Staff writer
Bethesda Home in Goessel was awarded grants totaling $1,000 from the Goessel Community Foundation for its Bethesda Home Friendship Meal Program.
Bethesda was given $900 from the Community Seniors Endowed Fund and $100 from the Goessel Community Foundation Impact Fund.
Bethesda’s Friendship Meal program provides 188 meals each month to residents who have limitations. Volunteers deliver the meals to recipients’ homes.
Grant money will be used to buy trays and inserts to keep cold and hot food at proper temperatures.
Bethesda Home has served the frail and elderly in and around Goessel since 1899.
“There is clearly a need for home delivered meals in the Goessel community as the population continues to age,” said Pete Flaming, development director for Bethesda Home. “We have found that for some this is the only well-balanced meal that they receive for that day. Individuals are staying in their own homes longer and this service allows for that to remain a possibility, while keeping the residents well-nourished.”
Flaming said the program’s primary funding comes from $5 per meal donations, which generate $11,305 per year.
Donors are encouraged to make up the approximately $6,675 shortfall after the grant money was received.
Other Goessel Community Foundation grants awarded April 29 include:
- $400 to Goessel Elementary After-School Program for play equipment and supplies;
- $300 to Goessel Public Library to purchase large print books;
- $500 to Mennonite Heritage & Agricultural Museum for painting the Schroeder Barn on the Museum grounds; and
- $300 to Tabor Food Pantry to purchase Keith Foods cards and items needed by the pantry.
Donna Spoonemore was recognized for raising over $1,100 for the Foundation’s Dustin Thiesen Student Opportunity Scholarship. Spoonemore sponsored a 5K run, walk, or jog.