CHRISTUS Health awards more than $300,000 to East Texas nonprofits supporting area communities
(TYLER, Texas) – Five nonprofit organizations in East Texas received grants Thursday totaling
more than $300,000 for their programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of their
communities.
A ceremony at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System recognized each of the
recipients, which were awarded funds through the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. The
fund will distribute a total of $3.7 million this year to organizations in Texas, Louisiana and New
Mexico communities served by CHRISTUS Health.
“The CHRISTUS Fund is a reflection of our mission in action, and we are truly blessed to
support organizations in the community who serve with heart, purpose, and impact,” said Jessica
Guerra, program manager for community development at CHRISTUS Health. “We are honored
to partner with organizations that embody the spirit of service and bring light, healing, and hope
to those who need it most.”
Selected organizations were chosen for their programs that address community health issues
including chronic disease management, health education, mental health and well-being, safe
housing and food insecurity.
The recipient organizations from the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System region
are:
• Carevide in Sulphur Springs
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
• East Texas Food Bank
• People Attempting to Help (PATH) in Tyler
• St. Vincent de Paul in TylerGrace Vierling, the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic organization that offers
person-to-person services to those that are in need or suffering, said the grant will be used to
expand their “Feeding the Hungry” program. The program is a night-time food pantry for people
who experience food insecurity who cannot come to the traditional pantry due to work or other
commitments.
“Since we started this program last year, we have fed over 2,000 people,” she said. “Because of
this grant, we can further expand our program by providing more session times and further help
in the fight against food insecurity.”
Launched in 2011, the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund has invested more than $25 million
into the communities served by CHRISTUS Health.
When combined with charity care and other community services, CHRISTUS Health invested
more than $544 million into local communities in 2024.
About CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System
As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is a faith-
based, not-for-profit health system serving the northeast Texas community with eight hospitals
and multiple primary and immediate care facilities and health and wellness centers with nearly
10,000 Associates. We specialize in cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, sports
medicine, mother/baby services, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, trauma, stroke care, surgery
and women’s health. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston,
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we
serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.
