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BOARD OF D I R E C TO R S PRESIDENT
Timothy L. McInerney, Esq, KM S E C R E TA R Y
William J. Cumbelich, KM TREASURER
John Hallett, KM V P O F E X T E R N A L A F FA I R S
L.J. Michael Lambert, KM
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE W E S T E R N A S S O C I AT I O N As you read this annual report, I hope you are inspired by the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California; it’s your clinic, it’s a shining example of a Signature Work of the Western Association. The Clinic was the brainchild of the late Richard Madden, GCM and Archbishop Allen Vigneron; and for 14 years the Clinic has been a tremendous source of awe and satisfaction for the Western Association. I am proud to be an enthusiastic fan and supporter of the “Miracle on 21st Street.” This is a transformative year for the Clinic, as it expands its footprint to serve even greater numbers, and strives to reduce the misery of the world, one patient at a time.
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Ken Olsen, KM President, Order of Malta, Western Association
Elizabeth Bernard, Esq, DM John Christian, Esq, KM - Ex Officio Sara K. Cumbelich, DM Dan L. Field, MD, KM Bridget McInerney Harris, Esq, DM Marty Karpiel, MPA, FACHE, FHFMA, KM Charlotte Kiesel, DM Michael J. Matly, MD, KM Louis M. Meunier, KM John Rengel, KM – Ex Officio Mary M. Rudolph, NP, DM William F. Sheridan, MD, KM Kathleen C. Toney, NP, DM Thomas Wallace, MD, KM Charles V. Wirth, KM
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H O N O R I N G O U R PA S T, ENSURING OUR FUTURE A Message from Our President
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ABOUT THE CLINIC A Legacy of Compassion and Care
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C O M B AT I N G T H E S P R E A D A Look at the Clinic’s Vaccination Response
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HELP US HELP MORE An Expansion Campaign for Greater Impact
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PA R T N E R S I N S E R V I C E Staffing Our Volunteer Team
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A CEO BRINGS HIS PA S S I O N A N D E X P E R T I S E TO G U I D E E X PA N S I O N P L A N S Charles V. Wirth, KM
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FUNDING OVERVIEW
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GIVING REPORT
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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R CHAMPIONS Mark Your Calendars for the 14th Annual Gala
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DELIVERING CARE AROUND THE WORLD The Order of Malta’s Response in Ukraine
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THANKING A CLINIC CHAMPION Louis Meunier, KM
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V O L U N T E E R S P OT L I G H T Sister Kathleen Laverty, SHJM
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A C O M M I T M E N T TO C A R E Recognizing a Decade of Service
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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HONORING OUR PAST, ENSURING OUR FUTURE A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT PG 4
As demand and need for our services continues to grow, we are more than ready to respond. The theme of this year’s annual report, “Help Us Help More,” is the Clinic’s direction for 2022. “Helping More” has many dimensions. It means expanding the physical facility from three to six exam rooms, with the goal of increasing
As we move forward with the Clinic expansion campaign, I invite you to contact me, or any board member, to learn more. We have a lot to do to continue our mission of helping the Lord’s sick and poor, but with your help, we can “help more.” Sincerely,
Timothy L. McInerney, Esq, KM
In addition to Bishop Barber, I want to acknowledge our partners who play such a significant role in our work. Sutter Health’s support of the Carol Ann Read mobile mammography clinic, Kareo’s expertise and help in the deployment of electronic medical records, and the Mayo Clinic’s patient education materials are but three examples of donors’ and partners’ priceless gifts to those we serve. The “Miracle on 21st Street” is a special place where people can access quality health care, regardless of circumstance. The Knights, Dames, and volunteer medical teams have accomplished much over the years. You can read more about their extraordinary contributions and stories in this report.
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It is an honor to serve as president of the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California during this time in its evolution and growth. After almost 14 years of providing free health care to the uninsured and vulnerable, the Clinic is ready to build on its many learnings and successes. We have come through the pandemic with a clear view of our ability to deliver extraordinary care even under the most difficult of circumstances. We are confident that the growing needs of our patients and families can be met by our incredible volunteers, the commitment of our Board, medical partners, and generous donors.
