Donation Supports Childcare, Camp Costs for Wheeler Employees
Citing the sometimes-difficult financial balance for parents in frontline health care and teaching careers, an anonymous donor is supporting childcare and summer camp costs for Wheeler Health employees.
The gift provides at least twelve $1,000 stipends for Wheeler employees, and the donor is also covering the equivalent of the employee portion of the FICA payroll tax to maximize the benefit for employees receiving the award.
“The root of the word philanthropy is ‘love of humanity,’ and this donor epitomizes that definition through this amazing act of kindness,” says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Every day, our staff give every ounce of their energy to our patients and students. What an amazing way to show gratitude for their dedication to public service.”
Called The Summer of Hope initiative, after Wheeler’s new administrative headquarters opening at One Hope Street, Bristol, the stipend application will be open to any employee, but priority is given to employees based on financial need.
Wheeler is a statewide human services provider, a federally qualified health center, and operates Northwest Village School, a therapeutic special education day school in Plainville. It employs approximately 1,000 employees.
“During the pandemic, we all recognized that our teachers and frontline health care workers are indeed heroes,” the donor says. “If I can help alleviate financial stress in people choosing careers that serve others, that’s what I want to do. We’re put on this earth to ‘pay it forward,’ and I am who I am today because of teachers and dedicated health care professionals.”
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages recovery, health, and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for more than 60,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Visit WheelerHealth.org.
