United Way awards Cedar Park nonprofit $10,000 grant

Photo courtesy United Way of Williamson County

The award was presented to Samaritan Health Ministries by the Engvall Family and United Way of Williamson County Board Members at the Texas Stars Hockey game at the Cedar Park Center on February 1, 2014.

The United Way of Williamson County announced Feb. 1 that Cedar Park-based nonprofit Samaritan Health Ministries is the winner of the 2014 Janet Engvall McTigue Advancing Excellence in Nonprofits Award.

The accolade comes with $10,000 and is given annually to a nonprofit serving Williamson County.

Erika Pratt, executive director of Samaritan Health Ministries, said the funds will be used to develop the organization's governing board.

"This grant will provide the financial support we need to grow and strengthen our governing board, an essential component of our strategic plan," Pratt said in a statement. "With a strong operational infrastructure, we are better able to meet the current day-to-day requirements of the clinic and anticipate future needs."

Samaritan Health Ministries provides health care to the uninsured residents of Williamson and Travis counties, including medical, dental, mental health, breast cancer and other health screenings and medications. Founded in 1998, the non-denominational nonprofit provides care for more than 700 patients annually, according to the organization.

The award was established in 2009 to honor Janet Engvall McTigue, former executive director of the Georgetown Area United Way who died in 2007.

The Engvall family and United Way of Williamson County Board Members presented the award to Samaritan Healthcare Ministries during the Texas Stars Hockey game at the Cedar Park Center on February 1.