The Faithful Servant
Fidel stands on a Phoenix street corner, Bible in hand, offering a meal to a homeless man. His warm smile hides the scars of his past-both seen and unseen.
When people think of a non-profit medical clinic serving the uninsured, a God-fearing man in need of a helping hand-may not be who comes to mind. But The Neighborhood Christian Clinic (NCC) serves people from all walks of life – people like Fidel.
A former Mexican narcotics officer, his body bears the marks of service and sacrifice. Since coming to the U.S., he has endured multiple heart attacks, undergone several surgeries, and lives with ongoing heart disease that threatens his future. Lacking insurance, those surgeries have cost him nearly every dollar that comes through his hands.
Yet, his deepest wounds aren’t physical. Fidel is the sole survivor of his six siblings, all lost to tragic circumstances. And still, like Job, Fidel has never cursed God. True to his name-Fidel, meaning “faithful”-he has never lost faith.
Giving Despite Hardship
Instead of focusing on his struggles, Fidel gives.
He works at The Salvation Army, using part of his small income to feed the homeless and preach the Gospel. He also joins local pastors to pray for police officers and first responders-the very people he once served alongside.
Like the widow in Luke 21, whose two small coins caught Jesus’ attention, Fidel gives not out of excess, but out of faith.
NCC: A Lifeline for Fidel
Without NCC, his ability to serve would be at risk. Here, he receives the compassionate, Christ-centered care he needs to continue his mission.
At the Clinic, our patients aren’t just uninsured statistics-they are faithful servants, hard workers, and people carrying burdens far heavier than their own needs.
People like Fidel, who isn’t here to take but to continue giving.
Grateful for your Faithful Support
Your generosity makes stories like Fidel’s possible. whether through financial gifts, prayer, or volunteering, you are ensuring that uninsured men, women, and families receive quality medical and dental care, the love of Christ, and hope for the future.
We are especially grateful for the churches, foundations, and individuals who continue to invest in this mission. Every gift, no matter the size, plays a role in advancing God’s work through the Clinic.
Thank you for making healing possible.
By God’s Grace
We are profoundly grateful for how God blessed the Clinic in 2024 and are very excited to experience God’s continued provisions in 2025.
We are humbled as we look back to praise God for a few major things:
- Through gracious funding from the Virginia Piper Foundation, the ATLAS project was completed. In so many ways, this established a wonderful foundation for many facets of the Clinic moving forward.
- Because of incredible collaboration with GCU, huge progress was made toward completing the Whole Person Care Curriculum.
- With very gracious support from several donors, nearly 50% of the funding for a three-year Behavioral Health initiative was received.
- In October, the Clinic celebrated its 25th Anniversary of patient care with a wonderful celebration dinner, an incredible cadre of speakers with over 350 guests attending.
- The 2024 yearend funding campaign established our largest funding month ever in December – Praise God from whom all blessings flow. To God be the glory!
As we work our way into 2025, we already note the following:
- January & February patient visit counts are 14% ahead of last year’s pace, nicely setting the Clinic up for an annual record.
- In February, the Clinic hired its first ever Development person, which is incredibly exciting. Please note the article in this issue introducing Peggy; she has already made a huge difference!
- On March 5, we were successful in obtaining the necessary re-zoning from the Phoenix City Council to provide Behavioral Health in an adjacent facility.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. “
God continues to bless the Clinic in so many ways. The Clinic’s Board works diligently and tirelessly to guard and support the vision and mission of the Clinic. We are filled with deep gratitude for the incredible staff and amazing volunteers that God has graciously provided.
What a team!! Thank you to each of our donors who are faithful to support us through prayer and generous financial support. Thank you for allowing God to use you to support the Clinic. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Only by God’s divine grace, and through those mentioned above, is the Clinic well positioned to move into its second 25 years.
A Blessing 25 Years in the Making
The Neighborhood Christian Clinic has long been praying for God’s provision in the area of development, and after 25 years, He continues to provide abundantly! We are thrilled to welcome Peggy Kennedy on staff as our Development Director, a position that will strengthen the Clinic’s ability to grow, expand, and serve more patients in Jesus’ name.
Peggy brings a deep passion for Christian missions and fundraising, with years of experience helping faith-based organizations thrive. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she has dedicated her career to connecting generous hearts with lifechanging ministries.
Her journey into fundraising started early – at just 16 years old, Peggy organized her first event, a 24-hour relay in Northern Virginia to support a Ronald McDonald House. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to helping ministries secure the resources they need to serve others.
Peggy and her husband, Bob, have been married for 35 years and attend CCV Scottsdale. They are blessed with four children and nine grandchildren, who fill their lives with joy and adventure.
This season of growth at NCC began with a generous grant from the Virginia G. Piper Foundation, enhancing marketing, fund raising, and key initiatives. Their support expanded NCC’s reach, strengthened awareness, and improved Whole Person healthcare-including a new, user-friendly website for patients and supporters.
We are grateful for God’s abundant provision and thank you for your continud generous support, which allows us to build upon what He has already provided.
Join us in welcoming Peggy to the NCC family!
The Dental Clinic Team
The Dental Clinic was re-organized and blessed with the return of Blanca Herrada as the Dental Manager and the hiring of Allison Ghan, DDS and Victor Vellon, DDS. This trio has taken the Dental Clinic to incredibly new heights including setting a new patient visit record, breaking the previous one by 24%. Meet them on the Clinic’s blog.
Sign a Scripture Card & Bless a Patient
At The Neighborhood Christian Clinic, we believe that healing comes not just through medical care, but through faith, prayer, and encouragement. Enclosed in this newsletter, you’ll find a Scripture Card with a powerful message of healing and hope.
We invite you to:
- Sign your name as a personal touch of encouragement.
- Add your name to a Scripture Card here.
- Bless a patient in need-your signed card will be given to someone receiving care at the Clinic, reminding them that they are loved, prayed for, and never alone. Your simple act of faith can bring hope, strength, and the reassurance of God’s love to a patient in need.
Will you take a moment to add your name and send a powerful word of hope today?
Your kindness will help transform a moment of uncertainty into a moment of encouragement. Thank you for being part of healing, faith, and whole-person care.
By The Numbers
Through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, The Neighborhood Christian Clinic continues to serve those in need.
Every number represents a life touched by the love of Christ. Thank you for being part of this work!
Don’t forget-you have until April 15th to make a 2024 Arizona Tax Credit donation! A married couple can give up to $938, and a single filer up to $470-at no cost to you. Your gift provides Christ centered healthcare and equips providers to serve with excellence and faith.
7th Year Tradition Valentines Day Cookies
Each year, NCC partners with outside providers compassionate doctors and specialists who offer discounted or even free services to uninsured patients.
Yvonne Leake, Head RN, who has served at NCC for 7 years wanting to express gratitude in a meaningful way, she and a group of clinic friends and volunteers began baking and delivering cookies to providers who support NCC’s mission.
