Partnerships Make a Difference
The Free Clinic of SW Washington has been fortunate throughout the years to have many dedicated businesses and organizations that have continued to support the Clinic through monetary, in-kind and volunteer support. “It’s always a good feeling to have friends,” says Todd Horenstein, Secretary for the Board of Directors. “The Free Clinic is fortunate to have many long standing relationships.”
Most recently, the Free Clinic welcomed 360 Pizzeria as a community partner. 360 Pizzeria offered to hold multiple events at their restaurant to support Free Clinic programs. The first fundraising pizza night was Monday, June 7 and Free Clinic staff members were there to help educate patrons as well as have some fun. These nights will serve as great opportunities to make new friends in the community.
Other community partners include Columbia United Providers, Southwest Washington Medical Center, St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Columbia United Providers has raised nearly $8,000 for the Free Clinic through its mini-mart and silent auctions. Southwest Washington Medical Center has been a long-time supporter of the Free Clinic, providing over $900,000 in monetary support and countless hours of volunteer service and in-kind donations. St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church have helped the Free Clinic reach out to the faith based community and continue to make new friends.
First Independent and the Firstenburg Family Foundation have been instrumental in providing financial and in-kind support to the Free Clinic. From sponsoring special events to providing grant money, First Independent and the Foundation have continued to support the Free Clinic’s mission. “First Independent and the Firstenburg Foundation are proud to support the Free Clinic,” says Ron Bertolucci, Free Clinic Vice President to the Board and Senior Vice President, Community Investment Team Leader at First Independent. “It’s partnerships like this that serve to create strong, healthy communities.”
The Vancouver Clinic has been the Free Clinic’s partner for ten years – sponsoring events, facilitating employee giving, and donating countless volunteers hours in the urgent care clinics and for Project Access Clark County. A team of Vancouver Clinic doctors and nurses volunteer together at three urgent care clinics and one immunization clinic each month. The Vancouver Clinic also donates specialty care to Project Access, a program run through the Free Clinic that provides specialty care services for low-income, uninsured patients.
There are countless businesses and organizations who help make the Free Clinic successful, and while there are not enough pages or newsletters to highlight them all, they are each important. The Free Clinic is thankful to have such great community support.
