ROCHESTER, NY (09/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is pleased to announce the distribution of $36,000 from its Community Grant Fund to benefit the Diocese of Rochester's Parish Support Ministries; $18,000 for Catholic Charities' La Casa, Transitional Housing for Migrant Farm Workers program; and $18,000 for Catholic Charities' Consistent Life Ethic Grant Fund.

For the seventh consecutive year, Fidelis Care is proud to offer grant funds to non-profit organizations that share similar missions and values of service to low-income, vulnerable individuals. The 2010 Fidelis Care Community Grant Fund made grants available, in coordination with Bishop of Rochester Matthew H. Clark and his brother bishops, across New York State's eight Roman Catholic Dioceses.

"Fidelis Care has always valued and understood the importance of a strong community presence and enduring partnerships with community organizations that share our healing ministry," said Mark L. Lane, President and CEO. "We are pleased to support such worthwhile programs and services and know that they will benefit local residents within the Diocese. This is the heart of our mission."

Bishop Clark said, "Over the years, Fidelis Care has proven to be an invaluable partner to the Rochester Diocese's efforts to care for the poor and vulnerable in our community. There are many aspects to human health: physical, mental, and spiritual. Fidelis Care ensures that the medically underserved and uninsured have access to quality health care, and their support of programs like La Casa ensure that those on the margins of society are not forgotten. Millions of New Yorkers have benefitted from Fidelis Care's healing ministry, and the Diocese of Rochester looks forward to an enduring partnership."

The Rochester Diocese's Parish Support Ministries program serves the parishes of the diocese and the wider church by advocating Gospel values within the Church and society at large. The Ministries focus on a variety of pastoral support initiatives, including caring for the diocese's migrant worker population. The twelve counties that comprise the Rochester Diocese are home to as many as 20,000 migrant workers depending upon the time of year. The Catholic Migrant Ministry operates four locations within the diocese that serve the complex pastoral and sacramental needs of this population.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester further assists the migrant worker population through their La Casa, Transitional Housing for Migrant Farmworkers program. Through La Casa, migrant workers are able to access support services including temporary shelter in case of illness, accident, abuse, or temporary homelessness. In addition, La Casa provides referrals to other agencies that can assist the migrant population with health care issues, education, escaping abusive situations, and obtaining legal services. La Casa also seeks to overcome barriers between the resident community and migrant population, easing the isolation of migrant workers and establishing mutually beneficial relationships.

Catholic Charities' Consistent Life Ethic Grant Fund supports and encourages efforts throughout the Diocese of Rochester that affirm life and promote the consistent ethic of life, from the moment of conception to natural death. Special focus is given to organizations that serve the most marginalized segments of the community.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs. Members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, routine screenings, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more. Fidelis Care also offers a variety of benefit options for seniors through Fidelis Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage, Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Fidelis Care at Home programs, available in certain counties.

With more than 730,000 members in 58 counties statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Members have access to a provider network of more than 44,000 health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Amherst, Syracuse, Albany, and Rego Park (Queens), with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

For more information, call Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

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Posted Monday September 19, 2011 at 09:03 am by Fidelis Care
Last Updated Wednesday September 21, 2011 at 03:07 pm