Numbers of members from Trinity on the Hill UMC have been active during the last year in helping a new ministry spring to life in the Harrisburg section of Augusta. A medical clinic based in the declining mill village area of town has had the strong involvement and encouragement of Gloria Norwood, TOTH member, & widow of the late U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood. The FROGS, Keith Howard, and others have been part of the construction of the clinic. Ben McElreath helped with legal issues in establishing the clinic and receiving funding from a similar non-profit which had gone dormant. Shirley Darracott has been a consistent leader in local mission and part of the dream and formation of the clinic from the earliest days. Scores of others have been part of these initial phases, and ongoing opportunities will exist for volunteers and donations as the ministry grows.
A key ally and sister who involved Gloria is our good friend Marsha Jones. I think of Marsha as our local missionary, & she continues her work through St. Luke UMC directing music and mission, & she has offered an outlet of ministry for Gloria and many of our TOTH members & serves as a bridge into the community. Of course, Gloria has brought her heart and soul to the community efforts and that has included her finances, her network of friends in the community and beyond, and a persistence which makes a difference. Michael Shaffer and the board of directors have come to this work through the efforts of Marsha and Gloria. Commissioner Jerry Brigham & the Augusta commission add another element to the clinic with assistance for start up funds for this worthy project in a challenging neighborhood.
It is dangerous to start naming names, especially at a late hour of day, but as I read the newspaper article it was easy to read MANY, MANY names and partnerships which have brought us to these exciting days! Forgive me if I've left someone out (add a response to help my list) & know Gloria, Marsha, and others will offer thanks to many volunteers in the days leading up to the grand opening.
See the full story at Harrisburg Family Healthcare Clinic
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