Caring Coworkers Fund

Caring Coworkers Fund

We all need help sometimes. The Caring Coworkers Fund (CCF) was established to provide for the emergency needs of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Methodist Physicians Clinic - Iowa employees and their families who find themselves faced with unexpected or catastrophic financial hardship. 

A gift to this fund provides assistance to Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Methodist Physicians Clinic - Iowa employees dealing with situations involving urgent and genuine needs. 

What types of expenses are covered?

 Below are a few examples of expenses that are covered by the Caring Coworkers Fund program 

• Rent and Mortgage
• Utilities and Cell Phone Bills
• Transportation
• Daycare Costs
• Insurance
• Car Payments
• Groceries

Who can I contact to get help through the Caring Coworkers Fund?

Representatives are available to provide confidential assistance to employees and their families when they need it most. Employees and/or their supervisors may contact the Jennie Edmundson Foundation representative below for more information on our Caring Coworkers Fund program. All matters dealing with the Caring Coworkers Fund are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

Rachel Reis
rachel.reis@nmhs.org
(712) 396-6341 (internal ext. 66341)
Jennie Edmundson Foundation
933 E. Pierce St. F Building, 3rd Floor
Council Bluffs, IA 51503 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all employees eligible for assistance through the Caring Coworkers Fund?
Employees who have worked for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital or Methodist Physicians Clinic - Iowa for at least six months are eligible for assistance through the CCF. Employees who have worked for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital for less than six months will be directed to Best Care EAP for professional guidance.

What kind of assistance is available?
The Caring Coworkers Fund provides assistance up to $1,000 per employee (once every 3 years). Employees do not receive cash. Bills or invoices are submitted to the CCF Representative, who arranges payment through the Jennie Edmundson Foundation on the employee’s behalf.

Can employees offer contributions to benefit the Caring Coworkers Fund?
Yes! Gifts from employees are what make the Caring Coworkers Fund possible. Jennie Edmundson Foundation is proud to accept your CCF contributions at any time. You can also donate during the Caring Campaign, our annual employee giving campaign. You can support CCF through ongoing payroll deductions, a one-time payroll deduction, or cash. Paid time off (PTO) hours can also be converted into a donation. See below for the PTO conversion information. One hundred percent of your gift will benefit Employee Crisis Connection.  PTO Donation Form.

How does a gift of paid time off (PTO) work?
Donating PTO has proven to be a very popular way for employees to make a gift. PTO hours are converted to cash, and taxes are subtracted – at approximately 35 percent by IRS rule. The balance benefits the Caring Coworkers Fund. Please note: PTO hours are NOT transferable directly between employees. PTO Donation Form.

What is a Caring Coworkers Fund Special Funded Effort?
A Caring Coworkers Fund Special Funded Effort (SFE) is an opportunity for employees in a certain department/affiliate to rally around a specific co-worker-in-need. To begin the process, the employee-in-need will visit with a CCF representative. If the CCF representative believes an SFE would be helpful, he or she will coordinate with the employee’s supervisor and begin the gift collection process. Individual gift amounts and the names of donors are kept confidential. Again, no cash will be disbursed. The Jennie Edmundson Foundation will pay bills on the employee’s behalf. The employee-in-need is encouraged to use all of the dollars generated on their behalf within one year of initiating the SFE.

Can an employee be helped more than one time?
Employees are eligible to seek CCF assistance once every three years. Employees can contact Best Care EAP for professional guidance at any time.

Best Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

NMHS offers confidential and professional counseling, in person or over the phone, to help you or a member of your household assess problems and get the assistance you need. If you find yourself struggling with stress, financial matters, depression, or family issues, contact the EAP to speak to a licensed counselor. The EAP can also provide referrals for more in-depth help when needed. If you want to schedule an appointment, call the EAP at (402) 354-8000 or toll-free at (800) 801-4182.

The EAP is available during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Emergency and crisis services are available after regular office hours.

NMHS provides this important benefit at no cost to you and your family, so be sure to make the most of it. To learn more about your EAP, visit the EAP website at www.bestcareeap.org.