RICHMOND — Ordinarily, someone seeking the services of a medical professional, family photographer, or even a hair dresser would not think to visit a church. Yet hundreds of low-income Richmond residents found these services and more, free of charge, at The Clinic hosted by Huguenot Road Baptist Church on Sept. 15.
Blood pressure screening is one of the services offered at The Clinic. |
While The Clinic didn’t open until 10 a.m., Matthew Hensley, associate pastor for discipleship and missions, says a line of people needing assistance with physical, medical and spiritual needs had formed by 7:30. For many it was a return visit to The Clinic, an annual mission ministry of Huguenot Road.
Participants chose from a wide range of services as they registered. Groceries, school supplies, clothing, household items, toys and a hot lunch were available. Health checkups, vision screening, diabetes evaluations and blood pressure checks were offered. Services that many low-income families are unable to afford, such as a haircut, manicure, massage or family photograph were also provided free of charge. Everything was free.
Advocates from Huguenot Road assisted each family in finding the location of services within the facility and sought to get to know them and begin to form relationships that might build bridges between families and the faith community.
“It’s not just about giving things away,” said Hensley, “it’s about getting to know people and letting them see how we care for them just as Jesus would.”
“One man registered today and all he requested was a bag of groceries and a haircut,” he added.
Free haircuts are popular among participants at The Clinic. |
Church members had pre-packed grocery bags for adults, families with children and the homeless. Before The Clinic came to an end, every bag of groceries had been taken.
Clothing filled several large rooms and advocates provided bags for shoppers as they selected items. Household goods such as pillows and blankets, lamps and clocks, coffee pots and cookware were available in what was referred to as the home store.
The Clinic offered medical services that were much in demand. Health care professions were on hand for checkups, vision screening, diabetes evaluations and blood pressure checks. Juan Santacoloma, a multi-cultural liaison with the department of public affairs in Chesterfield County, served as a translator in the health care area, ensuring that patrons who did not clearly understand English were able to understand instructions and ask questions.
Santacoloma noted that he has been part of the ministry of The Clinic for five or six years and that his wife and two children were there helping in other areas.
A free hot lunch of grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, tossed salad and dessert was served in the gymnasium. Tables lined the gym with persons and companies offering information on job planning, housing, legal counsel and health care for the uninsured. Advocates skilled in grief counseling and spiritual counsel were available to participants.
Phillip Brown, associate pastor for music and worship at Huguenot Road Baptist Church, grills chicken for the free lunch offered at The Clinic. |
“The Clinic is a true blessing to the people we serve at the Oregon Hill Baptist Center,” said Jennifer Turner, its community missionary and director. “We have a sign-up sheet for those who need transportation from our Center to Huguenot Road Baptist Church.” She added that Huguenot Road sends a bus or van to pick up Oregon Hill clients and also brings them back.
“The homeless folks especially appreciate the free haircuts and clothes, while families enjoy the household items, groceries and toys,” Turner confided. She says the medical screenings are especially appreciated.
“Last year a doctor detected a possible heart problem with one of our Center folks and gave them a referral. The man went to a cardiologist and had several blockages. The screening at Huguenot Road may have saved his life,” she added.
“So often people think of churches as people that gather for worship on Sunday,” said Hensley. “But in reality the church is much more than that.” He believes that worship should influence how people live during the week.
“The Clinic is an outpouring of our worship on Sunday,” he added. “It’s an example of what God’s people can do together to touch the lives of those in the community by meeting their needs.”
“The experience that our volunteers take from this is powerful as well,” Hensley said.
Barbara Francis ([email protected]) is on the staff of the Religious Herald.