When eleven-year-old Mario* came to People’s Community Clinic to see his pediatrician, Dr. Christine Levy, the conversation started the way many checkups do. How’s your summer going? Are you staying active? Getting outside? Dr. Levy paused and listened.
Mario shared something he hadn’t told many people. The neighborhood kids he once played soccer with had begun bullying him. The teasing turned to physical confrontations, which were terrifying. Mario developed anxiety, stopped playing outdoors, and started spending more time inside, alone. Dr. Levy realized that without help, Mario’s mental and physical health would decline even more.
Before he left the clinic that day, Dr. Levy invited one of our onsite social workers, Kendra James, LCSW, to join them. When Kendra met Mario in the exam room, he was tearful and apprehensive. But working together, they made a plan.
Through weekly telehealth counseling sessions, Mario began building his confidence. He chose to schedule his counseling appointments for 3 pm because that was the time of day he often felt most alone. Kendra taught him to practice positive self-talk, learn how to recognize healthy friendships, and even reconnect with a friend who had been away for most of the summer.
Today, Mario is looking forward to the school year with renewed confidence. His story reminds us that healthcare at People’s is so much more than treating illness. It’s about listening to and caring for the whole person.
the best part of working with pre-teens is watching them learn to love themselves.
Kendra said, “the best part of working with pre-teens is watching them learn to love themselves.” That’s exactly what your support makes possible.
Mario’s story is not unique. Every day across Central Texas, families need more than medical care. They need someone who will understand what they are facing and connect them with the support they need. Yet too many are forced to choose between paying for groceries, rent, or seeing a doctor.
The reality is that Texas continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the country, leaving millions of children and adults without reliable access to health care.
When a child like Mario needs counseling, People’s makes sure he receives it.
When a family struggles to put healthy food on the table, People’s Pantry is there with free groceries, and a low-cost farm stand is onsite weekly with fresh vegetables.
When parents need assistance with SNAP, WIC, or other community resources, People’s connects them.
As Dr. Levy says, “The most important part of my job is taking the time to truly listen and advocate for my patients. It is very gratifying to connect my patients to the resources and specialists they need.”
The most important part of my job is taking the time to truly listen and advocate for my patients.
This approach is only possible with your support. As we look ahead this fall, we know more families will walk through the clinic doors needing compassionate care. We must be ready for them.
Your generosity helps provide well-child visits, behavioral health counseling, prenatal care, nutrition services, chronic disease management, immunizations, and so much more.
Please make a tax-deductible gift today to People’s Community Clinic to support the thousands of neighbors who rely on us each year.
