August 28, 2025 – (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 Tyler
Grace 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.
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