Endowments support brain health
Support from a family endowment helped the Clayton County Brain Health Coalition create a new video highlighting opportunities to improve brain health for area residents.
Each year, payouts from endowment funds held by the Clayton County Foundation for the Future support organizations’ missions and improve quality of life in local communities. A fund honoring the late Dr. John Rathe, directed by his family, used part of last year’s payout to support this countywide brain health project.
The Foundation and partner Seva Health: Center for Wellbeing began convening a brain health coalition last year, and the working group used local survey data to determine areas of focus in addressing barriers to brain health. Survey results showed that people lack information about how to make changes in their own self-care and access existing resources – so the coalition decided to create a video to show a variety of free or low-cost ways to support brain health in Clayton County.
“We hope the video helps normalize brain health struggles and brings attention to the many opportunities to promote brain health in our area. The video can remind people that care doesn’t just take place in an office or clinic. Spending time in peaceful natural surroundings, which Clayton County is known for, can also be healing,” says Emily Sadewasser, foundation coordinator. “We’re so grateful to the family of Dr. Rathe for their support of the project.”
The video and additional print materials promote steps residents can take to support their brain health in Clayton County with the message that “brain health is health.” These efforts also include the creation of flyers with a link to the Clayton County Resource Guide to increase access to existing resources.
"My dad was always thrilled when opening his toolbox and finding the right tool for the job that needed to be done,” says Dr. Rathe’s son, Bruce. “This initiative provides tools for helping individuals improve things for themselves.”
The Foundation holds funds for many nonprofits as well as individuals and families with charitable goals. In 2023, the Foundation’s family of funds made $274,000 available to community projects in Clayton County. Gifts to the Foundation’s family of endowments funds can be made anytime online at dbqfoundation.org/ccff.
“The Foundation connects donors with the greatest needs in our community,” says Sadewasser. “We offer many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues.” To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Sadewasser at 563-880-0950 or email ccff@dbqfoundation.org.