ChenMed, a leading provider of primary care for underserved seniors, is pledging $100,000 in 2021 to address issues affecting communities of color. The philanthropic commitment is part of the company’s continued efforts focused on cultural diversity, equity and inclusion. Catalyst Miami and the Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation (OLCDC) are the first two organizations to receive donations from the pledged funds. Each organization is benefiting from a $10,000 gift that will help residents pay utility bills.
“We’re thrilled to kick off our pledge with two organizations located in our own backyard of our Miami corporate headquarters,” said Stephanie Chen, chief legal and culture officer at ChenMed. “Both organizations solve issues adversely affecting under-resourced communities, aligning with ChenMed’s mission to serve the neediest populations. We look forward to partnering with similar socially-aware organizations in the other cities we serve.”
With more than 75 primary care medical practices in underserved neighborhoods located in 10 states, ChenMed is a leading provider of primary care for Medicare-eligible seniors.
Catalyst Miami is using the ChenMed Cares funds to help individuals and families pay their utility bills. The goal is to reach 40 families, providing $250 each for utility bills, enough to cover two-to-three months.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been working to support families that are struggling to pay their bills,” said Gretchen Beesing, chief executive officer of Catalyst Miami. “And we have advocated for utility companies to stop disconnections on households that are behind on their payments. This contribution from ChenMed will directly benefit families and is just the kind of solidarity our communities need to rebound from this crisis.”
The Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation (OLCDC) is using the $10,000 donation to help senior citizens who live in Town Center Apartments, an affordable housing community, pay their utility bills.
“The pandemic has been hard on many families, particularly the ones in low-income communities who were living in poverty or working low-income jobs. They didn’t have the luxury of stashing away emergency savings which is why we’ve been working to provide them with a temporary bridge through emergency assistance,” said Nikisha Williams, chief operating officer, OLCDC. “With ChenMed’s support, we will be able to pay past due utility bills for elderly residents in Opa-locka, many of whom were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic.”
