Gaudenzia, Inc., a statewide health and human services nonprofit agency with programs based in Schuylkill County, received a First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to provide inpatient and outpatient services for the community’s under- and uninsured clients at three facilities in Pottsville and Ashland.
Gaudenzia helps individuals and families affected by chemical dependency, mental illness and related conditions achieve a better quality of life by allowing them to live as productive and accountable individuals through comprehensive treatment and prevention methods.
The organization plans to use the funding to provide treatment scholarships for long-term care clients who need more than the typical 28 days of care, which is funded by a per diem reimbursement. Additional funds will be used for education remediation, which assists clients with obtaining their high school diploma or GED.
Gaudenzia officials said the grant will help the organization leverage funds contributed by individuals and businesses and grants from the Benevolent Association of Pottsville and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. Officials added that “every $1 invested in addiction treatment saves $7 in reduced crime and criminal justice costs and, when health care savings are factored in, the figure jumps to $12.
James D. Ingolio, Gaudenzia’s community affairs manager, said the First Federal Charitable Foundation’s support will help Gaudenzia fulfill its mission, which includes conducting research and educating the community on the causes, treatment and prevention of addictions, mental illness and related conditions.
“The First Federal Charitable Foundation addresses a wide array of opportunities, needs and issues that impact the community – from health and human services to civic and economic development. The Foundation's staff and board of directors mange its funds wisely and effectively,” he said.
The First Federal Charitable Foundation was established to support worthwhile community causes. It strives to nurture nonprofit institutions and programs that will effectively serve those in need from the community, empower nonprofit institutions and programs that will expand their presence in and services to the area, and promote opportunities for new nonprofit institutions and programs that will serve the unserved.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that are located in Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia counties are eligible to apply. Any organization whose headquarters is in another county but services either Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon or Columbia counties may apply for a grant to be used in one of those counties.