The Clinic plans to do “more” guided by a fiscally sound and well researched strategic plan. The plan has the blessing of Bishop Michael Barber, SJ, who is not only a wonderful and supportive landlord, but a guiding light and inspiration to our volunteers and staff. The location of our Clinic, at the base of the Cathedral of Christ the Light, allows for both physical and spiritual nurturing and healing at the same location.
Finally, I want to thank John Christian, KM, who led this Board for more than eight years. John embodies the definition of leadership – “the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
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patient visits from 4,500 per year to 12,000. It means opening our doors on Saturdays to accommodate the work schedules of our patients, adding additional specialty services, such as ophthalmology and optometry, and providing functional space for consultations, including mental health services. It means enhancing telemedicine capabilities to further extend clinical services well beyond the Clinic’s walls and increasing efficiencies through enhanced scheduling and record-keeping software.
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ABOUT THE CLINIC
The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is a nonprofit medical clinic located at the base of the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Downtown Oakland. We provide free, on-site and virtual preventive health care services and treatment to uninsured and low-income patients – no questions asked. While the average span of faith-based medical clinics is just 2½ years, our clinic has been in operation for 14 years and continues to grow in services, number of patients served, and geographic reach. We currently serve patients from more than 66 Bay Area cities and as far away as Sacramento, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties. Our clinic is dedicated to healing and helping the Bay Area’s uninsured communities, within an atmosphere of trust, compassion, and stateof-the-art facilities and care.
O U R H I S TO RY The Clinic was first envisioned in 2005 by the Bishop of Oakland, Allen Vigneron and the President of the Western Association of the Order of Malta, Richard Madden. Rising from the Order of Malta’s commitment to practice charity to the sick and the poor, both men saw the opportunity to positively impact the health and well-being of the uninsured and the underrepresented of the Greater Bay Area. In 2008, several devoted Knights and Dames of the Order, under the leadership of the first President of the Clinic Bill McInerney, partnered with the Western Association and the Diocese of Oakland to create the very successful Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California.
OUR MISSION Uphold human dignity and care for people in need.
OUR MODEL Our team is comprised of more than 70 volunteer physicians, nurses and support staff, all committed to delivering high-quality care to those who need it most. Our unique model allows us to offer both preventive and specialized care. In fact, 50% of all patient visits are for specialized care and treatment. PG 6
OUR SERVICES AND S P E C I A LT I E S We offer comprehensive preventative health care services and
OUR LEGACY O F C O M PA S S I O N AND CARE The Order of Malta’s story began more than 900 years ago in 1048 A.D., when a group of hospitaller monks of the Order of St. John were asked to manage and staff a hospital in Jerusalem, caring for pilgrims and travelers of various faiths. That group of monks acted accordingly, and thereby founded the organization presently known as the Order of Malta, a lay order of the Catholic Church which ministers to the sick and the poor of many nations. Today, we are honored to carry on the Order of Malta’s legacy of service to the sick and poor by caring for the Bay Area’s uninsured and underrepresented communities. This includes undocumented families who are wary of seeking medical attention at physician offices or hospitals, as well as patients who do not visit a doctor regularly and/or have received little to no medical attention in recent years. For these individuals, our clinic is their only source of safe medical care, in an environment of trust and compassion.
Primary Care
Cardiology
Oncology
Gynecology
Dermatology
Psychiatry
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology
Social Services
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treatment, including:
COMBATING THE SPREAD A L O O K AT T H E C L I N I C ’ S VA C C I N AT I O N RESPONSE
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The first vaccination clinic was hosted on July 10 and community members were welcomed with open arms, regardless of immigration status, insurance coverage, or pre-scheduled appointments. “Our first event was a qualitative success,” noted Sara Cumbelich, DM, Clinic Board member and event organizer. “In addition to vaccinating members of our community, we
successfully mobilized volunteers, local parishes and others to come together to reach those without other options for care, many of whom are reluctant to access the health care system for a variety of reasons.” The vaccination clinic’s reach went well beyond administering the vaccine itself. Clinic volunteers, including 18 members of the Order of Malta, visited freeway underpasses and parks to connect directly with community members. They passed out flyers, shared information on the many other services available at the Clinic, and handed out hygiene kits. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Clinic volunteers who donated 625 hours of their time, more than 1,400 individuals received the vaccine.
