Throughout the pandemic CMF has highlighted Michigan philanthropy’s collaborative responses to the ongoing crises of public health and economic downturn. There have been many powerful stories of partnership within our CMF community to address the ongoing needs of communities amid the pandemic. 

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation is partnering with nonprofits that address basic needs and provide programming for vulnerable youth and families. 

The foundation has collaborated with Honor Community Health to support COVID-19 community-based vaccine clinics in Pontiac and surrounding areas.  

Honor Community Health is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that provides access to primary, behavioral health, dental care and other services. Honor Community Health’s primary focus is to provide high quality health services to those who have little or no access to health care. 

“Many of our current partners, like Honor Community Health, have deep inroads into the communities they serve. Providing support for Honor Community Health made sense as it is a trusted source for healthcare and education in Pontiac and the surrounding community,” Virginia Romano, chief executive officer of the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation said. 

While vaccines have become progressively more available, there remains a critical need for equitable vaccine access and distribution.  

“By offering vaccines in churches, schools and group homes, Honor is working to ensure that the most vulnerable populations, including individuals within the Black and Brown community, as well as those with serious mental health and physical disabilities, have convenient, easy access in their own neighborhoods,” Romano said. 

Romano said that vaccine education will play an increasingly essential role and sharing informative messages about vaccines, their safety and necessity will be even more important.

We continue to highlight efforts led by and in partnership with CMF members to increase access and education around the vaccine. We invite you to view our recent coverage of The Kresge Foundation, Dart Foundation,

Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Saginaw Community Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Is your organization supporting efforts connected to the education, access or distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine? Share your story with the CMF team as we lift up opportunities for peer engagement and share emerging grantmaking practices with our entire CMF community.