FARGO, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has awarded Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC) a $15,000 grant for support services for victims of domestic and sexual assault. The grant was awarded as a part of a SPARK grant that the BCBSND Caring Foundation offers to non-profit organizations.
Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) grants are awarded to community-based initiatives that encourage health and well-being in local communities, reflect community priorities and demonstrate strong local collaborations.
RACC will use grant funds to establish an on-site Care Closet to provide essential products to address the immediate and ongoing health and wellness-related needs of domestic and sexual violence victims. This project will include collaborations with local community resources and vendors to offer victims free and/or affordable self-care services to maintain their ongoing health and wellness needs. In 2021, RACC served 2,608 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Of this group, 90% were women and children, 64% were ND-based, and 30% were from underserved populations. The goal of their project is to supply a broader variety of health, wellness, and prevention-related items and self-care activities for survivors on the road to healing and recovery.
“Oftentimes, people in crisis don’t have the stability to meet their basic needs. This investment from the BCBSND Caring Foundation will enable Rape and Abuse Crisis Center to provide a more comprehensive list of amenities to meet the health and wellness needs of those we serve,” said Dr.Christopher Johnson, RACC CEO
Amber Blomberg, BCBSND Caring Foundation Manager stated, “We are so pleased to put funding towards the Care Closet for RACC clients that are all so deserving as we work collectively to ensure victims of rape and domestic violence have access to the comprehensive services they need in our communities.”
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/Caring-Foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
