Current Board of Directors:
- Jordan Meyer
- Monica Steffen
- Lisa Manson
- Becky & Mike Shaffer
- Rachel Moser
- Jackie Lee
- Amy Speed
- Director: Michele Von Handorf
Our History
Founded in 2019, the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities (FCC) was created to remedy two serious challenges facing the future of our local rural healthcare; the decline in the populations served by GMHC and recruitment and retention of health care providers. The Foundation supports initiatives and programs that directly impact the everyday health and vitality of our communities, keeping them strong and attractive to future generations.
Thanks to years of leadership by the elected board, dedicated physicians and staff, loyal patients and hard-working GMHC Auxiliary members, the capital needs of the hospital and clinic are currently being met. The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities sets out to meet a distinct and different challenge.
Our rural communities, like most, are shrinking. The future of healthcare in the region we serve will be driven by growing our population in the decades to come. We believe the most effective way to grow our population tomorrow is to build healthy vibrant communities today.
The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities seeks out relationships with community leaders in the region and provide grants to partner organizations that undertake bold new steps to:
- Strengthen and grow recreational and social activities which support everyday health and vitality of residents
- Drive community efforts to support local entrepreneurs who share our mission to promote healthy & vibrant communities
- Celebrate and enhance the historic and authentic character and sense of place of our communities
Since its inception, the Foundation has partnered with seven communities in the GMHC service area to provide funding for projects including updated playground equipment, pickleball courts, trails, and community vitality initiatives. Learn more about grant opportunities for local projects that keep our communities healthy and strong.Our Founding Board Members
“Protecting the future of our local healthcare will involve building up our communities and growing our populations. I’m pleased to be part of the founding board of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities. I enjoy visiting with my former patients, community members and friends about our mission.” Dr. Robert Merrick, Founding Chair.
A Strong Tomorrow Endowment Goal Reached
We did it! The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities applied for and was approved for a $75,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Small Town Dreams Initiative in late 2020 to build its endowment to $450,000. The growth of the Foundation endowment will result in a larger annual payout to fund more projects into the future.
Thanks to our generous donors, the Foundation reached the endowment goal in the spring of 2022!
We celebrate all of our donors who share the Foundation’s common goal of protecting the future of local healthcare. Thank you!
The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities Founding Board 2019:
- Director: Amy Speed
- Dr. Robert & Karen Merrick Family
- Robert & Janet Brown Family
- Andy & Mindy Reimer Family
- Hannah & Jake Wille Family
- Roger & Rosemary Thomas Family
- Jackie & Brian Lee Family
