December 06, 2016
L to R: Doug Aitkins of Tiffany and Co.; Darlene Newsom, CEO, UMOM New Day Centers; and Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., MWU President & CEO
Midwestern University was recognized by UMOM New Day Centers, Arizona's largest homeless shelter, as a Five Star Corporate Partner at its 7th Annual "Buckles and Bangles" fundraiser, held October 28th at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.
The University and UMOM have worked closely for many years to benefit the shelter's homeless families. Midwestern students, faculty, and staff routinely volunteer at UMOM facilities through the Health Outreach through Medicine and Education (H.O.M.E.) program by donating their time and expertise to provide health screenings and educational materials for the shelter's residents. The University also provides in-kind donations, sponsors UMOM events, and has co-written grants for UMOM clients to receive healthcare at Midwestern University clinics. Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D., Vice President of University Relations at Midwestern University, serves on the UMOM Board of Directors, and Karianne L. Schukei-Munstedt, M.B.A., Assistant Dean of the College of Health Sciences, is a past chair of UMOM's Young Professionals group.
Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, accepted the award on the University's behalf. "I am so proud of the dedicated and hard-working team of students, faculty, and staff at Midwestern University," Dr. Goeppinger says. "Our partnership with UMOM New Day Centers is an important relationship that is in keeping with our culture of serving others, especially the underserved. Midwestern students are always encouraged to embrace community service as part of their rigorous training and education to become future healthcare professionals. Our H.O.M.E. program allows us to give back to the community and support an important initiative to benefit our state's homeless population."
Founded in 1964, UMOM New Day Centers is located in Phoenix, Arizona and is the largest shelter for homeless families in the state. UMOM provides a continuum of care from emergency shelter to transitional housing and finally, permanent, affordable housing for over 170 homeless families. Families at UMOM have the opportunity to gain the skills, medical care, quality child care, and education they need to rebuild their lives and succeed when they leave.
The annual "Buckles and Bangles" event raises over $300,000 annually to help support UMOM programs and services and features a live auction, dinner, and live entertainment.