ROCKWALL COUNTY (February 2, 2014) On Wednesday, March 5, the Grace Center for Family and Community Development will open its doors at418 E. Bourn St.in Rockwall, in donated space offered by Piedra Angular Assembly of God Church. With an all volunteer staff and a growing network of physicians willing to work pro bono, the collaborative community initiative will include Grace Clinic, providing integral healthcare to the uninsured and the underserved in Rockwall County.
“Grace Clinic will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday, serving residents who fall under the 200% federal poverty rate,” said Enid Reyes, Grace Center’s Executive Director and founding member. “Our community has experienced dramatic growth over the past few years. The Hispanic population has grown 1,600% inRoyseCity. The number of residents living under the 200% federal poverty level has increased to 17,000. With no public hospital inRockwallCountyand our existing community clinic at capacity, we saw a need for an alternative – one that includes extended care and preventative education, and relieves the burden on our local emergency rooms.”
Reyes serves as Community Ministries Director at Lake Pointe Church, where a community transformation model she developed helped rejuvenate the low income neighborhood of Lake Rockwall Estates. “I’ve seen the outcome of our efforts in that community,” said Reyes. “Then I was praying at a retreat and the challenge came to my mind. Why not take the success of Lake Rockwall Estates to a county level, and address the big need of healthcare?”
Grace Clinic will treat patients experiencing cold and flu symptoms, earaches and basic healthcare issues – “things people bring to the emergency room that aren’t really ER situations,” Reyes said. “We have an orthopedic doctor available to do casts, and we can help patients manage diabetes and high blood pressure. If they need more care, we can send them to a specialist through the Grace Referral Network. Our ultimate goal is to be open five days a week, some nights, providing continuing services.”
Dr. Rebecca Burchfiel of Benchmark Family Services is a member ofGraceCenter’s governing board. She will oversee operations of the clinic. “There is a huge need for indigent care in Rockwall, and we hope to fill some of the gaps. We’re really excited; it’s been a long process,” the Medical Director said.
Jacqueline Camp, Director of Patient Experience at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, is also on the board. “Whether it’s referring patients, supporting theGraceCenterthrough volunteering and charitable donations, we are proud to partner withGraceCenter. We want to make sure that once patients leave an acute care setting, someone is following up with them, making sure they are continuing to do well.”
Dr. Steven Bray’s search for a local mission opportunity led him to volunteer as one of the clinic’s practicing physicians on Wednesday nights. “The nice thing about starting on a small scale is that it’s easy to micro-manage a couple hours a week before we go viral. This is going to get big,” he said. “Once we show what we can do, we will grow our medical staff to support the demand.”
Other board members include President Brenda Cross, My Guardian for Life; Secretary Karen Straughan, Seniors Choice; Treasurer Dennis Bailey, Rockwall County Commissioner; David Smith, Attorney; Adriana Gutierrez, Community Leader; Blake James, American National Bank of Texas; Toni Waldrop, Rockwall Gold & Silver, and Desiree McCombs, Indigo Peaks Photography. Karen Workman, RN, is the Clinic Coordinator. (*Since this story appeared in our print edition, Grace has welcomed three new board members: Mayor David Sweet, Marc Pickren and Lisa Faucett.)
Although Grace Clinic is a big part of the plan, Reyes emphasizes that the Christ-centered nonprofit’s vision is three-fold: offering donation-based healthcare services to qualified residents; transforming neighborhoods through asset-based community development; and building strong families.
“We’re taking a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs,” said Reyes, who is also a Certified Relationship Skills Facilitator. “We want to move people forward – help them become self-sustained through education, community involvement and leadership preparation.”
Reyes added, “This is a collaborative effort. We don’t want to re-invent the wheel. We want to work with other organizations to create win-win strategies. This is not just about healthcare; it’s about equipping people, giving them skills and training, building confidence, connecting them with local churches for spiritual growth, and getting them engaged in their community. When they receive help, they will want to come back and help others. This is true transformation.”
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
Grace Center Volunteer & Information Session
in advance of the opening of Grace Center & Grace Clinic
8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Februrary 8th
418 E. Bourn Street, Rockwall
There is no commitment to volunteer by attending the open house. You are invited to find out how your skills may fit with an opportunity to help others.
RSVP to rockwallgracecenter@gmail.com or (214)-215-1736
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