December 2023 Edition

Welcome to the December issue of The Wellness Corner - the e-newsletter for our community of advocates and enthusiasts - from Big Bend Cares and Care Point Health & Wellness Center.

In this issue, we get a progress update on the Holiday Angels program and acknowledge an amazing contribution; introduce one of the most significant awareness days of our year; highlight some outstanding volunteers; and share other ways you can support our mission.

Every day, Big Bend Cares and Care Point continue to provide essential assistance and quality health care to those we serve in the Tallahassee and Big Bend area (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties). Our services include free HIV and STD testing, primary health care, dental care, lab work, sexual health education, courtesy transportation services, home-delivered meals, co-pay assistance for medications, and case management services.

These services wouldn't be possible without your generous donations, support, and contributions. To you reading this newsletter- thank you for helping us provide health care and much more to those in need - we appreciate you!

Thank you for reading!

Shameria Young

Board President

Big Bend Cares

Care Point Health & Wellness Center

Holiday Angels

It's been a fantastic Holiday Angels season so far, entirely thanks to the generous members of our community, local businesses, and faith groups for their commitment to sponsorship! And another round of thanks to those who have been spreading the word of mouth on social media, etc.

As we have begun the process of getting the gifts in and organized for distribution, we still appreciate any and all monetary donations to Holiday Angels. Every year, there are miscellaneous costs for the program, which include supplemental gifts, helmets for bikes and scooters, and gift cards. It's very beneficial to have that support from the community in meeting that need, so please consider a donation through our website, linked at the button below. Just note to write "Holiday Angels" in the comment field of the donation form.

The deadline for sponsors to bring gifts in is Monday, December 11th. Gifts can be dropped off to our office at 2201 S Monroe St. or any of the 5 Centennial Bank branches in Tallahassee. If you have any questions on sponsorship or donation, you can email Serene Smallwood or call her at (850) 656-2437 ext. 224.

Make a Donation

Campus USA Credit Union Bicycle Donation

We had an amazing opportunity this year to benefit the Holiday Angels program through an extremely generous donation of 16 bicycles from Campus USA Credit Union. They had an employee service day on Veteran's Day, where their staff spent the whole day assembling bicycles to be donated to various holiday programs in their service area- and we are beyond grateful to have been selected!

Campus USA Credit Union has been a wonderful source of support to the mission of Big Bend Cares/Care Point, and it's very exciting to continue our work with them in the community. As we get these bikes out to 16 children enrolled in the Holiday Angels program, we are sure they'll be the highlight of their holiday season!

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is December 1st. About 38.4 million people across the globe were living with HIV in 2021, according to UNAIDS. On this awareness day, the world comes together to show solidarity in the fight against HIV, to express support for those living with the virus and to remember those lost to the epidemic.

Volunteers of the Month for October and November

We are so thankful to work with an ongoing roster of such amazing volunteers, and we to take the opportunity to highlight Jess Byrd, our October Volunteer of the Month! Jesse has a great spirit of service, always learning and going above and beyond on all of his tasks. Thank You!

We are so appreciative of our November Volunteer of the Month Lily Lamb! Having consistently volunteered over many weeks, Lily has been a driven and committed supporter of our mission. Dependable and reliable, Lily continues to make an impact through her service!

Givers Every Month (GEM) Club

Last year, over 3,730 no cost food bags were given to our clients in Tallahassee and the Big Bend facing food insecurity because of our GEM Club members.

And GEM Club members make it possible for us to provide FREE comprehensive health care to our uninsured patients, with no sliding fee scale.

What is a GEM Club member?

It’s you and me - neighbors helping neighbors. GEM (Givers Every Month) Club members donate monthly and 100% of their gifts go towards food and health care for our neighbors in need. Want to become a GEM Club member and help us serve others? Click the button below:

Give Monthly

Take a Tour of Care Point Today!

Ever wonder what happens beyond the closed doors of Care Point?

Sign up for a guided tour today and witness a behind-the-scenes view of “the 27,000 square feet of awesomeness!” including the 10 patient exam rooms, lab, x-ray facility, and dental wing.

For details and to reserve a space on the next tour, please email Takila Brooks here.

Wishing every supporter of Big Bend Cares and Care Point Health & Wellness Center Happy Holidays and an even happier New Year!

We hope you enjoyed the December 2023 issue of The Wellness Corner. If you have questions or want more information about any of the topics covered, please email Serene Smallwood here or call (850) 656-2437 extension 224. Thank you.

(850) 656-2437

(850) 354-8765

Big Bend Cares, Inc. / Care Point Health & Wellness Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), federal tax-exempt organization. All donations are deemed tax-deductible.

FEIN: 59-2816580