Having accomplished such great feats in a relatively short period of time, it does beg the question, “What is your vision for the future?” Naturally, they are already hard at work figuring out what the organization needs to look like six years from now. Their first step into the future has already been taken. They are enhancing their infrastructure to absorb the new clinic, more appointments and offering eye care. With new Executive Director, Craig Gossard, and Clinical Manager, Lisa Hall, now on board, they are well on their way to plotting the course to achieve that goal. Their second step is rooted in their own Field of Dreams. Having built it, they know they will come. The pieces they are hoping to realize now (and for future growth) are medical professionals to help this clinic thrive. They dream of easily staffing two doctors per day, four days per week for general medicine. They dream of volunteer dental and eye care professionals so abundant that one full-day equivalent per week is effortless. “For example, if we had 20 dentists willing and able to give one day’s worth of time and talent, then each dentist would only be needed twice per year,” said Dr. Elizabeth Berry. They dream of supply actually being able to keep up with demand in volunteerism, as well as supplies and financial resources. literacy classes including English as Second Language. Then, a monthly car care diagnostic clinic was added to help keep transportation available and affordable. Suddenly, it became clear the children needed a safe haven, thus, the introduction of a playground and children’s activity programs. Oh, and what about food for the children during the summer? If you haven’t heard of the Healthy Kids Summer Lunch program or seen signs around town, you will probably notice them now. Though it is through Helen’s leadership this myriad of programs exists, she is very quick to defer credit to others. “It is really the volunteers who deserve all the praise. The partnerships with other groups and the loyal, dedicated volunteers who come in good or bad weather are the real stars,” said Best. “Helping people is just what I have always done. I am so blessed to be able to work at something I love.” 56
Lake Granbury Living