May 19, 2009 – The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has announced the availability of grants to assist V.I. residents 60 years and older with emergency health-related needs. Through the Hodge Senior Citizens Assistance Fund at the foundation, CFVI is able to offer one-time emergency grants of up to $500. The Hodge Fund is dedicated to addressing the needs of senior citizens in the U.S.V.I.
Effective May 18, seniors needing emergency assistance may apply for a grant through one of CFVI's partners who have agreed to serve as referral agencies. Agency staff will screen the requests and submit eligible applications to the foundation for consideration by a review committee made up of volunteers from the community. Referral agencies include: Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and the Methodist Training and Outreach Center.
The money for the establishment of the Hodge Fund is from a court-approved designation of an undistributed portion of a settlement fund paid by Blue Cross in a class action suit brought by named plaintiffs Lawrence Hodge, Gloria Hodge Davis and the late Gerald E. Hodge on behalf of all retired government employees.
Ricardo J. Charaf, chairman of CFVI's board said, "As we celebrate Senior Citizens Month, the CFVI Board and I are thrilled to launch a program which will enhance the lives of the elderly in the Virgin Islands. We have a deep appreciation of how much we owe these men and women for their lifelong contributions to our islands, and are honored to be in a position to give back to our senior citizens."
CFVI was established in 1990 with a $540,000 endowment from Henry and Charlotte Kimelman. Today, CFVI manages more than eighty named funds, administers scholarships and award programs, and coordinates the establishment of memorial funds. Donors can make unrestricted contributions–indicating a general field of interest (the arts, education, early child care, the environment)–or direct the foundation's board to use its judgment for awarding the funds. CFVI has established named funds with over $6 million in endowed assets and provides $1.5 million in annual grants, awards and scholarships across St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.
For additional information, contact Dee Baecher-Brown, president of CFVI, at 774-6031.
