The Deaconess Associations Foundation (DAF) has received a Transformation Award from the Center of Respite Care, a 24-hour facility providing medical and nursing care to sick, homeless people.

The annual award for transforming lives recognized one of Deaconess’ most tangible and successful community initiatives: its Deaconess Health Checks.

Tony Woods, chairman of the board for Deaconess Associations, Inc., accepted the award at the Transformation Award dinner held Oct. 12 at the Cintas Center.

The Deaconess Health Checks are clinics that provide a variety of primary care services in traditionally underserved locations including school-based centers, homeless shelters, behavioral centers, and now the newly-built Center for Respite Care located at the St. Anthony Center, 1615 Republic St. in Over-The-Rhine. There are 12 Deaconess Health Checks in operation or under construction in the tristate area.

"For almost 130 years, Deaconess has worked to satisfy healthcare needs in the

greater Cincinnati community," said Woods.  "Collaborating with the Center for Respite Care to support health and independence on behalf of our city’s homeless is an intrinsic response to our healing mission."

Diane Decker of Springfield Township, development director of the Deaconess Associations Foundation, said the Deaconess Health Check clinics are the result of a $6 million investment to offer grants to local community organizations that provide critical neighborhood-based healthcare services access and education to underserved adults and children.

The Center for Respite Care provides quality, holistic medical care to homeless people who need a safe place to heal, while assisting them in breaking the cycle of homelessness, according to its website.

Transformation award honorees also included C. Francis Barrett of Barrett & Webber, LPA; The Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist; and Thomas Wanner, a retired pastor, who was named Volunteer of the Year.

DAF is the philanthropic arm of Deaconess Associations, Inc., a diversified healthcare organization that provides residency and patient care within its senior service communities and specialized home care services to those requiring assistance in their personal homes.

For more information about DAF, visit its website at www.deaconess-healthcare.com or call Decker at (513) 559-2652.