StudentsCare recently received a $5,000 grassroots grant from the Heintzelman Employee Club Fund at Central Florida Foundation (CFF). The grant will help StudentsCare establish its Hospital Buddy Program at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and train pre-health students from the University of Central Florida, to provide individualized support to the pediatric patients being treated in their facility. Grant funding will allow student volunteers to plan engaging activities and events for the pediatric patients at Arnold Palmer.

This community investment grant is a result of CFF’s ongoing mission to assess community needs and support innovative solutions to complex social issues within the Central Florida region.

Expressing her gratitude, Hospital Buddy Program Advisor Elizabeth Jativa, said, “We are so grateful for the support of the Central Florida Foundation as we reach hospitalized children in the Greater Orlando community. Thanks to this Grassroots Grant, our students from the University of Central Florida will be serving both Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida this fall. Our UCF chapter is eager and ready to provide fun, friendship and support to all the patients and families they encounter at these affiliated sites. We are excited to see all the special connections made this year!”

StudentsCare brings together undergraduate healthcare students from across the country with hospitalized children, isolated older adults, and their families. Their mission is to provide a much-needed dose of fun, friendship, and support to those in need. Through their compassionate efforts, StudentsCare creates meaningful connections and uplifts the spirits of individuals facing challenging circumstances. Through their dedication and genuine care, StudentsCare positively impacts the lives of both the students involved and the individuals they connect with, creating a brighter and more compassionate world.

About Central Florida Foundation

As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org