Thundermist Health Center
With locations throughout the state, Thundermist Health Center serves over 63,000 patients each year. However, there is a significant need to provide care beyond the walls of their health centers. In 2023, they received a grant for a mobile medical unit and funding from other community partners. After a year-long design and build out, the vehicle is near ready for operation and to serve the community. Fully accessible for any patient with mobility concerns and equipped with two exam rooms, including a space for behavioral health services and a reception area, the unit will create an entry point to care for patients with complex healthcare needs. The new vehicle will allow the team to provide medical and behavioral health care to an anticipated 500 patients annually, providing care for some of the most under-served people in Woonsocket, West Warwick, and South County. Many of the patients Thundermist can now reach include patients who are unhoused and others with transportation barriers. “The ability to deliver care and meet patients where they are is helpful in establishing trusting relationships with patients. Those who remain engaged in care for prolonged periods are more likely to have better health outcomes,” said Senior Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs Jessica Null.
Beautiful Day
Over the past few years, Beautiful Day has grown exponentially, more than doubling in size and offerings. They have moved into a new space which now houses their entire operation of education and job trainings, their kitchen and packaging services, and they even host markets at which consumers can purchase different foods or crafts made by the different cohorts at Beautiful Day. With this growth comes the need for a second vehicle (they received a 2019 grant for their first) to transport products, people, and equipment to their many events. “We’re especially pleased that it’s a hybrid, making it cost effective as well as environmentally friendly,” said Rebecca Garland, director of strategic partnerships. In addition to transporting materials to markets, the new van will assist in taking youth groups to field trips, provide the women in the cohorts with safe and reliable transportation to and from Beautiful Day, and delivering food products to grocery stores. And now that both vans are wrapped with the Beautiful Day logos, they will serve as a traveling billboard bringing more attention to the organization. “They look great, and the bright colors will catch people’s attention. We have a QR code on the side of each van that people can scan to learn more about what we do. We’re creating brand recognition along with the transportation” said Roberto Romero, director of operations.