By Tracy Effah, Health Equity Intern
Our vision is to build a community free of health disparities. This extends beyond medical care to encompass the social determinants of health. Things like housing, access to resources, transportation, education, and nutrition all play a role in a person’s well-being. That is why we want to support people where they are and help them overcome these barriers.
In 2024 and 2025, we hosted several community outreach events to advance this mission. These included mattresses, car seats, and back-to-school giveaways, as well as transportation support for medical appointments. Through these efforts, we are promoting health, safety, and well-being for the families we serve.
According to our 2024 annual report, Ebenezer served 2,796 refugees, immigrants, and other underserved individuals this past year. Our clients come from 24 countries and speak many different languages. These outreach events help them feel welcomed, supported, and connected to the community.
Car Seat Giveaway
The Car Seat Giveaway, partnered with Dayton Children’s, promotes child safety and is directly connected to transportation as a social determinant of health. Many of the families we serve lack access to safe, properly installed car seats, putting children at risk during daily travel. By providing car seats, we help reduce preventable injuries and lower the number of possible emergency room visits due to car accidents. Certified car seat technicians were also on-site to teach families how to correctly install and use the seats, ensuring long-term safety beyond the event itself.
Bed Distribution
The Bed Distribution, in partnership with Secret Smiles of Dayton, supports quality sleep, which improves health outcomes and is connected to housing as a social determinant of health. Too many children and families in our community sleep on the floor or in overcrowded spaces, which can lead to physical and mental health challenges. A bed offers more than just comfort, it supports growth, learning, care, and emotional well-being.
Back-to-School Giveaway
The Back-to-School Giveaway/enrollment of preschool children, partnered with Preschool Promise, addressed educational barriers as a social determinant of health. Access to basic school supplies or early readiness helps children feel prepared, confident, and excited to learn. For families facing financial hardship, these supplies could ease the burden and improve health outcomes. According to our 2024 Annual Report's Health Needs Assessment, 85.1 percent of clients are unable to read or write in English, highlighting the importance of supporting children early.
In total, we provided 1,726 personal and baby items (including beds, diapers, car seats, school supplies, and more) to the community. These outreach events have a meaningful impact on the families we serve and help us build lasting relationships across the community. We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters, as these events would not be possible without them. Ebenezer is committed to expanding and growing these efforts in the coming year. Together, we are helping to build healthier families and stronger communities.
If you would like to get involved, we invite you to learn more about how to donate, volunteer, or partner with us.
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