Tidewell receives $20,000 grant to support staff serving Manatee County amid COVID-19 pandemic

Tidewell Hospice has received a $20,000 grant from the Manatee Community Foundation to support Tidewell’s COVID-19 response.

The grant, limited for use in Manatee County, is to fund additional flex staffing, childcare for front-line workers and medical supplies, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE).

Grant funds provide support for additional staffing so Tidewell can continue to provide world-class hospice care as well as additional supportive care, including a Community Hope Line. Grief counselors, social workers and chaplains are staffing a 24/7 community-wide phone line (941-556-HOPE) and email address (communityhope@tidewell.org) for people who need counseling, spiritual care and social service assistance.

“On behalf of Tidewell Hospice, and the patients, families, loved ones, colleagues, volunteers and supporters we serve, words cannot describe our sincere appreciation for this $20,000 gift,” said Tidewell President and CEO Jonathan Fleece. “That said, all the PPE and money in the world can’t truly repay them for their courage and hard work in the front lines of this pandemic.”

“Tidewell is providing a service that every individual and family deserves — special attention and care during a fragile time that is filled with dignity and reassurance, thanks to their professional team of nurses and caregivers,” said Manatee Community Foundation Executive Director Susie Bowie. “They jumped right in at the beginning to ensure that their services could continue. We are honored to support their work and commend their leadership.”