Download the Mother Xavier Ross Award Brochure (PDF), print it out and send in your application by mail, or Apply Online by March 7, 2008. The Mission Fund Brochure is available as printable PDF file using Adobe Acrobat. If you do not already have an Adobe Acrobat Reader, download a free copy now from Adobe Acrobat.
Mother Xavier Ross and the Sisters who accompanied her to Leavenworth, Kansas, began immediately to meet the needs of those about them — especially the needs of the poor. They worked in partnership with the people who shared their mission to make a difference. The Xavier Award recognizes efforts that carry on this spirit and carries with it a one-time grant, in an amount of $50,000, which will be applied to the project. This year’s recipient is the "Circle of Care" piloted by Marian Clinic of Topeka, Kansas.
The award will allow the clinic to staff Circle of Care with a full-time mental health professional to screen at-risk patients for the appropriate level of intervention. This could include therapy or case management services at the clinic or at a partnering agency. The mental health professional will also coordinate volunteer providers and continuing education relevant to mental health concerns for clinic staff.
Marian Clinic currently has volunteer mental health providers including two psychiatrists, three licensed social workers and two counseling professionals who regularly see patients. “The award will allow a coordinated team approach,” said Marilyn Page, Marian Clinic Executive Director. “A spiritually integrated, holistic treatment plan that is affordable, and a mental health provider on site each day to support staff who often need help working with patients who have mental health problems.” Page said that depression is the second most frequent diagnosis at the clinic that provides primary health care services for persons without medical insurance. “It is apparent that the stressors of financial need, unemployment and homelessness combined with physical illness contribute to a high level of mental distress,” she explained.
The Mother Xavier Ross Award was established by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System in 1996. The award has benefited several programs across the western United States that provide health care services for persons who are economically disadvantaged.
The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System operates four clinics for the uninsured and eight hospitals in four states (California, Colorado, Kansas and Montana).
Criteria
The Award Committee annually reviews and evaluates each submitted proposal and selects for funding the one which best meets the following criteria:
- Demonstrates commitment to the SCLHS Creed
- Addresses needs of the economically disadvantaged and include them in planning and executing the project
- Impacts a significant number of people within the defined service area
- Illustrates creative and innovative approaches to meeting unmet human needs
- Forms collaborative partnerships that improve the health of the local community
- Utilizes resources effectively
- Demonstrates the ability to successfully manage the project
Eligibility
Any SCLHS Affiliate (hospital or clinic), or subsidiary of that Affiliate may submit a project, service or ongoing activity. For more information, contact Sister Judith Jackson at 913-895-2800.