Stories of Hope
Stories of Hope is an e-communication that is sent to our subscribers each month. These stories will be brought to you through the voices of our staff, volunteers, donors, patients, and community partners. Our goal is to highlight the hope that is present in our community through the interconnected world of faith, healing, service, and advocacy. To receive these stories as well as other important messages, click here to subscribe.
February 2026
Isabel had been delaying seeking care. When she reached out to Center for Healing & Hope, she was nervous.
“I have diabetes and I knew I needed medication,” Isabel shared. “But I had a previous balance at Center for Healing & Hope that I could not pay. My son had been urging me to get help, and my friend, who is also a patient there, suggested I reach out to them. She said they may be able to give me a discount or help with my balance.”
When Isabel contacted Center for Healing & Hope she said, “you probably can’t see me, I don’t have any money.”
Isabel’s trepidation quickly melted away when she was greeted warmly by Center for Healing & Hope receptionist Ileana Brito. “Don’t worry, we will take care of you,” said Ileana. Isabel was able to schedule an appointment. “Ileana was very reassuring. I was so grateful,” Isabel said.
When Isabel came in for her appointment she was informed that she no longer had a balance! The weight resting firmly on Isabel’s shoulders was lifted, but not without her taking the first step.
“I love how I am treated at Center for Healing & Hope, and I am so appreciative for the medication and care they provide. My provider Mackenzie, she is the best,” Isabel said.
L-R: Ileana and Mackenzie 🙂
“As a faith-based organization, Center for Healing & Hope believes in carrying each other’s burdens,” said Missy Schrock, Executive Director at CHH. “Every year we absorb some past due patient balances because we are committed to improving our community’s health, regardless of people’s ability to pay. While we do rely on patient fees for a portion of our revenue, we rely even more on those who champion our mission to fill in the gaps when patients can’t pay,” Schrock continued. “Our goal is to remove barriers, not create more. Thanks to support from the community, we are able to do that.”
Last year, Center for Healing & Hope won a grant from the Deaconess Foundation that empowers patients to continue care when they have stopped coming because of a past due balance. The grant reduces the loss of revenue for the clinic while increasing the likelihood that patients will continue their care. Starting over with a clean slate was exactly what Isabel needed to see a path forward. “The day I came and they told me my balance was zero, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I ate well that day. I could breathe. I felt liberated. Thank God.”
When Isabel came for her appointment she also met with Jane Ross Richer, Immigrant Resource Coordinator at Center for Healing & Hope. Jane assists the clinic team by meeting with patients to help establish a payment tier, but also to then connect the patient to other resources at CHH or in the community as needed. Together, Jane and Isabel were able to create a plan for a fresh start at the clinic. “I like how I was received by Jane. Even though we are from different places, I could feel love between us.“
The Deaconess Foundation improves community health by investing in initiatives that provide healthcare access and education to at-risk populations in underserved communities.
2025 ARCHIVE
January – Greeted with a Smile
February – Seeing it Through
March – In Bloom
April – Reflecting on Connecting
May – Canned Goods & Common Ground
June – Nuway Construction Charity Golf Outing
August – Office of Solidarity with Immigrants (OSI)
October – The Veva (Hershberger) and Leonard Garber Tribute Terrace
November – Giving Tuesday
December – Edible Michiana Meal Service