SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Over three weeks, Sanford Health and Good Samaritan employees donated more than $1 million for colleagues facing financial hardship related to COVID-19.
“We are family here,” said Bobbie Tibbetts, president of the Sanford Health Foundation. “This is how family pulls together in crisis and comes out stronger. We lift each other up so we can do what we’re called to do — to care for our patients and communities, together, now and always.” The Good Samaritan Foundation became a part of the Sanford Health Foundation when their parent organizations merged in 2019.
The gifts benefit the Foundation’s Enterprise Employee Crisis Fund, which supports both Sanford and Good Samaritan employees struggling to meet basic needs due to extraordinary and unexpected circumstances — like those caused by the far-reaching effects of the ongoing pandemic.
"...we’re sending 100 percent right back out to help colleagues with basic needs like food, housing, clothing or child care,” Tibbetts said.
Since early April, 56 Good Samaritan employees have received assistance, with 15 applications currently under review or pending, and more submitted every day. Any employee may apply to receive up to $1,000 in assistance. Applications remain anonymous and are reviewed by a committee of peers representing all regions of Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan.
“As gifts come in, we’re sending 100 percent right back out to help colleagues with basic needs like food, housing, clothing or child care,” Tibbetts said. “There’s incredible need right now, but fortunately, it’s matched by incredible kindness and generosity.”
In addition to the Employee Crisis Fund, the Foundation has launched an Emerging Threats Fund for each location in the more than 20 states in its footprint. These funds give local leaders the flexibility to respond to COVID-19 and other health care threats. Funds are directed to areas of greatest need, like helping purchase personal protective equipment for front line employees or supporting enhanced training to upskill staff to meet changing needs.
“Every day, I continue to be touched by the selflessness of our Foundation supporters,” Tibbetts said. “There are challenging days ahead, but the spirit of giving is shining a bright light of hope.”
To learn more about giving to a local Good Samaritan location in support of front line employees, please visit the Emerging Threats Fund page.
