Each Sunday we invite people at our church service to split their offerings between the church and a not-for-profit group in the community that is doing something purposeful. We look for organizations whose work contributes in some way to a more just, equitable and compassionate community.
The September Split the Plate recipient is Kathy’s House. Located in Wauwatosa near Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, their mission is to provide affordable lodging and caring support in a “home away from home” environment for families who travel to Milwaukee for medical care. It was founded in 2001 by Dick Vogel in memory of his daughter, Kathy, who died of cancer in 2000.
The Family Program for Patients and Caregivers was created to help offset costs for those who have little, if anything, to contribute toward their lodging at Kathy’s House. This funding program ensures that all families facing medical crises, including those with financial hardship, can access needed health care and stay together. Many patients need advanced cancer care provided at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and other Milwaukee area hospitals. For families, the cost associated with staying at a moderately-priced hotel is out of reach. Many of the guests – before being referred to Kathy’s House – were sleeping in their cars, driving back and forth long distances daily, or sharing their loved one’s hospital room because they could not afford lodging. The average nightly donation for accommodations to stay at Kathy’s House is just $35. The generosity of donors who support the Family Program for Patients and Caregivers means that the remainder of the $85 per night cost incurred for each room can be met, and no one is turned away due to the inability to donate their stay.
We are proud to have Kathy’s House as our Split the Plate partner in September. And, we are certain you will be moved after hearing the stories of some of their guests during our September services. For more about Kathy’s House, go to https://kathys-house.org/ For more about Split the Plate, contact Sue Schalig.
