How are acknowledgements processed?

The SSM Hospice and Home Care Foundation sincerely appreciates all donations. Your donation is not taken for granted, but many of our clients are elderly, clearly an under-represented group. Help us to look after them, please. Be assured that when your dollar is spent, we will consider if it is in keeping with your intent.

Many of our donations are in Memory of a deceased friend or family member, but increasingly, donations are made in Honor of a living friend or family member. When name and address information is provided for the loved-one of a deceased (acknowledgee), both donor and the acknowledgee will receive confirmations.

The acknowledgee’s letter will not include the donation amount.

How is Financial Assistance requested?

When an SSM Social Worker becomes aware of a severe financial problem,

1. the Social Worker initiates an Assistance Request Form
2. the Assistance Request Form is forwarded to the respective Manager for approval
3. the approved Assistance Request Form is forwarded to the Foundation Director who initiates the check
4. all information is confirmed by a fourth person, director level or higher depending on dollar amount and signed by one-of-four signaturees.

How are funds spent?

Moneys accruing from Hospice donations or Hospice fundraising efforts will be disbursed for the following reasons, as requested by the Hospice Manager:

• Hospice services provided for indigent patients
• Delinquent charges (legitimate, authorized charges outstanding after all payment sources have been exhausted)
• Educational programs (for staff, volunteers, Medical Director)
• Volunteer recognition activities
• Medical equipment
• Foundation supplies
• Private duty services for Hospice patients or families
• Family support expenses (utilities, medications, food, household items, etc.)
• Fundraising activity expenses (walks, dances, Light up a Life program, etc.)
• Resource library (videotapes, literature, books, etc.)
• Community education and awareness activity expenses (newsletter, bereavement group, mailings, etc.)
• Miscellaneous expenses as appropriate
• Direct expenses of Foundation Staff (1.6 FTE, 2006)