Promise also received two private donations totaling $25,000 for the project in addition to contributing its own matching funds.
The grant, which is funded from the foundation’s Generations Community Endowment Fund, was awarded during the Sioux Center Spirit of Community celebration on Tuesday, April 23, at Terrace View Event Center. Promise was among nine local, nonprofit organizations that received a total of $28,000 in grant funding.
The unit will replace an ultrasound machine that Promise has used throughout most of its history, has become outdated and has reached the end of its lifespan. It will be used primarily by Promise’s midwifery team for prenatal purposes, but it also will be used by Promise’s medical providers for various medical diagnostic purposes. The state-of-the-art 3D images produced by the ultrasound machine will result in more accurate diagnosing.
“Our health center is very excited to have received this grant, specifically our OB department,” said Emily Tuschen, co-chief executive officer for Promise. “The purchase of the new ultrasound machine will allow our providers to give more comprehensive care. We are honored that the Sioux Center Foundation also recognizes the importance of this diagnostic tool and are so grateful for their generosity.”
Promise’s midwifery team will use the ultrasound scans to visualize the baby’s heartbeat and anatomy. The new unit will increase clarity of images and present a clearer sound of the fetal heartbeat. The ultrasound will not to replace the regular 20-week scan for prenatal patients; Promise will continue to refer those services to local facilities.
Ultimately, the ultrasound scans will help ensure that expectant mothers carry and deliver a healthy baby. Many of these women are low income and/or are uninsured. During 2018, Promise’s midwifery team served 216 prenatal patients, including 46.8 percent who had no medical insurance and 25.5 percent who were on Medicaid – a combined 72.2 percent.
“Many of our expecting mothers are new to the community, and many are new to pregnancy,” said Emily Tuschen, co-chief executive officer for Promise. “Promise is dedicated to educating and counseling these women on how to care for themselves and how to care for their unborn baby. The ultrasound provides to be a great tool because it offers expecting mothers a first-hand view of the moving, living child growing within them. The image reinforces in a powerful way what is being taught by the midwife providers, and it offers reassurance that all is well with the baby.”
ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS:
The Sioux Center Community Foundation was formed in 1997 to provide a way for individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible donations to large community projects.
Since then, $7 million has flowed to various projects, including All Seasons Center, Sioux Center Public Library, The Ridge Golf Club, Sioux Center Recreation Trail and Sioux County Regional Airport.
In 2016, the foundation also established a separate Generations Community Endowment Fund as a means to distribute competitive grants to local, nonprofit organizations.
In the third year of grant awards, the following nine organizations were awarded a total of $28,000 on Tuesday, April 23. The grants funded a portion of each project.
- Promise Community Health Center – $5,000 to replace ultrasound machine;
- Sioux Center Christian School – $5,000 for Tales & Trails Summer Camp materials;
- Sioux Center Health – $5,000 for high chairs, tables and chairs for Early Childhood Center;
- Sioux Center Music Boosters – $4,000 for new marching band uniforms;
- House of Missions and Equipping (HOME) – $2,000 for tables and furnishings;
- American Legion Post 199 – $2,500 for window replacement;
- Sioux Center Public Library – $2,000 for furnishings for young adult area;
- American Legion Auxiliary – $1,500 for updated appliances;
- Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra – $1,000 for multimedia for concert for children.
“The Sioux Center Foundation Board and Generations Community Grant Endowment Fund are happy that we can distribute this money to you,” said Kevin Wolterstorff, president of the Sioux Community Foundation Board. “We’re really grateful for all your efforts, for your vision and for your leadership on these various committees and your activities with your groups and in your effort to make Sioux Center a better place.”
