Nineteen local organizations received grants that improve the health and wellness of our community
CANON CITY, CO (April 2, 2026) - The CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital Foundation hosted the Yankton Benedictine Sisters Fund 2026 Grant Awards Reception on April 1 at St. Thomas More Hospital, where nearly $100,000 in grants were provided to 19 local organizations.
From supporting literacy programs and wilderness search and rescue to providing a safe place for graduating high school seniors and teen moms, the grant recipients in Fremont County are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. This year, the foundation provided the following 19 local organizations with $96,000 (in total) in grants:
- Bear Hugs/Beaver Packs RE-2
- Bridge Youth Center
- Canon Christian Academy
- Canon City High School Funfest
- Canon Literacy Center
- Canon City Golden Age Council
- Canon City Pregnancy Center
- Family Crisis Services
- Florence High School Senior Funfest
- Fremont CO Search and Rescue
- Fremont County Dolly Parton Imagination Library
- Heart of Colorado CASA
- Hope House
- Kindred Kids Advocacy Center
- Meals on Wheels
- Mt View Core Knowledge
- Night to Shine
- Orchard of Hope
- Senior Services Solutions Plus
The endowment funds are specifically designated to improve the health and wellness of our community.
“These grants keep the 90-year legacy of the Yankton Benedictine Sisters alive. The Sisters dedicated their lives to caring for the sick and nurturing the health of the Canon City community,” said Mike Cafasso, President, St. Thomas More Hospital. “The grant recipients are keeping our community healthy and safe, while educating them and helping them thrive. They are an extension of our healing ministry.”
When the last sisters left the hospital in 2004, they left a substantial $1 million gift to the STM Foundation in honor of their noble work and to benefit the Fremont County community. It was their vision to continue serving our community long after they returned home to resume their service at Sacred Heart Monastery.
To learn more about the impact of the St. Thomas More Hospital Foundation, contact Linda Russell, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at [email protected].
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
