Care-A-Van Ministries of Batavia in Partnership with Dr. Russ Marchese and Dr. Marcela and staff along with local agencies hosted Caring for the City on Friday.
It all started as a vision last fall and became a reality today. The parking lot of the dental office was filled with local agencies, churches and the dentist office coming together to let the people of Batavia know that they care.
Working side by side with Care-A-Van and the Dental office were Lake Plains Community Network who were on hand to help the uninsured apply for health insurance, Cornell Cooperative Extension who offered parenting and nutrition classes, United Memorial Medical Center Cancer Services of Genesee and Orleans County who made the uninsured women aware of the free medical services available and Continental School of Beauty who’s teaching staff and students offered free haircuts.
Pastor Charlie Piscitello, his wife Judy of Batavia Christian Fellowship and Pastor Mark Perkins of Oakfield-Alabama Baptist were on the grounds for prayer support and to offer encouragement to all.
Janet Stedman of United Memorial Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab staff was busy on the bus doing medical screenings and blood pressure checks.
Care-A-Van Ministries is a street ministry that goes into the streets of Batavia to show the people we care and to take the good news of Jesus to them. We do weekly cookouts, street church on Sundays and grocery distribution every Saturday. It was proven today that street ministry is not just for churches. Agencies, physician offices and organizations can and do make a huge difference in people’s lives.
Today free dental services were given to over 50 people! The people coming out were offered tooth extractions, fillings and cleanings. With today’s economy and many people being without dental insurance, today was a huge blessing to many. Upon exiting the dental office, one woman was in tears of joy because she got her smile back! Another young man who had no dental insurance had 2 teeth pulled. As he was given a ride home, he was crying and saying it was the best birthday present ever! He had been in pain for months with his bad teeth. He felt so much relief after receiving his free services.
Continental School of Beauty gave over 30 free haircuts today.
One young man really touched everyone’s heart when he stated “I may look rough on the outside but I am not that way on the inside”. Wow, think about that, how many of us might have judged someone for the way they look.
Today was an awesome day for Caring in the City! Care-A-Van thanks everyone from the bottom of their hearts for partnering with them and the dental office to care for those in need. Jesus said the poor would always be with you. We invite all of you to come on board with Care-A-Van as we go out weekly. There are many opportunities for your churches and agencies go to forth and let the people know that they are cared for and not forgotten. We also invite all of you to next year’s Caring for the City Day!
God Bless and Keep the Light On!
Robin Walters
Public Relations Director
Care-A-Van Ministries
More photos to come- all patients agreed to photos for sharing
Dr. Russ and Son RJ attend to patient
Dr. Marcela checking patient out
From inspiration to
From inspiration to preparation to implementation. That's what happens when the church (not A church, but the body of believers with a common goal) picks up the fallen torch and runs wiht it. Great job Care-A-Van, Drs. Marchese and Marcela, and all the terrific volunteers.
Thanks Jeff! It truly was an
Thanks Jeff! It truly was an awesome Caring for the City Day. All of the agencies came together to care for the city! We are so looking forward to next year's event. We hope to get more churches and agencies of board.