Albion-Homer United Way Grant for Eye Care Services
Making lives better is the focus of the Albion-Homer United Way. A recent grant to the Albion Health Care Alliance will help provide eye care services to improve residents’ health in the two communities.
The money came from annual fundraising efforts by the AHUW. Fall begins the new season of giving to support this vital organization. Previous money from AHUW donors will help provide both optometry and ophthalmology services at the Cram Building at 115 Market Place in Albion.
According to Rod Auton, administrator of the Health Care Alliance the grant will help purchase identified eye care equipment that was not covered under other funding sources.
“The Eye Care Services place has already been developed with support from the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Eye care equipment was partially funded by a Calhoun County Senior Millage grant but more money was needed to purchase the remaining equipment,” Auton said.
Eye care services were identified as an unmet health care need in a 2016 Albion Needs Assessment completed by Albion College faculty. Marcia Starkey AHUW Executive Director said that granting the money for this unmet health care need is part of the organization’s mission. to improve the quality of life for residents of Albion and Homer.
To support the AHUW goals individual donors and donations through business and industry are solicited every fall. Payroll deductions and one-time donations are sought during every annual campaign. Donations can also be made throughout the year, Starkey said.
Starkey also said there are four good reasons to donate to the Albion-Homer United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and that funding decisions are made locally. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.
Donation forms will be mailed this month. Donors can also pick up forms at the Albion Community Foundation and the Homer Public Library. Donations can also be made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org/ ormailed to AHUW PO Box 55, Albion indicating annual fund giving.
The mission of the AHUW is to provide “long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening” to help community members “live more whole lives-a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support family through retirement, and good health.”
Board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, David Diemert, Ryan Hopson, Art Kale, Patrick McLean, Isabell Nazar, Scott Salow, Pam Schuler, Gary Tompkins, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
