Bonney has been a Mission patient since the 1980's and saves hundreds of dollars on her medication through the clinic's Prescription Assistance Program.

Recently, Bonney made an appointment to see Ginger Fabrizio, PA-C, for a Pap test and breast exam, necessities that Bonney says she would forgo if not for the Mission.

“I couldn’t afford the well woman exam otherwise,” she said. “I live on a widow’s pension. I receive $874 a month, and that doesn’t go very far.”

In addition to seeing a medical professional at the Mission’s low office-visit fee, Bonney saves money on medication through the Mission’s Prescription Assistance Program, which enables qualifying patients to receive a three-month’s supply of their medication for $3 per prescription. In Bonney’s case, that’s a savings of several hundred dollars, considering that she takes medication for high blood pressure, stomach issues and high cholesterol.

The level of care that she receives at such a reduced rate encourages Bonney to tell others about the Mission.

“I recommend anyone who has no insurance and low income to come here because the services are good and affordable,” she said. “You’re always welcome here, and the staff enjoys taking good care of you.”

Jenny turned to the Mission as part of her overall plan to take better care of herself.

During a session with a caseworker at another agency, Jenny learned that she could receive primary medical care at the Mission.

“It took me three months to make an appointment,” she said. “That’s what this depression does to me. I put things off.”

Jenny, a single mother four — ages 18, 17, 10 and 2 — says she’d have nowhere else to go for management of her chronic conditions if not for the Mission. She has been out of work and without insurance for a year. The combination of her poor health, unemployment and lack of transportation contributes to her feeling of depression, Jenny said.

“My situation makes my depression worse,” she said, “and the depression makes it difficult to do anything about my situation. It’s a cycle.”

It’s a cycle that she hopes to break with the help of the Mission’s staff and people from other organizations who are assisting Jenny in taking care of herself.

“I am grateful for the help,” she said. “Everyone’s trying to help me get back on my feet.”

Jennifer manages her diabetes with the help of the staff at the Medical Care Mission.

Jennifer had diabetes and no access to medication.

It had been two years since Jennifer had been diagnosed with diabetes, and when she came to the Medical Care Mission, she was out of resources and feeling lousy.

That’s when Ginger Fabrizio, PA-C, handed Jennifer a flyer about a program that the Mission offers for diabetic patients. Common Ground: Diabetes and the Whole Person, is a free monthly program designed to offer information and to serve as a support system for people who are living with diabetes. The program is open to the public, and topics include nutrition, exercise, complications, medication and regular monitoring.

“I saw the flyer and thought, ‘I’m going to that!’” Jennifer said. “I don’t know much about diabetes, and I’m trying to be informed.”

Since coming to the Mission, Jennifer has begun taking Metformin and Avandia and is making regular appointments to consult with Ginger and to monitor her progress. Jennifer’s diabetes management plan also includes attending Common Ground.

“At the meeting about foot care, I learned that I shouldn’t wear flip flops,” she said. “I’m still putting all of the information into practice, but I am definitely more intentional about the way I care for my feet.”

During the meeting about oral medications, Jennifer learned more about how the medication she takes each day works in and affects her body, which she says is helpful in keeping track of what is working and how she is feeling.

And she’s feeling better.

“I’m not as tired,” she said, “unless I’ve been up all night studying.”

Jennifer has graduated from the billing and coding program at American Commercial College and is now studying to be a medical assistant. She says becoming a patient at the Mission has helped her improve her overall health so that she feels well enough to pursue her goals.

“I am much more aware of my medical needs now that I have a place to go,” she said, “and everyone is so helpful.”

Common Ground meets every third Tuesday of the month from 6-7 p.m. at the Medical Care Mission at 1857 Pine Street in Abilene, Texas. For more information or to share ideas about session topics, please contact Rev. Amy Wilson, Director of Spiritual Wellness, at (325) 676-3104, Ext. 113, or at amy@medicalcaremission.org.