Sixth Graders at the Mission Neighborhood Health Center

Our sixth grade students brought more sunshine to the community when they visited Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC). MNHC is focused on providing compassionate, patient-centered care as they advocate for health equity and deliver innovative, high-quality services responsive to the neighborhoods and diverse communities they serve. 

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit three years ago, Mission Neighborhood Health Center realized it needed to be more prepared to serve its community as it had envisioned. The needs of the organization became greater and more broad than what had originally been planned for, so they had to pivot quickly to gain support and resources from more organizations in the surrounding area to provide the needed wrap-around service for families. Their efforts paid off, because three years later they now have food bank partnerships that allow them to more intentionally reach the Latino community with Spanish-speaking staffers and outreach coordinators. Additionally, they source more culturally relevant food, provide translations for important documents, and offer community-building social activities like dancing, singing, nutrition, and game classes all in Spanish. 

 

This month, CDS sixth grade students worked with MNHC to prepare serving utensil packets and distribute produce to seniors who come daily to enjoy delicious homemade lunches, and they did a marvelous job. Not only did they have fun but they also served the community in such a meaningful way and made many new connections, all while practicing their Spanish and dancing salsa with the seniors. In a world often seen through its challenges, this experience was a reminder of the power of community and the abundant opportunities for positive change. We are so proud of our partnership with MNHC and even more inspired by the impact they are having on the community around us.