Three Rogers Behavioral Health departments got together for several charitable projects over the holidays, and Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation was one of the lucky recipients of their generosity.
Patient Financial Services, Health Information, and Physician Credentialing are located at the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, campus. They have come together for several years to make fleece blankets for charitable organizations in need in southeastern Wisconsin. However, two years ago, they learned of another need that was even closer to home, right on their own campus, steps away. The need was for gifts for young patients who were in treatment over the holidays. So, they added a gift drive to what they were already doing!
“Christmas time always inspires us to give back in some way,” said Jacque Freeman, manager of the Patient Financial Services department. “Everyone is touched by mental health challenges in some way or another: a friend, family member, or even ourselves. We only learned of the Foundation drive last year, and when Matthias [Schueth, executive vice president of Rogers Foundation] told us stories of children opening their presents, getting so excited, then rewrapping for their siblings at home, we knew we had to get involved.”
Over the first two weeks of December, gift items were collected. Hearing the stories of the children’s reactions to their gifts made an emotional impact on many of the staff members.
“They are away from home, it’s the holiday season, and you hope it shows them there’s some good in the world and that they are worthy – not just of presents, but of kindness and being loved.”
