Major donation leads to digital inclusion for Loretto employees

Posted on April 25, 2021

Thanks to the generosity of the Parker Family of Portland, Oregon, Loretto will launch a new technical training program this spring to promote digital-inclusion with its employees.

With this half million dollar donation, the organization will begin training its diverse staff on new electronic medical records (EMR) that will significantly streamline how frontline healthcare workers provide care, as well as provide them with transferrable skills that will enable them to be successful in a digital, knowledge-based economy.

Through collaborations with lead EMR vendors, and because of financial support from a New York State grant and the Mother Cabrini Foundation, Loretto had been planning for initiatives around digital literacy for its workforce throughout 2020. Digital literacy, or the skill of being able to find, discern, analyze and use high quality data found on digital platforms, is a critical component of providing high quality, affordable health care.

Healthcare workers have faced roadblocks in growth around technology, though. “Digitally-literate knowledge workers have higher wages and lower unemployment rates than service and blue-collar workers, who are seeing persistently higher unemployment rates and wage stagnation,” said Dr. Kimberly Townsend, president and CEO at Loretto. For low income and rural populations, this disparity has a significant negative impact on the development of their regions and on their ability to participate in an increasingly digital economy.

Quick Facts:

·        As an employer, 65% of Loretto’s frontline employees are individuals coming from the most highly impoverished zip codes in the United States.

·        As a safety net provider, 70% of the individuals Loretto serves are Medicaid-eligible. Medicaid is the government sponsored health plan for low-income individuals, seniors, and chronically ill children.

Loretto is committed to providing the training and resources needed to allow each employee to fully participate in a digitally-driven, knowledge-based economy. But this training requires a significant financial investment. The Parker Family recognized the opportunity to effect change at both an organizational-level and personally for employees.

“In 2007, my parents became residents of the Loretto community. During frequent visits with them, I became acquainted with dozens of employees, who work diligently and with compassion.  Technical literacy has become imperative for all workplaces of today and tomorrow. My family is honored to help Loretto initiate the EMR Employee Training program, which will advance staff skills and allow them to enhance the service they provide," Kathy Parker shared in regard to what inspired this generosity.

The Parker Family, comprised of Mark and Kathy Parker, along with their three children, dedicated this support in honor of John and Shirley Mills, Kathy's parents. While Shirley still resides in her hometown of Syracuse, NY, this support helps to keep John's memory alive and at the forefront of their family's minds. John and Shirley spent their lives as humble, devoted community members of Central New York, known for their commitment to helping populations in need. The family values philanthropic investments that generate outcomes, particularly for those who are most marginalized. Kathy Parker still visits her hometown regularly to spend time with her mother.

Loretto relies in large part on the generosity of the community to support its operations and the care that its employees carry out daily to support thousands of Central New Yorkers each year.

“While many companies have had to lay off workers and close their doors, we are continuing to find ways to invest in our employees in ways that support their personal growth, support the mission of Loretto as in organization, and support our community as a whole,” Townsend said. “Words cannot express what this donation from the Parkers means to our employees and our organization. We hope this inspires others in the community to consider many of our initiatives that are still in need of financial support.”

About Loretto

Loretto is a leader in comprehensive healthcare services in Central New York. As the fourth largest healthcare provider and the sixth largest employer in the region, the 2,500 exceptional people at Loretto’s 19 locations deliver extraordinary care to close to 10,000 people of all ages, income levels, and care needs in Onondaga and Cayuga counties each year. From adult day programs and short-term rehabilitation, to the home-like settings in its assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities, Loretto is actively investing in its employees, in medical research, and in new technologies to improve care in our community, Making Every Day Extraordinary. Loretto: Exceptional people. Extraordinary care. For more information on Loretto, please visit lorettocny.org.

Other Member News

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference
October 21, 2025

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference

This one-day event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, lead generation, and brand visibility—whether through attending, tabling, or sponsoring.

October 20, 2025

Springbrook Expands in Central New York with New Syracuse Office

The expansion marks an exciting milestone in Springbrook’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional, person-centered support across the state.

Warm, hearty meals for casual friendly get-togethers
October 17, 2025

Fulton Dining and Activity Center Menu

Reservations are encouraged and bussing is available from participants homes to the center.

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar
October 15, 2025

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar

Find out more information and register here.

October 15, 2025

Join SUNY Oswego for A Showcase of Innovation, Collaboration and Impact!

RSVP to join us on October 23-24, 2025 at SUNY Oswego for any or all of the following four free events.

BCBS
October 14, 2025

Excellus BCBS 2026 Enrollment

Three simple steps to finding your new plan for 2026.

Shoulder Pain? Join SOS for a Virtual Community Talk on November 12 2025
October 14, 2025

SOS to Host Virtual Community Talk: “Your Shoulder Health: Exploring Arthritis Care and Surgical Advances”

The goal of the webinar is to empower patients and caregivers with evidence-based information, demystify the treatment process, and provide a forum for questions.

John Huhtala
October 7, 2025

Tompkins Community Bank Welcomes Commercial Banking Regional Manager

Huhtala, a 28-year industry veteran known for his leadership, mentorship and community engagement, will lead operations with the goal of driving growth and value for the bank’s clients.

shake shack pic
October 7, 2025

Shake Shack Grand Opening in DeWitt

We will be donating $1 from every burger and chicken sandwich purchased to the Food Bank of Central New York.