West End Health Foundation

01/09/2026

On The Ryan Report, TV6’s Don Ryan sits down with West End Health Foundation President Tom Edmark and Secretary Kori Bjorne to spotlight the impactful work of the Foundation.

They share how the West End Health Foundation came to be, why local health investment matters, and how grant funding is helping strengthen health and wellness across the region. Tom and Kori also discuss the Foundation’s mission, the types of projects it supports, and the long-term impact these grants have on West End residents.

Watch the segment to learn more about how the West End Health Foundation is improving quality of life through thoughtful, community-driven support.

Check out the full episode with the link in comments.

On this episode of The Ryan Report, TV6’s Don Ryan sits down with West End Health Foundation President, Tom Edmark, and West End Health Foundation Secretary, Kori Bjorne.

01/07/2026

👥 Who is UPCTC? Meet the Faces Behind the Work!
You’ve learned what the Communities That Care (CTC) model is and how UPCTC brings coalitions together—but who are the people making it happen?

Jessy DeMarinis – Coordinator for MC² Marquette County Cares Coalition (MC²)
✅ Current Focus: MC² is in Phase 3, building a clear picture of community needs to guide prevention efforts. MC2 recently completed the CTC Youth Survey in October with 1,710 students.
📊 Upcoming Plans: MC2 will begin review of the collected data from the Youth Surveys in January 2026. From this, MC2 will be able to develop and update the Action Plan.
🤝 Community Partnerships: MC2 has proudly partnered repeatedly with the West End Health Foundation to raise funds with
🎒 Impact Highlights: Raised $18,786 at the Annual Golf Outing to fund prevention programs across Marquette County.
About Jessy:
Jessy is a Health Educator at Marquette County Health Department and MC² coordinator for the past year. Jessy is passionate about prevention because it empowers youth, builds resilience, and strengthens communities. Jessy believes prevention is effective because it tackles the root causes of challenges instead of only reacting after problems occur. By emphasizing education, skill-building, and supportive environments, prevention helps youth build resilience, make informed choices, and contribute to healthier, safer communities. When communities collaborate to promote well-being, the results are tangible: fewer negative incidents, stronger relationships, and lasting positive change. 💙

12/17/2025

The West End Health Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Trillium House to support its West End Resident Care Program over the next three years. This funding will help provide 150 days of high-quality, hospice care for west end residents in a safe, home-like environment.

Learn more at westendhf.org/wehf-trillium-house-2025.

12/16/2025

We recently had the opportunity to meet with the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter to present their 2025 Fall Programmatic Grant check.

The organization was awarded $6,900 to support its Dementia Risk Reduction & Support Program, part of the Fall Programmatic Grant funding dedicated to programs that enhance health and wellness throughout the West End.

We’re grateful for the important work they do to support individuals and families in our community.

Read more about the fall grant recipients at westendhf.org/wehf-2025-fall-grant-recipients.

12/09/2025

11/24/2025

The West End Health Foundation awarded $10,000 to Camp UPeninsulin through our Spring Special Grant Program, matching swimmer donations from the Annual Swim Teal Lake: Benefit for Diabetes. These funds support the camp’s mission to provide vital resources for those managing diabetes.

Read more at westendhf.org.

11/23/2025

Thanks to the 2025 Annual Golf Classic, WEHF was proud to award $18,786 to the Marquette County Cares (MC²) coalition. This funding supports critical programs serving youth and families throughout Marquette County.

We’re grateful for MC²’s partnership and the community support that makes this work possible.

Learn more about this year’s funding and grantees on our blog at westendhf.org.

11/22/2025

Congratulations to our 2025 Fall Programmatic Grant recipients! WEHF awarded $50,000 to support programs enhancing health and wellness in the West End:

- U.P. Children’s Therapy – Summer Speech Program – $8,000
- Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter – Dementia Risk Reduction & Support Program – $6,900
- First Tee Northern Michigan – Marquette County – Golf Programming – $3,000
- Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Leadership Experience – $3,000
- Cancer Care of Marquette County – Patient Care Services – $10,000
- Superior String Alliance Inc. – Classical Chamber Music for Seniors – $2,100
- The Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) – Safe Hands – West End – $10,000
- Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Education – Adult Basic Education & Beyond 26 – $7,000

See the full list of grantees and their projects on our blog at westendhf.org.

11/21/2025

We’re proud to award $40,000 in Fall Proactive Grants to support food security in the West End. Recipients include:

- Feeding America West Michigan – Mobile Food Pantries – $3,560
- Greater Ishpeming Commission on Aging – Seniors Eat Well – $26,440
- The Salvation Army of Marquette County – Community Meal – $10,000

These organizations were recognized during our Business After Hours event, where they shared updates about their projects and impact. Learn more about all the fall grantees on our blog at westendhf.org

11/12/2025

Join us for Business After Hours on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jerzi's 41 in their event space.

We will congratulate the 2025 Fall Programmatic and Proactive Grant recipients during the event. Food and a cash bar will be available, and door prizes will include gift certificates from local businesses.

If you're ready to make valuable business contacts, entertain clients, spend time with co-workers, and, most of all, have fun, then come on by! The event is free and open to all (partners and non-partners). Business After Hours are designed to help you make valuable business contacts, community connections and spend time with co-workers.

09/15/2025

📢 Applications are now open for the West End Health Foundation’s Fall Grant Cycles!

This fall, $90,000 in total funding is available to support programs that strengthen the health and wellness of West End residents.

✔️ Fall Programmatic Grant: $1,000–$10,000 for health & wellness programs
✔️ Fall Proactive Grant: $40,000 total for food security initiatives

Apply today at westendhf.org/grants before the deadline on September 26, 2025 at noon.

09/12/2025

Courage Incorporated hosted a weekend outdoor adventure for a group of physically disabled individuals. Some were civilians. Some were veterans. All had a...