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Gaps in access to care became even more evident and acute during the pandemic, especially for the most vulnerable communities in Alameda County. In July of 2021, 60 percent of Alameda County residents over the age of 16 were vaccinated. However, vaccination rates for low-income residents and people of color hovered closer to just 40 percent. To address this disparity, the Clinic partnered with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency and multiple third party vendors to offer on-site vaccination clinics that were held weekly from October 2021 through February 2022.
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HELP US HELP MORE A N E X PA N S I O N C A M PA I G N F O R G R E AT E R I M PA C T
COVID has made both preventive and emergency medical care for the homeless and working poor even more challenging, but the generosity, perseverance, and courage of the team at the Order of Malta is boundless. The expansion is absolutely critical for the Clinic to function at the capacity that the community needs. PG 1 0
Kathleen Laverty, SHJM Clinic Volunteer
Everyone is supposed to have access to health insurance. However, in spite of government mandates to obtain coverage, too many people simply don’t. In the Bay Area alone, half a million people live without health insurance, and the impact falls hardest on people of color and those below the poverty line. For these individuals and families, access to quality health care is all but impossible. As a result, chronic conditions go untreated, sometimes for years, and everyday illnesses, left unchecked, quickly turn life-threatening. And the problem is only increasing in size. In fact, the uninsured population in California grew from 2.7 million in 2019 to 3.2 million in 2022. The Clinic extends a lifeline to the uninsured and underserved, and is committed to providing free health care to more adult patients in the rapidly growing uninsured populations of Northern California. Thanks to the dedication of Clinic volunteers and generous support from donors, people who would otherwise be lost in the healthcare system have access to quality care and a better quality of life. But the need is growing so we are seizing the opportunity to do more. With the support of Bishop Barber and the Diocese of Oakland, the Clinic has embarked on an expansion campaign to meet the growing demand in patient care. Our goals are to expand the Clinic’s capacity and enhance the quality of our existing facility, to serve more than twice the number of patients per year, provide more specialized services and recruit more volunteers. In addition to increasing the footprint of the Clinic, we also aim to further extend our reach across regional boundaries through telemedicine and mobile care services. We have been hard at work to make this dream become a reality, and plans to officially break ground are scheduled for August 2022. We invite you to join us in this mission and Help Us Help More. orderofmaltaclinic.com/donate
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patient visits per year.
Plus additional rooms for ophthalmology services, diabetic counseling, and psychiatric care.
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BY THE NUMBERS
The expansion will double the size of the Clinic.
PARTNERS IN SERVICE S TA F F I N G O U R V O L U N T E E R T E A M
Funded entirely by philanthropy, the Clinic relies on the dedication of its volunteer physicians, nurses, clinicians, and staff to deliver comprehensive and compassionate preventive care at absolutely no cost to patients. Thanks to long-standing partnerships with some of the most renowned medical institutions, health care providers and medical universities, the Clinic is able to source and retain talented volunteers participating in preceptorships, clinical rotations, and residency programs. Today, we have more than 70 volunteer team members providing care, specialized services, and administrative support. In 2021, the team logged more than 8,500 hours of service.
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VOLUNTEER TEAM PROFILE
21% 43% 36%
PHYSICIANS AND SPECIALISTS NURSES
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ADMINISTRATIVE
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A CEO BRINGS HIS PASSION AND EXPERTISE TO GUIDE EXPANSION PLANS C H A R L E S V. W I R T H , K M
When Chuck Wirth, KM, retired as CEO of Sutter Physician Services, he wasn’t looking for more time on the golf course. What he was looking for was a way to honor his Catholic faith and be of service to others. He found that purpose at the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California, just as the staff and board were beginning to think about how to serve more patients, expand the range of services and specialties, and streamline efficiencies. After 12 years of success, the Clinic was “growing up,” and needed a true strategic plan. Chuck’s expertise was the perfect fit, at the perfect time.
