For the City Times

MARSHFIELD – Security Health Plan of Wisconsin will invest $1,000 in Mary’s Place as part of its Employee-Driven Corporate Giving grant program.

Health educator and team leader at the Marshfield Clinic Health System Center for Community Health Advancement Kayleigh Mengel nominated Mary’s Place, Marshfield, for the grant. While she is a Health System employee today, three years ago she was working as the executive director at Mary’s Place, a non-profit housing facility that focuses on helping the no- or low-income homeless individuals in the Marshfield area. She now serves on the board of directors at Mary’s Place and continues to volunteer for the organization, run their Facebook page and search for funds to help keep the non-profit going.

“We are committed to changing lives and making a difference in the community,” Mengel said. “Mary’s place provides restoration and hope to support individuals through the barriers of life to improve the quality of their life.”

“Mary’s Place gave me a new start, a new lease on life. It gave me a positive outlook where I didn’t have one before,” Peter McDonald, night manager at Mary’s Place.

“When Peter arrived at Mary’s Place he was just beginning his journey in recovery from his addiction to alcohol,” Mengel said. “We took him in, we worked with him. He is so dedicated. He really embraced everything about this place. He’s embraced everyone else who lives here as his family and support system. He has gone from rock bottom to being quite successful. I think Mary’s Place really helped him.”

While the Genesis Room at Mary’s Place is funded by United Way, the rest of the housing facility is supported by donations, grants, fundraisers, and the payments from the residents renting the rooms.

Mengel said the funds from the Security Health Plan grant will be used for tenant relief, which covers things such as gas cards, grocery cards, clothing, haircuts, alcohol, and drug recovery coaching.

“Donating to this organization is important because it is the only homeless shelter for men in the area,” Mengel said.

Each month Security Health Plan awards a different charity or organization nominated by a Marshfield Clinic Health System employee with a $1,000 grant. Employees are encouraged to nominate organizations making a positive difference in the community.

To learn more about Mary’s Place, visit www.marysplacemarshfield.org or  www.facebook.com/MarysPlaceMarshfield/.