Saint
James the Less Free Clinic -- May 2008
Last month in this space I started sharing with you some thoughts
from our clinic volunteers. I would like to continue that exploration this month
by hearing from folks who work at the front desk. These volunteers are “The
keepers of the gate”. They set the tone and the environment that receives each
patient and the feeling with which each leaves the building.
From Susan Chambers:
“I am
grateful for the opportunity to greet new patients, welcoming them and calming
their concerns, establishing lasting friendships with patients who come often,
sympathizing with persons in pain, and rejoicing with those who regain their
smile, or their health. Their laughter and their hugs are my reward.”
From Mary Anne Harris:
Working
at the front desk on my first night at the clinic was an eye opener. When I saw
the smiles on their faces and how grateful they were, it made me feel humble
with God’s love in my heart.
It has
impacted my life to know that I can be a part of this wonderful outreach in the
community. A particular moment that stands out for me was when I took a patient
home and when she got into the car she said: “I truly feel the love of God in
your clinic”-- she had never felt like this before -- “and God bless
everyone”.
From Jenny Bruce:
Working
at the front desk of the free clinic has touched me over and over again.
Our official role is to prepare patients' folders for the medical professionals,
but what we place particular emphasis on is to try to warmly greet every patient
as they sign in. Patients are often surprised when we greet them by name, ask
how they've been, inquire about their families, or otherwise remember and
recognize them as friends.
We try
to create a "happy place" in the waiting room, where we begin each
clinic night gathering in a large circle, holding hands and praying. There
are magazines to read, toys and books for the children, but most of all, there
is laughter in the waiting room. Dr. Hubbard sometimes asks me what we were
doing out there; when his dental patients got to the treatment room they were
laughing and having such a good time.
Patients,
many of them younger than 40, often arrive looking sad and worn. When they
get their new dentures, their smiles transform them! We call the night they
receive their dentures "graduation night"; Susan Hubbard often takes
pictures. I never fail to cry. When I realize that a few hundred dollars
can change a life, I am overwhelmed.
I'm so proud of St. James the Less for sponsoring the clinic. Personally, it is one of the greatest things I have ever helped to accomplish
-------------------------------------------
Thank you, ladies, for your loving presence at the clinic and for
taking the time to share with us.
I’m sure the others will concur if I take a moment to talk about
Jenny Bruce. Jenny is the Vice President of the Board of Directors at the clinic
and she has been one of its staunchest supporters from the moment it was first
presented as an idea. She was on the vestry the night that Dr. Hubbard
propositioned the group with his idea. I remember that she was very vocal that
evening in support of the clinic and encouraged vestry members to take trips to
Aylett to see the operation there and pushed hard for the first steps to be
taken to make the dream a reality. She has been its cheerleader ever since.
Despite a full time job at the college, she is at the clinic most
Wednesday evenings with her welcoming smile. She is also in good measure
responsible for the Diocesan outreach award that the church received in large
part because of the creation of the clinic. There are many things that Jenny
does under the radar and behind the scenes. Thank you, Jenny, for your part in
creating this place.
-- Julie Ericksen
If you
are interested in making an ongoing pledge to the clinic or have any questions
about making a donation, you can call our Board president, Lee Chambers at
798-6647 or send us a note with your intention. Checks can be placed in the
collection plate payable to “Saint James the Less Free Clinic” or mailed to
us at “Saint James the Less Free Clinic,
If you
would like to call the clinic for an appointment, a question, or to determine
eligibility for services, please call 798-8890 to leave a message and we will
call you back.
Past News Articles
Herald-Progress Article, October 19, 2006.
Herald-Progress Editorial, August 24, 2006.
Herald-Progress Article, August 17, 2006.
Richmond Times Dispatch Commentary, May 21, 2006.