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Chuck’s health care career had taken him from active duty with the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, to senior roles with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, the Gould Medical Foundation and ultimately the founder, architect and CEO of Sutter
Health’s physician service network, spanning 2,500 employees and $4 billion in revenue. His experience and perspective gathered over more than 40 years encompassed many of the same issues facing the small, yet growing Clinic – just on a different scale. Administrative services, information technology, human resources, medical records, workflow patterns, facilities upgrades -- all needed to be addressed if the goal to “help us, help more” was to be achieved. The issue: how to get it done? As with most things at the Clinic, the question had a simple answer: The Power of the Volunteer. “Right before I retired, I went to an Order of Malta event, and I was so inspired I decided to join the order and become a Knight. My wife and I immediately signed on for the Orders’ annual pilgrimage to Lourdes,” Chuck reflects. “The people I met, the feet I washed, the hills I literally and spiritually climbed, were life changing.” While in Lourdes, Chuck had dinner with the Order’s Medical Director, Dr. Dan Fields, who suggested that when he returned home, he should visit the Clinic in Oakland. A subsequent tour with Dr. Tom Wallace, and discussions with Board members on how to best structure a strategic plan, tapped into Chuck’s health care expertise. However, even more important for Chuck, the Clinic’s needs and crossroads also connected deeply with his passion for putting his faith into action during this new phase of his life.
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Increase Access for Uninsured Individuals
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Add Additional Clinical Services
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Maintain Financial Sustainability
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Continuously Assess and Improve Quality of Care
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Improve Administrative Operations
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Expand Opportunities for Volunteerism and Spiritual Growth
“It’s an honor to be part of this forward-thinking change agenda, Chuck says. “We must have the very best staff and the right structural and technology platforms to increase access, add capacity, and do so in the right, fiscally responsible ways.” He points to plans to increase the number of exam rooms from three to six, which will expand the ability to meet patients’ needs for existing and new specialty services, as well as providing space for medical consultations services that do not require a physical exam. Improving and expanding the Clinic’s operations is done with only one thought in mind: helping patients. “Unlike my previous life, patients never get a bill, and we do not request payments from insurance or government payors,” Chuck concludes. “The Clinic is so good; you just feel it. Here are all these incredibly successful people who are willing to work as volunteers, as servants, and in service, to our patients. Egos just go away. It’s remarkable.”
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With the benefit of staff input, Board discussions, “management by walking around,” and Chuck’s perspective, the Clinic team developed a fiveyear strategic plan, honed over long hours, and lively discussions. The hard work and tough choices resulted in six primary objectives:
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It’s an honor to be part of this forward-thinking, change agenda.
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FUNDING OVERVIEW
2021 FINANCIAL S N A P S H OT
The Clinic is funded entirely through private donations, grants, and fundraising events – a truly “free” medical clinic. Patients are not billed for services and the Clinic does not receive reimbursement from private insurance or government programs.
2021 FUNDRAISING BREAKDOWN
GALAS & CAMPAIGNS | $571,000 13th Annual Gala and Annual Report Appeal GRANTS | $231,000 GIFTS | $132,000 Expansion Appeal ORDER OF MALTA WESTERN ASSOCIATION | $155,000
$812,000
$1,179,000
OPERATING COSTS
FUNDS RAISED
In 2021, philanthropic support was instrumental in not only sustaining our clinic operations, but also enhancing our telehealth services and vaccination response. Our outstanding fundraising efforts helped us meet our growing operational costs, and are testament to our committed, generous community of individual and foundation donors.
ONE-TIME PROCEEDS | $90,000 PG 1 6
PPP Loans and NorCal Insurance
Bill Cumbelich, KM Secretary and Board Member
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MedShare
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Inview Imaging
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Quest Diagnostics
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Mayo Clinic
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UCSF
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John Muir Health
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Operation Access
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Sutter Health Alta Bates Medical Center
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Kareo
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We thank our generous partners for providing discounted services, medications, and support for many patients in need. Your support allows us to deliver life-changing care for free.
D O N O R S P OT L I G H T ANONYMOUS DONOR Miracles do happen. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of an anonymous donor, $1 million has been pledged to support Clinic operations during this critical time of growth and expansion. Thank you to this unsung hero.
ST. AUGUSTINE FOUNDATION The St. Augustine Foundation pledged a generous $100,000 gift to support Clinic operations. Initiated and endorsed by Bishop Michael Barber, SJ and Rev. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A., DD, the gift will help fund expanded hours of operation and support telehealth care.
