Katharine Matthies Foundation Grants $20,000 to VNA of South Central CT

New Haven (September 2, 2014) – John R. Quinn, President & CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut (VNA/SCC), recently announced the VNA/SCC was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee to support the Medical Social Work Program at Spooner House in Shelton, CT.

The Medical Social Work Program developed for the Spooner House is a triage, referral and treatment system designed to facilitate the ultimate mission of ACT; to help people help themselves. Medical social work has been infused with the existing case management system to expand the capacity for health and independence achievements. The primary goal of case management is to optimize client functioning by providing quality services in the most efficient and effective manor to individuals with multiple complex needs. Program objectives include education, peer support, and consultation with the Spooner Case Manager and Supervisor during weekly visits. The VNA/SCC also provides short term counseling to assist with difficulties associated with the depression that can result from being homeless.

“We are truly appreciative that for the past eleven years, the Katharine Matthies Foundation, has shown its support of the VNA of South Central CT’s mission of providing a wide array of high-quality health services for individuals in the home and community,” said John R. Quinn, President & CEO of the VNA/SCC.

To make a contribution to support the VNA/SCC’s mission, please contact Melissa Healy, Community Development Specialist, at 203-859-6054. You can also donate online at www.razoo.com/story/Vna-Of-South-Central-Ct.

About VNA Health Systems

VNA Health Systems is comprised of the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut (VNA/SCC) and CareSource, Inc.

Founded in 1904, the VNA/SCC, which is the original VNA of New Haven, Milford, East Haven, and the Valley, is a state licensed, non-profit, community-based home health care agency. The VNA/SCC staff consists of highly skilled nurses, therapists, medical social workers and home health aides. A vital resource to the communities it serves, the VNA/SCC provides a wide range of specialized clinical services, community programs, the Nurturing Families Network and subsidized care, (through the Valley United Way and First Niagara Foundation) to those who are in need. The agency employs over 150 staff members, has an average daily census of over 855 patients and makes over 132,000 home visits per year. The agency is the founder of the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing. The VNA/SCC is supported in part by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Valley United Way, United Way of Milford, First Niagara, and corporate sponsors and individual donors. To learn more about the VNA/SCC visit www.vnascc.org.

CareSource strives to maximize the quality of life for its clients and their caregivers in the home and health care settings. Their services include homemakers, companions and live-in aides. To learn more about CareSource visit www.caresourceinc.org.

About the Katharine Matthies Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee

The Katharine Matthies Foundation was established in 1987 to support and promote quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations. The Matthies Foundation specifically serves the people of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

About Spooner House

Spooner House is operated by Area Congregations Together, Inc. with the mission of providing food, shelter and support services to people in need. All of their energies are devoted to helping their clients establish a self-sufficient living situation. Spooner House recognizes the dignity of their clients, and give them respect and deliver services without proselytizing.