On Wednesday, Midlanders were reminded of what makes our community exceptional.
The University of Texas Permian Basin will offer its students wanting to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology, social work or counseling the opportunity to do so for free. It is an incredible gesture made possible by the generosity and targeted philanthropy of the Scharbauer Foundation and Permian Strategic Partnership.
Both foundations will each donate $5 million for the program – one with a very hopeful outcome — “The recipients (of the scholarship) will agree to remain in the Permian Basin and work in our wonderful new behavioral health center or other mental health areas in our community,” UT Permian Basin President Sandra Woodley said.
Targeted philanthropy is something with a long history in Midland, but it seems we have taken it to another level in recent times.
Earlier this month the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation announced a $25 million gift to the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center.
“With this extraordinary gift, the Mabee Foundation has made a profound statement about the importance of bringing high-quality, behavioral health services to the Permian Basin,” said Russell Meyers, president of the PBBHC. “We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant, placing us one giant step closer to providing this much needed service to the residents of our region.”
Philanthropic leaders like the Scharbauer Foundation, FMH Foundation, Beal Foundation, Permian Strategic Partnership and Diamondback Energy had previously been praised for efforts that helped make the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center a reality. The more the merrier indeed.
Other recent targeted donations involving the Permian Strategic Partnership and Scharbauer Foundation included partnering with the Holdsworth Center to provide leadership training of public school officials across the Permian Basin.
Both also provided $10 million grants for the construction of a $30 million home for the new Pre-K Academy and Early Childhood education program.
There are other examples throughout the years, involving other projects and other donors too numerous to name.
I recall targeted philanthropy helping Midland ISD out of a multi-million deficit and helping the district with sky-high rents for its teachers and staff. I remember targeted giving, including Clarence Scharbauer Jr.’s $25 million donation, complementing a successful bond initiative to make Midland Memorial Hospital’s patient tower even more responsive for the needs of Midland. I know the benefit that donors, like the Abell-Hanger Foundation, have made for students, wanting to guarantee a college education for anyone interested in seeing what’s possible.
There are some, including a few elected officials, who prefer that foundations and industry stay in their lanes until summoned by government when needed. That is not going to cut it in the Midland I know.
Education, health care, infrastructure and quality of life will not be everything it can be without the targeted philanthropy of industry and foundations often leading the way. We see it again and again. More is coming, but it is not my place to steal anyone’s spotlight.
Thank you to the Permian Strategic Partnership, the Scharbauer Foundation and Mabee Foundation for your recent reminders of what helps make Midland one of the most unique places in the state of Texas. Your donations help make our community and region that much more exceptional.
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