ORDER OF MALTA WESTERN ASSOCIATION The Western Association has pledged $155,000 in continued support in 2022 to uphold its Signature Work and shining example of what’s good in the world.
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GIVING REPORT
IN-KIND SUPPORT
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CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS Save the date for the 14th Annual Champions Gala! The Silver Chalice Awards Dinner is scheduled for September 27, 2022, against the backdrop of the Golden Gate at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. Last year’s event was a night to remember, as it was the first in-person celebration since the start of the pandemic and a record-breaking fundraising event. This year’s gala is gearing up to be even more exciting as we return to full capacity and a special program. The flagship event will raise proceeds to support growing operations and expanded services. The evening will include a silent and live auction, cocktail hour, dinner, raffle, and ceremony honoring this year’s Silver Chalice Award winners, who will be announced later this summer. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a celebratory Knight of Champions. For information on tickets, tables and sponsorships, visit orderofmaltaclinic.com/gala or contact Sara Cumbelich at sarakach@gmail.com.
M A R K YO U R CALENDARS FOR THE 1 4 T H A N N UA L G A L A
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The commitment, reach, and impact of the Order of Malta literally knows no boundaries. Called to service by the most ancient lay order of the Roman Catholic Church, more than 135,000 dedicated Order of Malta members, volunteers, and staff consistently deliver compassionate medical and humanitarian assistance to millions of our fellow citizens around the globe. Now, as the world begins to slowly emerge from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Order of Malta worldwide response team, under the leadership of Malteser International: Order of Malta Worldwide Relief and Global Fund for Forgotten People, is once again providing hope and help in another devastating human crisis.
DELIVERING CARE AROUND THE WORLD PG 2 0
T H E O R D E R O F M A LTA’ S RESPONSE IN UKRAINE
The indiscriminate Russian invasion and war in Ukraine is the worst humanitarian and medical catastrophe in Europe since World War II, a barrage of tragic events that have forced millions of Ukrainian families to flee their homes, and many their homeland. Russian forces have heavily bombarded the cities of Kharkiv and Mariupol, increasing civilian casualties and conducting a deliberate campaign to destroy critical infrastructure and residential areas. To date, more than 4 million residents have sought refuge in neighboring countries, and more than 10 million people – almost a quarter of the population – have been forced to leave their homes. And as it has done for centuries in war-torn conflicts around the world, the Order of Malta is active and on the ground to support Ukrainians during these unprecedented times, providing lifesaving shelter, food, and medical services. Every day, thousands pass through our checkpoints along Ukraine’s borders, receiving medical attention, warm food and clothing, and a safe space for children to play and families to
The onslaught by Russian forces has resulted in NATO liaison officers being deployed to support and assist aid activities on the borders of Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Logistics, warehousing, communications, and cyberattacks remain major concerns as Order of Malta members and volunteers work to identify and establish local distribution hubs throughout Eastern Europe. In Ukraine, we are offering psychosocial services remotely, and have established field kitchens and a medical support station in Lviv’s city center, as well as a humanitarian corridor and a logistics hub in Kviv. In Hungary, Poland, and Lithuania we have deployed mobile medical units at the borders and are also providing 24/7 refugee registration assistance and welcome services in the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
A crisis center has been established at the Order of Malta European headquarters in Cologne, Germany to channel all of this vital aid and support. Nearly 70,000 Order of Malta volunteers, and more than 36,000 staff members across 14 European nations, are making all of this possible. The loss of life, the personal trauma, and the fear and uncertainty for those impacted by the war will echo for decades to come. Together with our vast network of partners, the Order of Malta will be there as long as it takes for peace to prevail, providing temporary shelter, critical aid and relief supplies, and unwavering, compassionate care to our Ukrainian sisters and brothers in need.
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feel a brief sense of normalcy before continuing on their journeys. Within Ukraine, the Order continues to provide mental health support for the millions affected. And volunteers have successfully reached some of the most traumatized areas within the country with much-needed emergency relief, with a particular focus on young children, the elderly, and the disabled.
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Photo credit: Hungarian Charity
Service of the Order of Malta
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Volunteers are the heart and soul of the operation. Without them, we are nothing.
