RDNA Endowment

Keep RDNA nurses visiting into the future

At the end of 2014, RDNA established the agency’s first endowment with a grant from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine. The foundation trustees stated, “by awarding this grant, we are in essence partnering with others who have already been supporting RDNA.”
(Photo courtesy Marti Stone Photography)

The endowment allows RDNA to

  • responsibly increase nursing capacity beyond the current limitations, meeting the growing need
  • address emerging community health needs
  • work with emergency management partners in times of community disaster and pandemic
  • absorb future operating expense increases

RDNA endowment funds are invested for growth with the Maine Community Foundation. A percentage of the endowment’s value is made available each year to support the work of RDNA. A gift to the RDNA endowment will grow over time, contributing to your legacy in the Rockland area community. Gifts other than cash or marketable securities, such as real estate or with special requests attached, must be accepted by the RDNA Board of Directors per the agency Gift Acceptance Policy. Please inform RDNA of your plans.

In 2023, RDNA received the Evie Award from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine in recognition of the “exceptional integrity and hard work” demonstrated by the RDNA Board, Endowment Committee and staff in building the endowment. The Foundation stated RDNA has “done a fantastic job leveraging significant donations to the endowment fund, AND, has given permanency to Eliza Steele’s legacy.”

Gifts have been made in honor of
Warren Bodine  ~  Louise Veazie Knowlton  ~  Penobscot View Grange ~ Kno-Wal-Lin Auxiliary ~ Dr. John & Charlotte Root ~ Patricia Snow, past RDNA Board President

Funds

At this time, donations are being accepted by the Nancy K Lewis Memorial Fund ~ on-line or by mail. For other gifts, please contact RDNA.

RDNA Nancy K Lewis Memorial Fund

Purpose:  general operations
Donate ONLINE or mail a check to RDNA NKL Fund, PO Box 1713, Rockland, ME

On March 1, 2015, Nancy Lewis, RN passed away.  For decades, she held nursing leadership roles first at Knox Hospital and later PenBay.  Many RDNA nurses worked with Nancy Lewis over the course of their careers. Upon her retirement in the late 1990s, she trained and became the first parish nurse for the Rockland Congregational Church. From 2007 until her passing, she served as the RDNA Nursing Committee Chair on the Board of Directors, with much of RDNA’s current nursing success directly attributable to her wealth of knowledge, astute insight, professional integrity and love of community nursing. See the Nancy K Lewis Memorial Fund flyer.

RDNA Talbot Home Fund

Purpose:  general operations
This fund is not receiving donations.

This fund was established with a generous gift from The Talbot Home upon the closing of the home in July 2014.  For much of the last century, The Talbot Home, formerly known as the Home for Aged Women, was a beloved community resource for aging residents. From RDNA founding nurse Eliza Steele’s early affiliation with the Home for Aged Women, to recent RDNA nurses providing services to The Talbot Home residents at the time of its closing, these two community agencies together worked to help care for area seniors.

RDNA Lucy French Brown Memorial Fund

Purpose:  general operations & scholarship
This fund is not receiving donations.

Lucy French Brown graduated from Rockland District High School in 1932, and became a graduate nurse from the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1939. She married Dr. Freeman Brown (also RDHS class of 1932), and worked closely with him in his practice. During WWII, when he was called to serve, Lucy Brown returned to run the obstetrical service at the Knox County General Hospital. She was a great admirer of Eliza Steele’s, and the services RDNA provided to the community. She was firmly committed to a healthy community and a strong, sustainable nursing profession.

RDNA is indebted to Lucy French Brown’s sister-in-law and late RDNA Board member, Katherine Brown, for ensuring this fund and RDNA were lovingly nurtured. Please contact RDNA for scholarship information.