HOPE begins work on community clinic facility

March 11, 2020

by Cristin Parker cristin@thecherokeean.com

Photo by Jessica Payne
Representatives of HOPE, the Jacksonville Chamber and others gather to witness HOPE Executive Director E. Johnson cut the ribbon on what’s to become HOPE’s new clinic facilities.

They’re doing what they can with what they’ve got.

HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment) officials, along with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation, the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties, ACCESS and local businesses, cut the ribbon on the new location of the Clinic of HOPE.

HOPE has been offering healthcare services, through a partnership with the University of Texas Tyler, since August 2019 and the new facility will enable the program to better serve more citizens in need.

“(The new facility) will allow us to do more for more people in more areas,” HOPE Board member Craig Scheler said. “Jacksonville has the need, which only seems to be growing and it’s nice to be able to grow with the need.”

Work on the facility, which formerly housed Marie’s Christian bookstore, has commenced and an official groundbreaking ceremony will be held Monday, March 16 at the facility, 595 S. Ragsdale St., Jacksonville.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our community,” HOPE Executive Director Ellann Johnson said. “We especially want to thank Austin Bank, which donated $60,000 to this project and TLL Temple Foundation for the renovation grant. We’re anticipating completing renovations no later than August.”

A partnership with UT Tyler’s College of Nursing provided the majority of equipment and supplies for the clinic. Some supplies were also donated by the Cherokee County Medical Society.

While the clinic’s new digs are being prepped for occupancy, the clinic continues to provide direct care for minor, non-life threatening illnesses and injuries; general physical exams; testing and treatment for chronic conditions; prescription assistance; and certain gynecological services such as Well Woman Exams.

Established in 1991, the mission of the HOPE organization is “to provide emergency assistance to the indigent and to give them the tools and resources that promote self-sufficiency by pooling resources that provide assistance through a networking system designed to prevent duplication of services,” according to the organization’s website.