The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation demonstrated its leadership through an early and significant $750,000 gift to the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital’s Healthy Babies, Healthy Beginnings initiative, providing critical support for the births of over 1,400 babies annually.
“Access to maternity services is vital for families to stay healthy and has an important relationship to the healthcare system,” observes foundation president and CEO Wendy Garen. “How impractical and harsh to expect pregnant mothers to get on a bus to go 20 miles away!”
When asked about the foundation’s grant, so important in leading the way for others, Garen replied, “We made our decision in part based on the hospital board, the foundation board and the County’s investments. We recognized the great need. But Parsons also wanted to make a signaling grant to the community so others would step up and invest in this brand-new institution. We are telling the South Los Angeles community that they matter.”