Orange County NC Website
SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals Grant Application Nov. 27, 2012 <br /> Orange County Arts Commission Application Narrative Page 2 <br /> said that staying at Family House positively impacted their emotional and psychological well- <br /> being and sense of safety. <br /> Overwhelmingly, respondents indicated that their stay had a positive impact on other factors <br /> including meeting new people, the patient's access to treatment, the ability to have one or two <br /> caregivers present, and the patient's health. These indicators reassure us that we are fulfilling <br /> our mission and providing guests with a safe haven during a time of medical crisis. <br /> SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals receives no operating funds from federal, state, or <br /> municipal agencies. We depend on individuals, local businesses, corporate and foundation <br /> grants for the bulk of our funding—for everything from capital expenses and operating costs to <br /> artist fees to bring entertainment to the House. <br /> So far this year, we have operated at 96% occupancy and served 2,444 patients or families of <br /> patients. Since we opened in 2008, we have served more than 8,000 patients or families of <br /> patients and provided more than 114,000 stays to patients/patient families from all 100 of North <br /> Carolina's counties, 35 other states and 7 foreign countries. <br /> Current Programs and Services <br /> SECU Family House maintains one primary program: lodging for seriously ill adult patients <br /> being treated at UNC. We seek funding for our"Fund-A-Family" assistance fund (as mentioned <br /> above), and we seek in-kind donations for various needs around the house. The Music &Arts <br /> Program is the only program for which we seek restricted, dedicated funding. <br /> The other services we offer, as outlined above, are: <br /> • Volunteer-prepared dinners most weeknights <br /> • Occasional personal services: massage, facials, manicures, pet therapy and more <br /> We are able to secure the above through in-kind donations. While some performers will donate <br /> their services, as discussed below, many need—and all appreciate—the small stipend we are <br /> able to provide to them. <br /> Proposed Uses of Grant Funds <br /> SECU Family House has offered a Music &Arts Program since 2010. We have a dedicated <br /> volunteer who find acts and books performances for the House. Performers are asked to be <br /> ready to perform at 7:00 p.m., after dinner has been served, and to perform for about an hour. <br /> We have a piano on site and two music stands, but otherwise acts bring their own equipment as <br /> needed. <br /> The vast majority of our artists are local—from Orange County or surrounding environs. <br /> Performing at the House provides the artists practical experience in front of a live audience, but <br /> more importantly, it offers entertainers a chance to serve in the community and lighten the <br /> spirits of families facing challenges in their lives. We also frequently take photos and video of <br /> performers which we share on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FamilyHouseChape/Hill. <br />