The Bolger Foundation Presents $100,000 to Christian Health Care Center

The Bolger Foundation felt so impressed with Christian Health Care Center’s employee dedication to its patients that it extended a challenge grant offering to match up to $100,000 of monies raised by the Center’s first-ever Employee Giving Campaign. Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) employees accepted and met the challenge, and The Bolger Foundation recently presented a $100,000 check to Douglas A. Struyk, CPA, LNHA, CHCC President and CEO. These funds, along with all funds raised by CHCC employees, were used to renovate Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital’s C Wing Patient Lounge, creating a space that will be optimally conducive to health, healing, and wellness.

CHCC employees participated in a number of fund-raising activities to meet this challenge. They sold specialty items, a first-ever CHCC cookbook, donated auction baskets for and attended the Second Annual Beefsteak, and participated in CHCC’s first Tribute in Lights, an opportunity to make a contribution in honor or memory of a loved one during the holiday season. In addition, Mohamed Elrafei, MD, Ramapo Ridge Inpatient Medical Director, and his wife, hosted an employee barbecue at their home last summer, helping to raise a significant amount of money toward the Employee Giving Campaign. He shared a personal story of his mother’s experience at The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit, and a plaque was dedicated in her memory, which is prominently displayed outside the renovated lounge.

            “I truly appreciate the many employees who showed their support throughout the Employee Giving Campaign,” said Mr. Struyk. “Time and time again, I see and marvel at how dedicated and committed the team is to our mission and vision. And I am so grateful for the support of The Bolger Foundation, which also found inspiration from the generosity of our staff.”

Ramapo Ridge employees provided valuable feedback about what would help enhance the new space. Renovations include a spa-like tiled bathroom and shower, a kitchenette so staff can provide nutritious snacks without leaving the unit, new windows which can be opened at the top allowing for fresh air to circulate, and an 8-by-10 foot sky view ceiling light that depicts a bright summer sky, which is a lovely and calming view for patients who are reclined in a geriatric chair. In addition, the staff now uses aromatherapy with a variety of senses aimed at relaxation and wellness.

            “The overall appearance of the new lounge is homey, warm, and welcoming, very unlike what has been historically constructed in most psychiatric hospitals,” said Cathy Pilone, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Mental Health Services Vice President/Administrator.

Christian Health Care Center provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior senior-life, short-term rehab, and mental-health services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago. For more information, visit ChristianHealthCare.org.