Mercy Health Foundation Greater Toledo

Thanks to associate donors, Jennifer received the help her family needed during furlough.

When COVID-19 hit and adjustments were made to staffing, Jennifer Dalton was put on furlough for two months from her position as a cytotechnologist with Mercy Integrated Laboratory at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. Jennifer worried about a decrease to her income, but thanks to the Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation’s contribution to the Caring for Our Own Fund (formerly known as the Associate Hardship Fund), restorative pay was available that filled the gap between unemployment and her normal pay.

“It really helped on the family level since my husband is self-employed and was working through issues of getting support. We didn’t have to worry about the flow of income from my position,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer is grateful that they were able to pay their bills and get groceries for their family of four.

“I’m greatly appreciative of the Foundation for setting donor funds aside for the Caring for Our Own Fund. When I went on furlough, I was worried about getting behind on our bills, but the extra funds helped alleviate those worries,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer is glad to be back to work in the lab and grateful that the furlough didn’t create a financial setback for her family.