Established in 2010, Genesis Community Health is a non-profit, federally qualified healthcare clinic that has provided vital resources to Palm Beach County residents of all economic levels since 2010, including the uninsured and underinsured. In 2015, Genesis received a federal grant enabling the organization to expand its footprint. They planned to open a clinic in Boca Raton to assist the medically underserved but needed help reaching potential clients.
At the same time, Boca Helping Hands was looking to expand healthcare access for their own clients. Deanna Warren, CEO of Genesis Community Health, recalled being introduced to BHH and Board President Gary Peters around that time.
“I was blown away by the passion for the work that was being done by Boca Helping Hands,” Warren said. “We all recognized the synergy between our organizations; it was the start of a beautiful partnership.”
Boca Helping Hands helped Genesis identify the site to open their Boca Raton medical clinic in 2015 and subsidized their rent. The new clinic included primary care and family practice for all ages, as well as help determining eligibility for Medicaid and assistance with enrollment for healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. In 2016, BHH also assisted Genesis in opening a Boca Raton dental clinic.
“Our partnership with Genesis Community Health fulfilled one of our long-standing dreams to offer quality medical and dental care to the clients we serve, and all those struggling economically in our community,” said BHH Board President Gary Peters.
Boca Helping Hands continues to help Genesis reach potential patients by distributing medical, dental, and now also behavioral healthcare vouchers for use at the Genesis Boca Raton and Boynton Beach clinics. BHH also helps to coordinate client referrals and appointments and continues to subsidize some of the rental costs for operating both the Boca Raton medical and dental clinics.
“I look forward to many more years of working with this great organization,” Warren says.
