HeartReach says ‘thanks’

To the editor,

I want to extend a BIG ‘Thank You’ to the Alaska Rasmuson Foundation for their recent grant to HeartReach Center. HRC was in need of a technology up-date for new computers and file cabinets to help serve our pregnancy and family clients in this great Mat-Su Valley. The Rasmuson Foundation granted nearly $20,000 to our office staff and volunteers to purchase new computer upgrades for each work station.

HRC has served over 20,000 individual clients and numerous children and families for 30 years here in the Mat-Su. We are non-profit with a 501(3)(c) status and strive to use every dollar in the most effective way. Because our services are free of charge we can use all monies raised to help bring hope, value, and life to our clients and their families. This agency started out from the simple roots as a pregnancy help center but realized the great need to help fathers and the extended family with parenting issues. Our focus is in two areas: pregnancy testing with limited OB ultrasounds, and family parenting/mentoring classes.

Because we are supported by individuals, business, and churches within the Valley we can give our services for free. We have 38 trained center volunteers, seven staff employees, and several hundred volunteers that help with fund raising events throughout the year.

As fellow Alaskans that serve in the non-profit sector, we have the great opportunity to partner with foundations in times of need, such as the Rasmuson Foundation. Because of their partnerships with us, we can together build stronger communities that bring health and wholeness to lives. The Mat-Su Health Foundation has also granted monies to HRC to implement our Fatherhood Program with needed training and materials. I want to say ‘Thank you’ to these foundations that have a forward vision for the people that HeartReach has served for many years. We are greatly appreciative for their financial help.

Joyce Moropoulos,

Executive director

HeartReach Center