Philanthropy Begins On Main Street
The Foundation for the Mid South is committed to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.  By collaborating with municipalities, the Foundation invests in entire communities to promote healthy behaviors, such as exercising and nutritious eating.  In addition, we strive to increase access to healthcare services.  Through a partnership with Daughters of Charity Services in Arkansas, residents in rural communities such as Dumas and Gould have access to a variety of healthcare services, which include preventative care, dental services, and counseling.  By combining these services with healthy eating and diabetes management classes, residents have improved their health.

Daughters of Charity has engaged and empowered residents in adopting healthier lifestyles. This organization teaches residents how to properly monitor their diabetes, engage in physical activity, and eat a nutritious diet as a diabetes management strategy.   In Dumas and Gould, over 300 residents participated in efforts to control their diabetes.  Of those participating, 82% have learned how to perform daily self foot exams and blood glucose checks.  In addition, 50% are eating healthier and are more active.  By making these lifestyle changes, residents are reducing their chance of experiencing diabetes complications, such as blindness, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. 
In addition, they expanded their curriculum to include Spanish classes to accommodate the changing demographics of their communities.   Daughters of Charity is a great example of how organizations can work with residents and empower communities to take control of their health.
The Foundation for the Mid South is pleased the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation recognized our work as a part of their series on resident engagement and the 100th anniversary of community foundations.  Click here to read the story