CLEARWATER, Florida—Empath Health, a nonprofit hospice and homecare-based health care organization, has established a special Hurricane Helene assistance fund within its colleague assistance fund to offer immediate financial relief to colleagues who have been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
The fund is designed to help those facing unexpected expenses, such as temporary housing, home repairs and other essential needs in the wake of the hurricane. By creating this targeted fund, Empath Health aims to ensure its team members can access the resources they need to recover and rebuild. Empath team members affected by the hurricane can apply for assistance quickly and confidentially, with funds distributed as soon as possible to address urgent needs.
“Our colleagues are the heart of our mission, and in times of crisis, we stand by them just as they stand by our patients,” said Jonathan Fleece, president and CEO of Empath Health. “This fund allows us to help those who give so much to others, ensuring they have the support they need when it matters most.”
The new fund is an extension of the company’s colleague assistance fund, which has provided support to team members during personal difficulties. In the past fiscal year, the colleague assistance fund provided $108,000 in support to more than 100 members of Empath’s team.
Empath Health serves communities in 20 counties across Florida, from Collier County to Marion County. The company’s services include hospice, palliative care, home health, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), adult day programs, sexual health and grief support. Additionally, the company provides full-life care to individuals and families, in an effort to address physical, emotional and spiritual needs.