Employee Emergency Fund

Criteria

Examples of incidents which might qualify for assistance include:

• House fires
• Traumatic car accidents
• A sudden death within a family
• A critical illness or injury where a trip to Minneapolis or Rochester for specialized treatment not available here might be necessary
• Natural disasters causing damage to property including home flooding caused by swollen rivers or creeks

Associates who have completed their probationary period and are regular status are eligible to apply for assistance through the Employee Emergency Fund. At the Review Committee's discretion, up to $1,000 per employee may be granted in a 12-month period provided funds are available.

A committee will review each request to evaluate the level of need based on established criteria. Completed request forms are submitted directly to the Foundation. The Employee Emergency Fund review committee will notify applicants of the results as soon as possible.

How to apply

Click here to print the application form.

Send it, along with all required documentation, to the Sanford Health Foundation, 300 N. Seventh St., Bismarck, N.D. 58501.

Testimonials

Sheena Else

Sheena Else works as a data entry operator at Sanford Health. Her husband, Ryan, was diagnosed with cancer in early 2010. He wasn’t able to work while he went through four weeks of inpatient chemotherapy and a couple months of radiation. The Employee Emergency Fund helped the Else family through this difficult time. “When we found out about the Employee Emergency Fund and were accepted, we were very grateful,” said Else. “It was a big help in covering medical expenses and to cover him not working. It made me excited to work at a place that has this program.”

Kay Marsland

Kay Marsland, Sanford Health medical records clerk, lost her husband due to a serious illness. As a result, she had to rely solely on her income with two kids to provide for. “This fund gave me money that helped pay month-to-month bills during a crisis in my life when I didn’t know where that money was going to come from,” said Marsland.

Bernie Schmidt

Sanford Health massage therapist, Bernie Schmidt's husband suffered a brain aneurism in summer 2008 and had to travel to Minnesota for treatment. With over a month of traveling and medical expenses on top of not working, Schmidt said money was a concern for her family until she received financial support from the EEF. "I can't even explain how thankful I am that Sanford Health has this fund," said Schmidt. "Due to my husband's condition, he couldn't work for two and half months. The bills kept coming, and this fund saved us. This is another reason why I love working at Sanford Health."



Margo Bennett

Sanford Health data specialist Margo Bennett’s house caught on fire because an outdoor sensor light shorted out. There was $75,000 worth of damage. She was homeless. Her home was condemned. Funds from the Employee Emergency Fund carried her through this disaster. “We used the fund to find a place to live, pay rent and pay the bills that kept coming,” said Bennett. “I don’t know what we would have done without that money—for us it was a lifesaver.”

Gay Nelson

Gay Nelson, is an environmental services aide at Sanford Health. Her husband, Steven, was killed in a head-on car crash. The Employee Emergency Fund helped Nelson with medical and funeral bills. “It’s amazing what this can do for a person,” said Nelson. “I’m really blessed for what Sanford Health has done for me in a time in need.”

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Give to the EEF

The Sanford Health Employee Emergency Fund (EEF) is financial help by associates, for associates in times of need; whether it is a family illness or death, an unexpected travel expense or house fire. By giving to the EEF, you will enable the Sanford Health Foundation to give assistance to associates in need.

Click here to give online. Simply select "Employee Emergency Fund" from the drop down box. Or, you can mail a check to the Foundation with a note designating you would like your donation placed in the Employee Emergency Fund. Send your check to:

Sanford Health Foundation
300 N. Seventh St.
Bismarck, N.D. 58501

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Contact information

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Sanford Health Foundation at 701.323.8450.

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