United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) presented Ely Community Health Center with its Agency of the Year at the organization’s Annual Campaign Celebration March 31st.
The event marked the end of UWNEMN’s fiscal year, and donors, volunteers, and partner agencies gathered to celebrate the results of the 2021 campaign which raised more than $1,880,000. UWNEMN fundraises throughout the year primarily via workplace campaigns and events to support nonprofits and its own direct service programs throughout the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County.
UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay commended Ely Community Health Center on six years of serving the needs of uninsured and under-insured patients from Ely, Babbitt, Winton, Embarrass, and Isabella – and expanding over the past year.
“The importance of a free clinic in a pandemic can’t be overstated,” Shay said. “The fact that they were able to serve more people than ever with needs as high as they are and expand to provide dental care is truly remarkable.”
The clinic has grown from serving 120 patients when it first opened to serving 300 patients over the past year.
Ely Community Health Center board members, staff, and providers attended UWNEMN’s Annual Campaign Celebration and thanked those in attendance for their support.
Board Member Mary Bianco thanked all who give to UWNEMN.
“Thank you for supporting us and supporting all the organizations you do,” she said. “We couldn’t do what we do without United Way.”