Rural medical care, medication assistance, and college preparation activities top the list of services supported by nonprofits receiving this round of NCCF grants.

The Blue Ridge Medical Center’s Rural Health Outreach Program received a grant to continue delivering preventive health and primary care services. The medical center also received a grant for its Medication Assistance Program to provide free or low-cost medications to qualifying patients.

Project Discovery, a college prep/scholarship program for Nelson County High School students, also received an NCCF grant. The program is run by the Monticello Area Community Action Agency. In addition, MACAA received an NCCF grant to support its emergency services (generally non-health) rural outreach program.

Additional NCCF grants went to these local nonprofits:
• Nelson Kid Care for supplemental weekend meals to qualifying public school students.
• The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen for environmental education for students and a “teacher wish list” of supplies.
• Piedmont Habitat for Humanity for minor exterior repairs for homeowner-occupied residences in Nelson County.

NCCF board members Donna McCurdy (L), Vicki Sabin (R), along with bread baker Heather Coiner (C)

It took more than a little dexterity to create sourdough bread from scratch. But six lucky women including NCCF board members Donna McCurdy, Vicki Sabin, and Sue Klett, plus three guests, learned the basics under the tutelage of artisanal bread baker Heather Coiner. Coiner, of Little Hat Creek Farm Bakery, donated the class as a silent auction item for NCCF’s 2019 Opportunity (Costume) Ball. Bread workshop participants left for home with dough and sourdough starter. No dough was hurt in the process!

The BridgeLine, a case management, and residential and day program provider for adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), has launched an information outreach program in Nelson County, thanks to a grant from NCCF. TBI’s are commonly caused by falls, auto accidents, and athletic injuries. They are estimated to affect 1 out of every 60 Nelson County residents, based on national averages.

The BridgeLine runs case management, residential, and drop-in service programs in Charlottesville, some of which are free or low-cost. For more information or to schedule a BridgeLine presentation to your community group, visit https://TheBridgeLine.org, or email Michael Nafziger at mnafziger@thebridgeline.org; phone: 434-327-9010

The Bridge Line’s Beth Elliot (L) and Michael Nafzinger (R) told NCCF board members about the pressing need for more support to those with traumatic brain injuries.

Another NCCF grantee, The Blue Ridge Medical Center’s Medication Assistance Program, is credited with helping a 26-year old Nelson County resident get back on her feet and back to work. The NCCF grant was applied to MAP’s RxRelief program, which helped the young woman obtain necessary prescriptions to manage her chronic disease conditions. The program coordinator counseled the client on applying for Medicaid benefits and qualifying for free and reduced cost prescriptions. The young woman returned to work healthier and more productive.