How long have you been a CHP board member? What first drew you to CHP?
I have been a board member since February of 2022 when I was recommended by former Board member Vincent Marinaro. Vinnie believed my background in healthcare and healthcare finance would be a good fit for CHP. I had heard of CHP but honestly did not know much about it. When I learned more, its mission really resonated with me. As the child of a single parent growing up in Cheshire in the 1970’s, I could not help but think about how much my family could have benefitted from CHP’s services.
Why do you feel it is important to support CHP?
The older I get the more it dawns on me that this is OUR community, and that the people who are fortunate to live in Berkshire County are part of that community. It can be easy to become so wrapped in your own life that you lose sight of the fact that many people in our community are struggling and need assistance to keep moving forward. CHP is a provider of last resort for many of our neighbors and provides services that enable individuals and families to get the assistance and care they need to live their best lives.
What changes or progress have you seen since you joined the Board?
Almost immediately after I joined the board, CHP recruited an experienced FQHC leader to be the organization’s next CEO. This happened at a time when CHP was experiencing significant challenges. CHP is very fortunate to have Bethany! She is committed to the mission but understands that CHP must be thoughtful and deliberate in everything it does to continue its mission. I have great confidence that Bethany and the team she has assembled are the right people to position CHP for success as we begin to move into more challenging times.
Why did you decide to become a donor as well as a board member?
I decided to become a donor because CHP’s programs and services resonate with me on a very personal level. I have always felt very blessed to call Berkshire County home. Believing in our community and CHP’s impact on our neighbors causes me to want to help in some way.
What makes this organization stand out among other causes you support?
For me, CHP stands out because it is a safety net for people who often have nowhere else to turn and CHP never turns its back on anyone in need. I am always amazed at the lengths staff at CHP will go to so the people they care for have access to the care and resources they need!
What would you say to someone who is considering making their first gift?
Thank you for considering CHP! If you are on the fence or do not know enough about CHP, please reach out to us. We are very proud of the work our team does and would love to introduce you to other programs and services so you could see firsthand how CHP benefits our neighbors and how your gift could make a meaningful difference.
When you think about your donations, what CHP activities do you feel most proud to support?
I am most proud of CHP’s pediatric programs and its programs that address food insecurity. Good early intervention and healthcare support children for healthy, productive lives and providing people access to food provides the basis of good medicine! I was proud to recently join other board members, State Representative Leigh Davis and others at the recent ribbon cutting for the Community Market at CHP’s Great Barrington site.