Greetings from the editor!

Paul McCartney and John Lennon composed a song which tells us, “All you need is LOVE”. During this holiday season, these words are more fitting that ever before. I believe all of us have experienced love in many of its forms. Romantic love. Love for children. Love of the simple things that bring us joy. May we, as healthcare providers, volunteers, and patients, consider a higher form of love – “agape” love. This love is pure, heartfelt, and sacrificial love. It is a sentiment that is demonstrated through actions, not emotions. Agape love is selfless, it puts the needs of others before the needs of self. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3-16.  Remember Christ is the reason for the Season.  My wish is: If you are a patient, know that at Julia’s we believe in sharing “agape” love, and we expect nothing in return.  If you’re a provider or volunteer, bless you and thank you for your sacrificial love, and for choosing “agape love” to offer something of yourself for the sake of others.

Our Mission is still the same:

To reflect God’s love by providing quality healthcare, education, and advocacy with dignity and compassion to the residents of Collin County who are uninsured or underserved.

What’s New!

We’re updating Operations to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of time it takes to check patients in and out.  We also offer POC A1Cs, flu, Covid, and Strep tests, plus flu vaccines to patients who want them.

The partnership with West Coast University to host 1st and 2nd year PA student rotations has helped fill the shortage of bilingual volunteers.  In addition to being translators, many of them have been trained as scribes, some act as medical assistants and others perform a review of systems for TORT. In addition, we’ve confirmed two, one year-long Capstone projects, one for Diabetes and the other for Hypertension.  After reviewing and correlating the data, the students will create care plans for patients who need case management.  Jane P. and Barbara D., who are nursing student professors at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing Baylor University, will take the lead on these projects.

TECH News: We changed our phone, texting and communication vendor to improve our ability to customize messages to patients and volunteers.  The change took place over the holiday break to avoid an interruption of services.

VIDEO/WEB Design and production:  Video shorts/power-points are needed for our patients, to be viewed in the waiting room or on the web page. The goal in developing these video tools is to educate patients. A welcome video on the “how-tos” and patient responsibilities and services is being developed.   We also hope to provide information on options for care in other charity clinics, social services, ESL classes, spiritual homes/clerical support plus prayer, and mental health agencies such as Lifepath. These videos will be available in both English and Spanish.

New Faces:  We welcome one new volunteer Joel, who is a translator and optical technician.   He will work with the Ophthalmologist.

Volunteers Needed: Please note changes in requirements. Nurses!!  LVNs and RNs., Certified Diabetic Educator or Nutritionist.  All volunteers must be 18 years or older, be reliable and have transportation.  Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.  MAs and EMTs must also be certified.  Volunteers must be available Tuesdays and/or Thursdays evenings 5-9 pm. at least twice per month, and willing to commit to a minimum of 12-months.  For more information contact: Mary Lee, (972) 535-5099.

We have an urgent need for volunteer bi-lingual Translators and Spanish speaking medical scribes.  If you are a Spanish-English speaking individual WE NEED YOU NOW!  If you can commit to 4 hours twice a month to serve, you would be a blessing to us and to the many in our community who need your help.

Best practices and Quality Control and RN., Grant writer, and Program Development or Event Planner volunteer.  We’re also looking to expand our prayer ministry and welcome clergy and members of the faith community to volunteer.

Informational Systems volunteer. Background and skills we would welcome, software systems, WEB Design and Support, data analysis (EXCEL) visual design and development to assist in educational videos, EMR support and design, able to assist with Cloud/EMR/records support. Integration of communication systems such as EMR portal management. Contact: Jim Fini, (972)535-5099.

TORT/Grant/QA-QI team members.  The TORT team renewed the federal TORT coverage that enables our providers, nurses, and staff to work without the worry of malpractice issues. We’re also in the process of implementing a Quality Assurance Program to ensure that best practices are utilized by all providers, and staff today, and every day in the future at Julia’s Center. These TORT and grant application need to be updated and approved annually. QA is an ongoing need. If you have time and talents in this regard please contact: Jim Fini, (972) 535-5099

Diabetic Education: We’re also looking to form a Diabetic Support Group. Management of this chronic and multi-facetted illness can be stressful and challenging for both the patient and provider. Having a group of peers led by a Physician, Diabetic Educator, and other allied health professionals such as a Nutritionist will help this population cope with their illness and bring them to goal.

Annual Holiday Party:  The Holiday party was well attended and held on Saturday, December 7th.  Lots of food and fellowship was had by all.

Julia’s community service has never been confined to 4 walls, our service area includes all of Collin County and part of Dallas County.

Community Outreach Goal:  To Increase Health Equity and Decrease Disparity:

  • Immunizations
  • Mental Health Conference                            
  • Plano Police Resource Fair
  • Plano Overnight Warming Stations
  • Mobile Mammograms
  • CPR Class
  • BP clinics
  • Operation Care & Christmas/Coat Drive

Editor’s Note:

Your editor will be taking a break for a time to walk her own healing journey. Sometimes stepping away to do what you need to do to heal, is a first all important step. I truly understand how a medical crisis in your life can be very frightening, making you feel alone and powerless.  That is a normal reaction, but DO NOT let it destroy you. Hold on to hope and faith. Be kind to yourself. Find God’s Grace. And know that you have friends to help you get on the path to healing and regain your power. When you need help, sometimes, asking is the hardest thing to do, but don’t be afraid to take that first step. Healing is hard work, but at Julia’s Center there are many people who are willing to help, because we know the power of human touch and caring. Grant yourself the Grace and time to set your healing goals, ask for help, ask for prayers, and give yourself permission to be selfish as you navigate the path to a better you. I will be back. Right now, I am giving myself permission to heal. I pray that you will too. Blessings, KB.

Quote:   Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

2024 Services Provided to our Patients:

The following services are free to our patients and represent a healthcare cost savings of $795,372.00

Total Patient Visits:                 1,487

New Patients:                         168

Unique Patients:                     442

Diabetic Patient Visits             84

Volunteers:                              100

Volunteer Hours:                     7,419

Labs provided:                         2,217

Vials of Insulin provided:        183

Flu shots:                                 94

EKGs:                                       15

PAP smears:                             31

Optical Exams:                        86

Retinal Exams/Injections:       23

Radiology to include: 4 Xray’s, 1 CT, 10 Ultrasounds, and 25 Mammograms

Eye Glasses are distributed at Dr. De La Fuente’s office.

How you can Help: To Donate: Go to juliascenter.org/donate/

Looking for a unique way to donate? Consider a gift to Julia’s Center to remember the passing of a family member or friend.  Perhaps a donation for a birthday gift to that person who has everything. Your generous donations may save a life and fund healthcare for someone who has nowhere else to turn for medical care. Please visit our website at juliascenter.org for information or, call for more information (972) 535-5099. Thank you in advance!

Clinic Closures:

Holiday closures are planned in advance and are documented on our web site, juliascenter.org.
We are closed:  Thursday November 27, 2025 Thanksgiving
December 19, 2025 through January 5, 2026 Winter Holiday Break

As a reminder!  Julia’s Center follows the Plano ISD determination for closures in the event of inclement weather.