Since the beginning of the Grace Fund in 2004, AdventHealth University (then known as Florida Hospital College) has given over $162,000 to help students in need. Several years ago, faculty and staff gave employees the opportunity to contribute to the Grace Fund for the first time. Funds are allocated in $500 increments for a variety of crises, including medical bills, transportation, rent or mortgage payments; utility bills; funeral expenses; and even robbery.
Edwin Hernández, president of AdventHealth University, says this fund is essential for students who are going through a difficult time.
“When AdventHealth University students encounter hard times—from a death in the family to an illness, loss of income, or car trouble—it can jeopardize their ability to stay in school. Many are sole providers for their families as well as students. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Grace Fund allows our chaplains to extend financial grace in times of trouble. A few hundred dollars can allow a student to stay on track, graduate on time, enter the workforce, and begin extending the same healing grace and ministry of Christ to others,” he noted.
The Grace Fund is crucial in the aid it is providing students during the coronavirus pandemic. One student named Angela was in her senior year when the coronavirus pandemic began. She was fortunate to be able to move home with her parents and save money on rent. However, when she arrived home, her father lost his job in the hotel industry. Angela and her mother were working hard to make ends meet. After falling behind on her car payments, she was worried that it would lead to losing her car and then being unable to get to work.
“I really didn’t want to ask for help unless I really needed it. The anxiety and the amount of stress I am currently going through has even gotten in the way of my studying,” said Angela.
Thanks to the AdventHealth University Grace Fund, the chaplains were able to help her get caught up on car payments to help relieve some stress. In 2019, the fund raised $21,437 and was able to help 50 students at AdventHealth University.
To learn more about the Grace Fund and the benefits of becoming a 1908 Society member, visit 1908Society.com.
