We're celebrating our 25-year anniversary! Our mission has always been to provide access to care, improve health equity, and empower the community. Since 1992, we have served an estimated 63,000 individuals in various Boston neighborhoods. We could not have done this without the support of our neighbors! To give back to our community, we are hosting a week long celebration at each of our van sites.  Drop by the van next week, Aug 14th - 18th, to get a free health screening and pick up some free goodies! We look forward to continuing our work in serving our communities. Click here to find the van schedule.

Last week, we held a good bye party to our fearless leader and Executive Director of 12 years, Jennifer Bennet. " It has been such an honor to work with this talented and passionate team for the past twelve years. Together we've helped many of our neighbors get healthier and trained hundreds of volunteers. I will really miss all of you but look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will do in the future." -Jennifer. 

We are happy that Jennifer has agreed to be an ongoing resource to the board and team as we actively search for our next Executive Director. Click here to learn more about the position.

This summer, Natalia Gormley, student at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, piloted a clerkship with us on the "Principles and Practice of Community Engagement in Health Care and Public Health."  During the month of June, Natalia spent every day on the Van. When she wasn't on the van, she participated in community meetings, translating educational material into Spanish for us, and attending training sessions and workshops. In July, she began helping Dr. Nancy Oriol shape the goals and curriculum.  "For me, piloting the clerkship was an immeasurable opportunity to test and make actionable my work...It was a personal journey of understanding and change.  My ability to deeply understand the working poor and disenfranchised, to connect with them as individuals, and build moments of trust and connection, these were the true gems of my experience in The Family Van."

Dimock Community Health Center is one of The Family Van's oldest collaborators. Located in Roxbury, Dimock opened its doors in 1862. Today, it offers a wide range of services and programs from comprehensive health maintenance, screening, immunizations, dental care, eye care, and Women's health to name a few. On the van, collaborators from Dimock provide HIV and STD testing. "My name is Stephen Corbett. I've worked at the Dimock Community Health Center in Roxbury for 7 ½ years. At Dimock we provide HIV services to those living with HIV including medical care, medical case management, and peer advocacy. Working with the van gives us an opportunity to bring our services to several different communities where we offer HIV and STD testing along with counseling services. We look forward to continuing our partnership for a long time to come." Stop by and get tested or just say 'hi' Fridays in Upham's Corner!