St. Joseph's/Candler - St. Mary's Community Center

What is it?

The mission of St. Joseph’s/Candler is: “Rooted in God’s love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people.” Recognizing that unemployment, illiteracy, and many other social determinants were directly affecting the health status of many community members, St. Joseph’s/Candler designed a series of programs anchored around health services, basic needs, education, and job training to make a positive impact on this community.

St. Mary’s Community Center in the historic African-American neighborhood of Cuyler Brownsville, and the Health Center just one mile away, are in and are surrounded by some of Savannah’s highest poverty census tracts. The Centers have invited and accompanied many people and families of low income in the surrounding areas to primary health care, education, basic needs, workforce development, financial education, and more.

Who is it for?

People with an income below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

Why do they do it?

St. Joseph’s/Candler is true to its mission of treating illness and promoting wellness. Through this directive, the health system has designed a series of programs and found ways through community collaboration to provide assistance anchored around education in many forms – preschool through adult and financial literacy, basic needs, and health services.

Impact

Access to care:

• 605 unduplicated patients with 2,623 patient visits
• CLIA Lab on site
• 189 mammograms received
• 79 cervical screenings received
• 1,059 free eye exams and or glasses
• 57 percent diabetics controlled with A1c less than 7

Workforce:

• 49 people assisted with resume, job searches, and job applications

Education:

• 39 GED sections taken with 38 passed
• Total GED earned 7
• 738 encounters with preschool (3- and 4-year-olds) children

Other:

• Income tax filed for 556 people yielding $1,412,793 in refunds (federal and state)
• 788 inquiries/applications for public benefits (food stamps, Medicaid, SafeLink Phones)

Advice to others

• Take services to people in their own neighborhoods and homes. Many lack financial resources and transportation to take advantage of programs.
• Ask patients what they need, and develop programs that deliver those services.
• Collaborate with your community partners. Local universities can assist in various ways: education majors, computer trainers, social workers, nursing students. Other safety net providers such as MedBank can assist with free medications, and local churches can support with finances and volunteers. Local Rotary Clubs are another source of good will. Building strong community partnerships with businesses, colleges, health educators, health councils, etc., has enabled St. Joseph's/Candler to provide the neighborhood with the services it needs.

Contact: Sister Pat Baber, RSM
Director, St. Mary’s Community & Health Centers
Telephone: 912-447-0578
E-mail: baberp@sjchs.org