BERRIEN SPRINGS — Lakeland Health recently awarded $90,000 to two area organizations on behalf of the Lakeland Health Community Wellness Endowment, established in 2014 to help sponsor local organizations that promote community health. To date the endowment has awarded more than $500,000.

Grant recipients include $50,000 to Andrews University in support of the construction of a new Health and Wellness Center on campus with the intention of providing wellness and exercise opportunities and education for students and residents of the greater Berrien Springs area. In addition, $40,000 was awarded to Neighbor to Neighbor to help construct a 10,800-square foot building to expand services designed to provide physical and emotional relief to clients who have experienced personal acute crisis.

Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a 15 Top U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017. The health system has over 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers.

“Three years ago, the Lakeland Health Board of Directors established the Community Wellness Endowment in an effort to collaborate with community partners to improve access to preventative care and the health outcomes of our community,” said Brandi Smith-Gordon, Vice President of Philanthropy and President, Lakeland Health Foundations. “These most recent grants go to worthy organizations who are committed to this work.”

“On behalf of those we serve we are grateful for the generous gift,” said Laura Meyer, Executive

Director, Neighbor to Neighbor. “I am glad we can partner with Lakeland Health through our Family Emergency Services program to promote wellness in our community.”

Initiatives supported by the Community Wellness Endowment must be sponsored by non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that serve populations integral to Lakeland Health service areas of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in southwest Michigan. Support must be focused on existing programs, new initiatives and/or capital needs. The next round of grants will be awarded in December, with applications due by Tuesday, Dec. 5.

For more information, or to complete an application, visit lakelandhealthfoundations.org.