New Beginnings medical equipment loan program transitions to closure
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Kathy Grogan, founder and executive director of New Beginnings Community Services, Inc., with a collection of wheelchairs for the medical equipment loan program. File photo
For over 13 years, the New Beginnings Community Services medical equipment loan program founded by Kathy Grogan has been a lifeline for countless families in the community, offering essential items like wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and shower seats to those in need. Today, she announced that the medical equipment loan program will begin the transition toward closure on Dec. 31.
Grogan, who is the organization’s founder and executive director, made the official announcement earlier this morning. While the decision was difficult, it was ultimately necessary due to personal health challenges and the need to slow down. “I had to watch not to get emotional when I first broke the news,” she shared. “But it’s the right thing, so it’s okay. People are asking why and what it comes down to is I’ve had some health issues and I’m okay–but I have to slow down. I’m not good at slowing down. “
As the non-profit program nears its closure at the end of this month, the organization is taking time to celebrate its impactful legacy and ensure a smooth transition for its clients and partners.
A legacy of service and community impact
Since its inception, the program has operated as a community-driven initiative, operating financial donations for funding. The non-profit provided a means for clients to safely maintain their independence at home, even if they have no insurance to cover the cost of the equipment or something extremely beneficial isn’t deemed “medically necessary.” Organizations and members of the public donated gently used medical equipment, which the program repaired and distributed to individuals and families facing medical challenges. Over the years, hundreds of wheelchairs, shower chairs, knee scooters, and other vital items found new homes, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“What we did wouldn’t have mattered if people hadn’t been bringing us medical equipment,” Grogan said. “It’s been a team effort—from the donations to the repairs to the distribution.” Beyond the equipment itself, the program fostered deep relationships with families, social workers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
“We’ve gotten to know so many people well,” she reflected. “It’s tough to say goodbye, but I want everyone to know that we’re closing successfully. This isn’t a failure; it’s a celebration of what we’ve accomplished.”
Transition plans and encouragement to “pay it forward”
With services officially ending on Dec. 31, Grogan is encouraging individuals who currently have equipment that would ordinarily have been returned to New Beginnings when it was no longer needed to instead personally pass it along to others in need.
“At this point, we’re hoping people will pay it forward,” she explained. “If you know someone who could use a piece of equipment that you were going to return to our program, please share it with them.”
For specialized items like an electric Hoyer lift, the program plans to collaborate with local resources that also offer medical equipment loans to ensure these items continue to benefit the community. Additionally, surplus supplies, including pull-ups and diapers, may be sold at reasonable prices to support the Grief and Loss Program, which will remain operational.
“I want to make it clear: the Grief and Loss Program is not going anywhere,” Grogan emphasized. “It will continue for as long as I’m able to run it.”
Celebrating success: a farewell gathering
To commemorate the program’s 13 years of service, a farewell celebration will be held on Dec. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Huddle House in Bonne Terre. Originally planned as a meet-and-greet for potential new program leaders, the event has been repurposed as a chance to honor the program’s achievements and say goodbye to friends made along the journey through the program.
“This gathering is about celebrating what we’ve done and thanking the people who’ve supported us,” Grogan said. “We’ve worked with so many amazing clients, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers over the years. It’s also a bit of a retirement party for me, as I’ll officially be stepping back from most activities at the end of the month.”
The celebration, which will take place in the side room at Huddle House, is open to everyone who has been touched by the program—whether as a client, supporter, or partner. “We’d love to see you. Pop in, celebrate with us, and share a hug or two,” the founder said warmly.
Reflecting on a ripple effect
As the medical equipment loan program winds down, Grogan is taking time to reflect on its legacy, and she finds that she is pleased with what she has helped accomplish.
“I kind of feel like this was my ripple in the water,” she shared. “It was a calling and a lot of work, but it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.” She credits the program’s success to the community’s unwavering support.
“Without the people who donated, volunteered, and trusted us, we wouldn’t have made it this far. It’s been such an honor to serve the community and be part of something that made a real difference.” While she acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the closure, she’s choosing to focus on the positives.
“What a beautiful thing that it got so big and so busy that we couldn’t keep up with it,” she said with a smile. “That’s a high note to end on.”
As the farewell event approaches, Grogan is looking forward to celebrating with those who have been part of the journey.
“Hopefully, they’ll mark their calendars on the 20th. I really want that to be a fun thing. You know, it ends it on a positive note, just like a graduation. It’s a successful completion,” she said. “This isn’t just a goodbye. It’s a thank you. It’s a celebration. And it’s a reminder that even as one chapter closes, the spirit of helping others lives on.”
Although the medical equipment program is coming to an end, its impact will continue to ripple through the community. The relationships built and the lives touched over the past 13 years serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion.
Looking ahead
Grogan is emphatic about the continuance of the Grief and Loss program and wants to be perfectly clear that it is a separate program from the medical equipment loans. After 23 years, the support program will be expanding to include an additional weekly session to accommodate the growing need in the community for guidance in grief and loss.
Grogan said that the grief and loss support group is a community-based group open to anyone 18 years of age or older who has lost a loved one. The group began in 2001 and has continually provided support to people experiencing grief. The goal is to provide a supportive, accepting, understanding, and confidential atmosphere to promote healing. Although each loss is unique, many group members through the years have found it helpful to be with others who understand what they are feeling, because those on a grief journey experience many similar emotions and struggles. The grief and loss support group currently meets weekly from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Belgrade State Bank located at 414 N. State St. in Desloge. A large, private conference room is reserved for the meetings to ensure the privacy of group members in the company of others seeking hope and meaning in living with loss.
“We are getting ready to start a Tuesday evening session at the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce building. We’re still back and forth whether it’s going to start at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., and will probably be 6:30 p.m. Anyone with interest in that session, or the existing Wednesday session–or even needing guidance toward another medical equipment loan program–is welcome to give me a call at 573-760-3609.”
Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a staff writer for the Daily Journal and can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.
