The Drake House: Health Care Benefits for Staff

The Drake House supports and empowers single mothers and their children in our community who are experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. For more than 20 years, their staff has worked tirelessly to embody the five pillars of the D.R.A.K.E house—Dedication, Respect, Appreciation, Kindness, and Empathy—in everything they do. 

The staff at The Drake House isn’t just part of the impact—they are the impact. As a relational, service-based organization, it relies on employees with unique skills and training to connect with the families who seek their help.

While the nonprofit deeply values its employees, it isn’t always able to express this appreciation through salary increases. That’s why Nesha Mason, president of The Drake House, is committed to ensuring every staff member feels supported, seen, and valued.

However, Nesha faced a significant challenge last year. Rising health insurance costs forced her to choose between switching to a less comprehensive, cheaper plan or increasing premiums for every staff member—both of which would have serious consequences for her team.

For many staff members, a change like this would require them to look for another job. Some staff members have ongoing medical issues that require comprehensive coverage, and others simply would not be able to afford the higher premiums. Although they’re passionate about serving their community, these changes could make it impossible for them to continue.

“It was very hard to deliver this message to my team,” Neesha shared,  “I know how much they pour themselves into others, and I want them to know how important it is that they care for themselves as well. Reducing their health insurance coverage felt very contradictory, and watching their reactions as I shared the possibilities with them was very emotional.”

But thanks to your generosity during the 2023 Be Rich season, Nesha got to call another meeting. 

Your donations covered the increase in health insurance premiums for every employee at The Drake House for a full year. This support not only enables them to continue serving our most vulnerable populations, but it also shows them that their work is valued by the community. In a job that can often feel thankless, your gift made them feel seen.

“Your kindness has not only lightened a financial burden but also strengthened our commitment to our mission,” said Drake House employee Kelli. “We can now dedicate ourselves more fully to serving our community and the families that we serve, knowing we have the support of compassionate people like you.”

“I am grateful for the support we get that helps the families, but it's rare that we get to extend that support to our team, some of whom are facing some of the same challenges as our residents,” said Nesha. “Thank you for helping The Drake House take care of those who make our mission possible.”

Thank you for helping the staff at The Drake House continue to serve our community.