News from Wheeler

Donors to Wheeler honored retired President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walkama, LCSW, by contributing more than $38,000 in her name, spurred on by the challenge of an anonymous $25,000 matching gift. The total raised to support the program, between the match and the contributions, exceeds $63,000.

The primary five-story building at Wheeler’s flagship community health center in Hartford will be renamed the Susan Walkama Family Health & Wellness Center this spring, the Board of Trustees announced on October 29.

A matching gift campaign from an anonymous former Wheeler trustee honors retired President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walkama, LCSW, and raises support for Wheeler’s nutrition programming, matching gifts 1:1, up to $25,000 in total.

For more than five decades, the central Connecticut community has supported Wheeler Clinic in its mission to serve residents in need. Much of that support has come from the region’s manufacturing sector, which includes several notable local wire and spring firms.

More than 150 golfers, supporters, volunteers, and friends took part in Wheeler’s 34th Annual Golf Classic presented by Mutual of America at the Country Club of Farmington on June 10—an event that raised nearly $60,000 and crossed the $1.2-million fundraising mark since its inception in 1986.

Wheeler received its second year of funding for $50,000 from Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. to address the oral health needs of children and families in Greater Hartford.

Yesterday, 12 organizations and individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Wheeler at the organization’s 9th annual Hands & Hearts reception held at the Country Club of Farmington.

The Main Street Community Foundation awarded Wheeler an $80,000 grant to continue the Southington Health Outreach Project. Now in its fifth year, this project employs a three-tiered approach to serving individuals and families, including outreach and health education, system navigation assistance, and efforts to reduce barriers to care such as transportation, child care concerns and others.

From the moment a group of community visionaries came together in the late 1960s to establish a center for treating children's mental health needs in Plainville, Wheeler has always been different.

Even with 2018’s wild swings, stock markets are generally very strong, which is great for portfolios but can also pose challenges when it is time to sell. Investors may face significant capital gains taxes on stocks that have accumulated value. A great option can be to donate appreciated stock. Always consult with your tax or financial advisors to determine the best strategies for you.

Mott Corporation employees collected and wrapped nearly 100 gifts for children in Wheeler’s Foster Care programs on December 4 at the company’s headquarters in Farmington.

Community health outreach workers connect patients with care and resources in the community.

Through our five decades, side-by-side with our funders, donors, community leaders and friends, we’ve transformed from that vision of a center for children, to today delivering an array of integrated primary care and behavioral health services as diverse as everyone we serve.

As we’ve celebrated our 50th anniversary this year, we’ve highlighted partners in our work, including AFCAMP, Saint Francis Healthcare Partners, FAVOR, the Connecticut Health Foundation, the Town of Plainville, and many more.

The following 50th anniversary stories highlight the leadership and contributions of two local residents and brothers, Ron and Rick Bucchi. Both individuals served on the Wheeler Board of Trustees and were instrumental in helping to guide the organization through periods of notable expansion.