Lyndsay Fogarty
Shepherd’s Hope relies on strong partnerships within the local community to ensure its services reach those most in need.
It Started With a Walk on the Beach.
In the summer of 1996, Dr. William S. Barnes, pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Windermere, had a calling. That calling led him to create Shepherd’s Hope, a facility operated primarily by volunteers, that provides uninsured individuals and families access to healthcare.
Patients who are eligible for services through Shepherd’s Hope have income at or below 200% of the poverty level, are uninsured and are not eligible for government-assisted health care programs. Today, Shepherd’s Hope operates five medical health centers in Orange and Seminole counties.
Through the Support of a Caring Community.
Shepherd’s Hope relies on strong partnerships within the local community to ensure its services reach those most in need. Each Health Center is the result of a partnership between a faith community, school or facility partner, specialty providers and hospitals. Volunteer physicians, nurses, other licensed health care professionals and general volunteers provide quality healthcare to men, women and children who would otherwise go without the care they need.
Expanding Its Reach with New Initiatives.
In celebration of its 23rd anniversary this month, Shepherd’s Hope launched three new initiatives that will expand access to healthcare services in our community.
The new Shepherd’s Hope Health Center in Winter Garden now features an on-site radiology suite with a full range of services, including a diagnostic lab and x-ray services, for uninsured patients. Additionally, a $600,000 grant from the West Orange Health Alliance will support the assimilation of the acute care dental services of the West Orange Dental Alliance into Shepherd’s Hope operations. The funds from WOHA will help to establish this new line of services and support access to care.
Finally, to promote positive lifestyle changes for residents, a program called HEAL – Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle was launched in the community. It provides residents with access to food as a prescription; heart, diabetes and obesity interventions; and educational cooking, nutrition and lifestyle classes and programs.
Join Shepherd’s Hope in their Mission.
Whether you’re a medical professional interested in donating your services, a community member wishing to volunteer at a facility or an event, or a resident who would like to support this amazing mission with a monetary gift, Shepherd’s Hope needs your help. New volunteers are always welcome, specifically prescribers and specialists that receive Sovereign immunity, as well as general volunteers. In-kind donation needs include everything from tri-fold paper towels, non-latex gloves and wrist splints to water and snacks for patients who wait hours in line before the doors even open. Monetary support of patient care ($100 per patient) is also a huge need.
You’re Invited!
Call to Hope Breakfast
Learn more about how Shepherd’s Hope serves our neighbors in the community.
When: May 8, 2020
Time: 7:45-9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Famous Faces Masquerade Ball: Starships to Broomsticks
Celebrate Shepherd’s Hope at this black-tie Halloween soiree, complete with gourmet dinner, live entertainment and silent auction.
When: October 24, 2020
Time: 6:00-11:00 p.m.
For information: 407-876-6699 ext. 266
For more information about opportunities to get involved and a full in-kind wish list, visit the Shepherd’s Hope website.
By the Numbers
290,000
free medical visits and patient services since first opening in 1997
5
medical health centers in Orange and Seminole counties
$21 million
in healthcare services delivered in 2019 through community partnerships
3032 caring volunteers; 41,875 service hours
at one (or more) of Shepherd’s Hope’s five area facilities in 2019
Comments