THANKING A CLINIC CHAMPION PG 2 2
LOUIS MEUNIER, KM
If you walked through the front door of the Clinic from 2011 to early 2022, chances are you encountered Louis Meunier, KM, a steadfast volunteer who brought years of senior management experience to the Clinic’s operations. Volunteer staffing model? Ask Louis. Financial projections? Ask Louis. Pay a vendor? Ask Louis. Help a patient find transportation? Well, go ask Louis. A retired senior executive with Macy’s and a national leader in the retail industry, Louis’s combination of business smarts and laser focus on the patient experience has been integral to the Clinic’s ability to embark on its five-year strategic expansion plans. Past Clinic president and long-time friend John Christian, Esq, KM, calls Louis “a Godsend, who helped us get through some really tough, lean times. He always brought pragmatism, common-sense, humor, and a ‘tell-it-like-it is’ approach to our operations. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.”
My partner in ‘clean up,’ literally and figuratively, was John Rengel, KM, a terrific accountant and business manager. Over the next eight years not only did we unpack a lot of boxes, but we also worked together side-by-side to improve operations and help set the Clinic on firm financial footing. But we certainly didn’t do it alone. The Western Association stepped in with funding and Sara Cumbelich initiated the annual Knight of Champions dinner, which together covered our operating costs. Whew! We embarked on new partnerships and leveraged the expertise (and dollars) of world-class organizations like Sutter Health, Kareo, and the Mayo Clinic. We found ways to significantly lower prescription drug costs (thank you, Costco), which were draining our coffers and penalizing patients. By taking a long, hard look at costs and operations, over time we were able to open our doors five days
a week versus two-and-a-half, added specialists to offer comprehensive care and diagnoses to patients, and during the pandemic, initiated telehealth visits and administered vaccines at the clinic and at mobile pop-up sites. The most important thing to remember is that we have done this and so much more almost entirely thanks to volunteers – at my last count 95 and growing! Some 70 of these individuals are health care providers – doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses – with the remainder providing much needed administrative help. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the operation – without them, we are nothing.
shout-out to Cynthia Roach, RN, who refused to be a paid staff member, hard as I tried to convince her otherwise. Her efforts to get our vaccine delivery system up and running during COVID were nothing short of remarkable. To Angie Tapete and Hilda Martinez, our intrepid front-desk duo who are the schedulers, greeters, and callers and the first to speak with our patients, thank you for the smiles and welcome you provided each and every time I walked in the doors on 21st street.
I want to acknowledge the Clinic’s medical director, Dr. Vona Lorenzana, my sounding board on everything medical and otherwise. Dr. Tom Wallace, a marvel who volunteers five days a week, up to 10 hours a day. John Christian, a fine leader, wise counsel, and true friend. The staff: Ron Connolly, Maria Gamulo-Owen, and Pam Eiselman, who are always there when needed. A special
As I reflect on my years at the Clinic, I am sure I speak for others in describing the Clinic as a remarkable, beautiful, and special place. However, like many beautiful things in life, it is also very fragile. That fragility demands that we all continue to work hard to grow, preserve, and protect it for those patients and families we are so honored to treat and serve. – Louis Meunier, KM
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I was introduced to the Clinic in 2008, and had the pleasure of meeting Bill McInerney, KM, the Clinic’s founder and father of our current president, Tim. Bill said the Clinic needed some administrative assistance, and though I was, in his words, overqualified for the role, maybe I would take a look to see what might be done to put operations in better order. I remember looking around and seeing boxes and files piled high – because the former medical director had taken seriously ill and the volunteers were focused on patient care, as they should be.
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In March 2022, Louis was awarded the Spirit of the Volunteer Award for his extraordinary contributions. In his own words, he reflects on more than a decade of volunteer service:
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT S I S T E R K AT H L E E N L AV E R T Y, S H J M
Sister Kathleen Laverty felt the first glimmerings of attraction to a life of service at age nine when she was introduced to the dedicated young heroine portrayed in Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre. Growing up in a large, loving home in Northern Ireland, Sister Kathleen was inspired by the orphan Jane’s love and courage in the face of incredible life challenges. As political upheaval increased in her homeland, Kathleen’s parents found it necessary to emigrate from their Irish home to Northern California, joining relatives in the East Bay and embarking on a new life framed by community, generosity, and grace. Today, more than 50 years since pronouncing her Vows as a Sister of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Sister Kathleen brings her passion for the poor and an incredible depth of medical knowledge and experience to her work at the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California.
