Being Better

2013 NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

BY JESSI LARSON >> SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

amily HealthCare’s mission of affordable quality healthcare, compassion and respect led them to receive the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce 2013 Not-For-Profit of the year. This honor is given to organizations that contribute to the community in innovative and creative ways. “If there ever was a year to celebrate what we do, this is the year!” says Family HealthCare Center (FHC) Director of Development, Sam Kundinger. The new clinic opened its doors at 301 NP Avenue in October 2012 in the historic Pence Automobile building. It’s important to them to help sustain Fargo’s downtown area as well as stay close to public transit for their patients. The $15 million project allows FHC to serve the community better by providing much needed space to add and expand in-demand services such as dental, fitness, nutrition and mental health. Once past the shiny new doors, one really gets to the core of what makes FHC so deserving of this recognition … their whole-hearted approach to care.

One staff member who is truly living and breathing FHC’s mission is Medical Director, Dr. Lucho Espejo. From a young age, he had a calling to help. A self-proclaimed hyper kid that wanted to change the world, Espejo originally was drawn to helping people on a large scale through healthcare policy, but eventually found his niche in family practice. He holds a special spot in his heart for mothers and infants due to their high mortality rates in his native Peru. Through years of international work with the World Health Organization, Unicef, Friends of Chimbote, and several ministries, he has gained a unique perspective on serving the poor and marginalized. “When you expect patients can’t afford care and you still do your best,” Espejo said, “you become a better person.” An exchange program through a local church initially brought Espejo to Fargo; later he returned to complete his residency through UND at Family HealthCare. “I feel like Family HealthCare has made my life much better. I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing here. It’s such a pleasure to come to work everyday … you can ask to anyone, I sing all day long.”

Inspired to help out this incredible organization? Family HealthCare encourages people first and foremost to share its story with others. They’re happy to welcome visitors into their new home and to find a place for them to volunteer. Whether it’s getting involved with the capital campaign, sharing their mission or getting people enrolled in the healthcare marketplace, everyone has a role in the clinic’s success. Sam Kundinger is often asked if it’s difficult serving different populations. With a big smile she says, “It’s a challenge, but it makes us be creative in the most wonderful ways!

Instead of feeling beaten down by it or losing hope, we ask ourselves what can we do to better serve that patient, and in turn that will help us serve every patient better.” [AWM]