Creating a Healthier Community
Beacon Community Impact works with multiple organizations in a collaborative health network. We use data-driven, evidence-based and transparent practices to chart progress and measure health impact as a result of the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).
We are committed to strengthening the relationships within our community and embracing the diversity found there to help make Elkhart County, Marshall County, St Joseph County, and St. Joseph County, MI
a healthy place to live!
We have a steadfast commitment to make our community one of the healthiest in the nation. Creating a healthier community means helping people stay well by:
- Educating on important health topics
- Providing the means to adopt healthier lifestyle choices
- Removing barriers to adequate healthcare
Beacon Community Impact does this in three main ways:
- By providing funding for non-profit organizations that help create change in a CHNA priority area
- By working with organizations, businesses, and other groups to build the capacity of our community to respond to its health needs
- By delivering educational and clinical programming to address community health needs in Beacon’s service area.
Our Community Benefit Approach
At Beacon Community Impact, we address community health needs as determined in the Community Health Needs Assessment with a three-pronged approach.
First, we provide direct service to clients through our Early Childhood Services and Community Health Services teams. Whether providing education one-on-one, in a virtual group presentation, or in a school assembly, we aim to prevent adverse health outcomes with some of the most vulnerable in our community. Topics addressed are in our four priority areas and follow evidence-based curricula. Our clinical services are delivered by nutritionists, nurses, and social workers through programs such as our WIC program in St. Joseph County, or our Perinatal Care Coordination (PNCC) program which focus on preventing infant and maternal mortality and addressing the mental health challenges facing young parents and families.
Our second approach is to fund local community partners who do excellent work in similar priority areas. Recognizing that Beacon Community Impact has a greater reach if we partner with others, we fund non-profits who are providing service in our priority areas. Each organization, both internal and external, is responsible for completing periodic reports so we can measure our collective impact.
Our third approach is to function as the fiscal agent in administering federal and state grants. We combine direct service with education about COVID vaccinations and community outreach with providing COVID vaccinations through a partnership with St. Joseph Health System, from a grant funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. The two grants together totaled nearly $5,000,000.
Community Health Advisory Council Members:
- Kristen Marsh – Beacon Health System
- Leslie Miller – Beacon Health System
- Michael Nixon – Beacon Health System
- Adrian Riley – Elkhart Police Department
- Esleen Fultz – Heart City Health
- Lindsay London – Wa-Nee Community Schools
- Melanie Sizemore – Elkhart County Health Department
- Natalie Bickle – Elkhart Community Schools
- Rocio Diaz – Maple City Health Care Center, Inc.
- Sandy Duffee – Marshall County Health Department
- Donald Zimmer – Beacon Health System
- Jason Marker – Memorial Family Medicine Residency
- Joyce Adams – University of Notre Dame, ECK Institute
- Juan Constantino – La Casa de Amistad
- Matthew Sisk – University of Notre Dame, Lucy Family Institute
- Melissa Mitchell/Josh Kellems – HealthLinc
- Renee Fleming – 1st Source Bank
- Stephanie Steward – BridgesSouth Bend Community Schools
- Cameron Bullock – Pivotal
- Rebecca Burns – Branch/Hillsdale/St Joseph Community Health Agency
- Stacy Linihan – Covered Bridge Healthcare
- Kelly Liechty – Oaklawn Psychiatric
- Karla Fales – REAL Services, Inc.
Health Equity Champions
- Tara Morris – Minority Health Coalition of Elkhart County
- Barb Holcomb – Community Advocate
- Dara Marquez – La Casa de Amistad
- Debra Stanley – Imani Unidad
- H.R. Jung – LGBTQ Center
- Rebekah Go – Community Advocate
- Pam Riley – Commission on Aging
- Pastor Terry Cropper – Bethel Baptist Church
Meet the Beacon Community Impact Team
Vice President, Community Impact & Partnerships
- Kimberly received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Holy Cross College, Notre Dame and a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University of
Email: kgreenreeves@beaconhealthsystem.org
Director, Community Impact
- Cassy White has over 5 years of experience in community, public and environmental health. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in International Health from
Email: ckwhite@beaconhealthsystem.org
Manager, Grants and Partnerships
- Alice earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Business Administration from Indiana University South Bend. She began her career with
Email: AHightshoe@beaconhealthsystem.org
Manager, Early Childhood Services
- Darice is excited to serve as the Manager of Early Childhood Services at Beacon Health System within Community Impact, she holds an MBA in
Email: DRuth@beaconhealthsystem.org
Manager, WIC St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke Counties
- Beckie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health from Indiana University, as well as a graduate certificate in
Email: rlies@beaconhealthsystem.org
Project Director, Family Journey
- Jane is a passionate advocate for maternal and child well-being with an academic foundation in psychology, holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of
Email: jenorell@beaconhealthsystem.or
St. Joseph County IN WIC Clinic Supervisor
- Kaitlyn received a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with concentrations in Nutrition and Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015. Her passion for
Email: ksingleton@beaconhealthsystem.org
Community Health Nurse/Supervisor Sickle Cell, Family Journey
- Tiffany has a passion to help others and serve our community well. With over 7 years of experience as a pediatric nurse, Tiffany assists
Email: tmjamison@beaconhealthsystem.org
Looking to connect with the team?
#HealthyMindBodySpiritFamilies #WorkingTogether #MakeAnImpact