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 and St Joseph County healthy places 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
We do this in three main ways:
- Provide funding for nonprofit organizations that help create change in a CHNA priority area
- Work with organizations, businesses, and other groups to build the capacity of our community to respond to its health needs
- Deliver programming in service gaps with over 60 community health workers, educators, and healthcare professionals
Our Community Benefit Approach
Bringing about change and health equality in our community takes a holistic approach. By partnering with a variety of organizations, we are addressing the greatest health needs and providing diverse programs that make an impact throughout our three-county region.
We are fortunate to work with wonderful community partners who help us address the health needs of our most vulnerable community members. We do this through:
- Devotion to providing the resources and tools that improve program participants’ health and well-being
- Collaboration and a focus on solving complex social and health areas of concern
- Focus on priorities and needs identified by the CHNA
- Implementation of programs in those priority areas, working to achieve similar results, reporting on the same types of data and aligning strategies that continuously improve outcomes over time
Together, using this approach, we can address social and health needs that intersect at individual, community and government levels. Together, we will continue to make progress—and a positive impact—on the health of our population.
Community Health Advisory Council Members:
- Susan King
- Patty Willaert
- Kimberly Green Reeves
- Sue Taylor
- Dr. Kate Dutkiewicz
- Dr. Ahmed Elmaadawi
- Dr. Colleen Morrison
- Dr. Omobola Olaniyan
- David Bailey
- Barbara Macmillan
- Robin Meleski
- Sophia Metzger
- Dr. Martina McGowan
- Dr. Tom Mellin
- Dr. Lydia Mertz
- Jay Caponigro
- Sam Centellas
- Maggie Kernan
- Lilian Quintero
- Maria Slager
- Andrew Wiand
- Candy Yoder
Meet the Beacon Community Impact Team
Executive Director
- Patty leads a large community-based team of 50+ associates towards improving regional health priority areas, based upon community needs and feedback. Patty has served
Email: pwillaert@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-1353
Director
- 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
Phone: 574-647-1364
St. Joseph County WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator
- Jo Anna’s job and passion are to support and promote breastfeeding within the WIC clinic as well as throughout the community. She supervises the
Email: jcurless@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-2296
Data Project Specialist
- Donna has a degree in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and a Master of Science in Health Systems Management from Rush University.
Email: ddunham@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-1318
Project Specialist
- Emily has a degree in healthcare administration from Indiana University. Emily has over 10 years of experience working with healthcare organizations both locally and
Email: efisher@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-4118
Lead Project Specialist
- Carey received an AB in Psychology from Vassar College, an MS in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and a certificate as a Lean Six
Email: cgaudern@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-4118
St. Joseph County WIC Coordinator
- Leslie manages the daily aspects of the local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Email: lmiller4@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-2145
St. Joseph County WIC Clinic Supervisor
- As a WIC Supervisor, Heather works closely with WIC staff to deliver excellent client care. As a Registered Dietitian, she stays up to date
Email: hsolfronk@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-2184
Project Specialist
- Lauren received a B.A. in Literature and Sociology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a M.A. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame.
Email: lsquires@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-4117
Manager of Early Childhood Services
- Sue is the Manager of Beacon Community Impact’s Early Childhood Services Team, which includes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program among a variety
Email: lstaylor@beaconhealthsystem.org
Phone: 574-647-2173
Looking to connect with the team?
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