The Shirley Bailey Memorial Fund Grants $2,875 to BACC's Health Science Program

The Branch County Community Foundation was honored to grant out $2,875 in memorial funds from the Shirley Bailey Memorial Fund to the Branch Area Careers Center Health Science Program.  
Young Shirley’s passion for nursing began during a long hospitalization recovering from a pressure cooker accident. While there, the nurses not only dressed her wounds, but also helped her with her school assignments. At just fifteen, she graduated high school. Then, Shirley wasn’t of legal age to attend Nursing School in the State of Michigan, but with some determination and a persuasive letter to the Governor of Michigan, she was able to get into Nursing School at the age of sixteen. Her love for healthcare only grew throughout her career, and inspired her to reinstate her nursing license at the age of 83 to continue to help her community.
The grant to the BACC Health Science Program was a natural choice, with Shirley’s passion for healthcare and influence on creating and opening the Branch Area Careers Center. Shirley served on the BISD Board in different roles for 18 years.
With these memorial donations, the students at the Branch Area Careers Center will have access to additional funding to help them throughout their own career in health care. The Health Science Program offers a two-year program where students can learn foundational healthcare concepts and also provides real world work opportunities at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility, The Laurels of Coldwater, and other area healthcare service providers.
The Community Foundation is honored to be part of an individual and family’s legacy, and we are inspired by the generosity of our community and Shirley’s family and friends.