Sister Kathleen’s lifelong path of service has taken her throughout the Bay Area and around the globe. Entering the convent after graduation from Richmond High School, she completed her religious and nursing studies in the UK, first at hospitals in England and Wales and subsequently in a Registered Nurse position at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. She was then missioned to Zambia’s northern province where she served nine years as a midwife during the time of Africa’s AIDS crisis. “I was initially reluctant to work with mothers and babies, fearing I did not know enough to care for them safely,” she says. “But God not only called me, He accompanied me throughout my time there, a time when many lives were devastated by AIDS and poverty. The gifts of thanks from the people I was privileged to serve were in the form of produce from their gardens and filled me with joy.” Back in California, Sister Kathleen continued her nursing studies at Holy Names University, Oakland, refreshing her knowledge and subsequently sharing her expertise with the Bay Area Black Consortium as AIDS and Maternal Child Case Manager. Her continuing studies served her well in her next posting as a nurse midwife for indigenous families in El Salvador, before a personal crisis brought her back from Latin America to care for her ailing father. In 2005, Sister Kathleen renewed her work within the Bay Area’s immigrant communities by joining the nursing team at the St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco, her professional home for the next eight years.
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In fall of 2020, as the pandemic was ravaging the East Bay’s immigrant and homeless residents, Sister Kathleen found the opportunity to become a volunteer RN at the Order of Malta Clinic. “I was
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immediately impressed with the depth and scope of care our team is able to provide to our most vulnerable neighbors,” she explains. “COVID has made both preventive and emergency medical care for the homeless and working poor even more challenging, but the generosity, perseverance, and courage of the team at the Order of Malta is boundless. I was glad to hear the Clinic will be expanded as it is critical for the Clinic to function at the capacity the community needs.” In addition to her work with the Clinic, Sister Kathleen is a member of the KAIROS Psychology Group team, a nonprofit psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation practice serving clergy, ministry, and vowed personnel in times of personal crisis. She is also active in the CatholicsCare group at the Diocese of Oakland, helping parishioners navigate end-oflife challenges. “Catholicscare.org was formed in response to California’s assisted suicide bill,” she explains. “The Order of Malta Clinic, with its emphasis on the whole person – mind, body and spirit – will be a crucial local partner.”
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My whole life focus is Jesus Christ and to lift people out of poverty.
Enter for God and serve through community are the tenets that have guided Sister Kathleen throughout her career. “My whole life focus is Jesus Christ and to lift people out of poverty,” she says. “Gratitude to community and gratitude to God knows no bounds.”
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A COMMITMENT TO CARE RECOGNIZING A DECADE OF SERVICE Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Clinic and the lifeline for our patients. In 2021, volunteers dedicated more than 8,500 hours of service to the Clinic community. We are proud of the impact, camaraderie, and dedication that comes from being part of the Clinic care team.
*Lifetime Clinic volunteers
Some of our 70-plus volunteers have given their time and talents for more than a decade. We’d like to recognize those extraordinary and tireless team members. They inspire us all!
James Breeden, MD*
Jacques Hirschler, MD
Henrietta Buescher, RN
Mary Jo Kelly, LVN
Nancy Cecconi, RN, DM
Larry Miller, RN
Annie Claymore, RN
Andrew Moyce, MD*
Eddie Concepcion, RN (Ret.)
Aida Salita, RN (Ret.)*
Joanne Curran, RN*
Angie Topete, Translator
Maria Gamulo-Owen, NP
Janet Waring, RN (Ret.)
Margaret Grenham, RN PG 2 6
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YOUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE The Clinic’s work is made possible because of the generosity of donors and volunteers like you. We appreciate all that you do for our community and the vulnerable patients we serve. To make a donation or join our volunteer team, visit:
Orderofmaltaclinic.com
Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California C/o Sara Cumbelich 2121 Harrison Street, #120 Oakland, CA 94612
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Mail-in donations are also humbly accepted. Please make checks payable to Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California and mail to:
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The Clinic is a primary hospitaller work of the Order of Malta. The Grand Master has asked all Knights and Dames throughout the world to share in its support.
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(510) 587-3000 orderofmaltaclinic.com