
  • SE Kansas Women Helping Women will provide funding for dental care services including exams and cleanings to assist women in need with their dental health issues.

About the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund

The members of the Women’s Health Fund are proud to contribute to the success of these organizations and applaud their projects in support of women’s health and well-being in SEK.

Established in 2007, the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund exists “[t]o improve the health and well-being of women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.” Today, the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund comprises the Women’s Giving Circle, the Circle of Friends, and the Nightingale Endowment. The Women’s Giving Circle and the Circle of Friends pool their financial resources to combat poverty, lack of health care, and improve women’s health education. Combined, they have granted over $500,000 to nonprofits in Southeast Kansas. The Nightingale Endowment supports technology upgrades and enhancements at the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing Simulation Hospital at Pittsburg State University.

“Being a member of the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund has increased my knowledge of women’s health issues in Southeast Kansas,” said WHF member Lynda Wilkinson. “I have a better understanding of where I can direct my charitable dollars and how to help other women!”

About CFSEK

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is pleased to be the host agency for the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK is a 501(c)(3) public charity that serves the region by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and improve the quality of life. The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, the Girard Area Community Foundation, and the Columbus Area Community Foundation are CFSEK affiliates. If you would like to learn more about the CFSEK or the Women’s Health Fund giving circles, we invite you to email us or call 620-231-8897.