As an Ambassador for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce I was able to attend a ribbon cutting recently at a building called the Marian Building attached to Mercy Hospital downtown. 

  

Originally, this building, built in the 1950s, served as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy, who came here in the early 1900s to raise money to build the original Mercy Hospital, Bakersfield. They lived here until sometime in the 1980s, and since then the building has served various purposes until now, when the opportunity arose to convert this space into something very special. 

  

During the ribbon cutting some information was shared about the Special Needs and Community Outreach department that will now use this building as their primary office. What struck me the most during the ceremony was the mention of just how many different ongoing programs Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals have that serve our community … over 40 of them and way too many to really cover in this single story … all over the city and county. 

  

I spoke to Donna Sharp, MS, Regional Director for Special Needs and Community Outreach, who explained the significance of moving into this very special place.  “After seeing the work that our department does in working with the poor and underserved, and then associating that with the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, working with the sick and the poor, it was like a homecoming of sorts to create a real synergy between how our two missions are in alignment. It's amazing to be in this space, know the origin of this building, and how we're going to be able to continue that legacy.” 

  

Some of the department's programs include The Community Wellness Program, which focuses on preventive health by providing on-site screenings and health and wellness education and services for residents throughout Kern County. Classes, such as fitness and nutrition and anti-vaping are also taught in local schools. The Community Wellness Program encompasses programs that address prevention through screening for cancer, and education on cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and obesity. 

  

The Homemaker Care program provides non-medical in-home care to seniors and disabled adults to help them maintain their independence at home. Another program, The Community Health Initiative, is a community partnership working to provide uninsured individuals and families access to comprehensive health insurance and providing education on how to effectively understand and utilize their insurance. 

  

Additionally, The Learning & Outreach Centers in southeast Bakersfield serve as strategic hubs of their community outreach efforts. During the morning, in collaboration with other community agencies, the centers provide referral services, food, clothing, and health screenings to the community's most vulnerable residents. Staff work with homeless individuals, not just feeding them on the spot but helping them find real solutions for their needs.  Then in the afternoon, the centers facilitate tutoring to kids who live in nearby neighborhoods.  “Through the Homework Club, After School, and College Dream programs,” explained Donna, "It is inspiring to see so many of the students (and sometimes their siblings) learn, succeed, and develop throughout the years. The staff develops relationships with their families, which adds to this impactful program." 

 

When I asked Donna why Dignity provides these services and programs, the answer was simple. “Because it’s the right thing to do. In addition to providing clinical care in the hospital, improving the health of people, especially those who are vulnerable is in alignment with the mission of the hospital and is at the heart of everything we do. There's a tremendous heart for giving in Bakersfield.” 

  

As Donna and I both agreed, most of these programs and services are not exactly relevant to the readers of this magazine. But some of us just might have a friend or acquaintance who might find themselves in a time in their lives where these valued services can make a real difference.  I also know that people in this neighborhood, like Bakersfield as a whole, love to give and serve others.  There just might be a volunteer position that you can help with … whether for just a few hours here and there or on a more regular part-time basis.  You can find out more with a simple phone call to 661.632.5562. They can answer your questions. 

  

Hopefully reading this story during the “season of giving” will help inspire you to look for opportunities like these with The Department of Special Needs and Community Outreach at Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, or with so many other nonprofits or community programs that make a real difference in other’s lives.  Because giving to others is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.