The new Frost Bank, 5225 North Garland Avenue recently celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting and donation presentations. Two charitable organizations, Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. and Hope Clinic of Garland each received $2,500.
“One of the things that Frost is known for is partnering with community agencies that serve to improve the quality of life for all people,” said Clint Kelly, Senior VP – Commercial Banking.”
He explained that Good Sam and Hope Clinic were chosen because they exemplify the mission of improving the quality of life for everyone.
“Good Samaritans of Garland has served its community since 1983, providing food assistance to help families and individuals move toward self-sufficiency,” Kelly said.
In addition, he praised the organization’s staff. Kelly said that they welcome guests with kindness and respect. And, they treat people as if they are their number one priority.
“Open five days a week, Good Sam feeds, helps and serves families through food assistance and community partnerships,” said Executive Director Pam Swendig. “Our partnership with Hope Clinic is essential in reducing hunger and food-insecurity in our community. Together we are building a healthier, stronger community!”
Hope Clinic is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The clinic continues to provide free primary health care for the underserved population in the area.
“We are so blessed to have Good Sam as a neighbor and community partner who provides food assistance to our patients,” said Hope Clinic’s Executive Director Tanya Downing.
Kelly sang the praises of the clinic.
“Hope Clinic of Garland began as a ministry to provide equitable health care to uninsured residents in the Garland area,” he said. “They partner with the community to provide health care and resources for healthy living to the underserved population.”
Swendig and Downing expressed deep gratitude to Frost Bank for its support of their missions.
About Frost Bank – Garland Financial Center
Everyone is significant, and at Frost, we treat them that way. We give our customers a square deal and keep their assets safe and sound. These beliefs have guided Frost from the very beginning and served our customers well since 1868. We offer our customers a full range of banking, investment and insurance products to help them better manage their money, grow their wealth and protect their assets. And, our disciplined relationship approach has stood the test of time.
About Good Sam
Good Samaritans of Garland, “Good Sam”, was formed in 1983 from an alliance of several Garland faith communities with the intent to provide centrally located services for neighbors in need of assistance. In 2016, the Board of Directors elected to narrow Good Sam’s assistance to providing food with kindness and compassion to hungry and food-insecure neighbors in Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse.
Hunger and food-insecurity are closely related, but distinct, concepts. Hunger refers to a physical sensation of discomfort. Food-insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the level of the household.
Many of Good Sam’s housed families are caregivers for elderly parents, raising grandchildren, disabled, or facing a family emergency or other unexpected life challenge. In many circumstances, assistance is temporary and valuable in helping families move forward through a difficult time. Also, food assistance reduces anxiety and helps families from falling further into overwhelming need and hopelessness.
About Hope Clinic
Hope Clinic of Garland, Inc. began in 2002 as a ministry of First Baptist Garland. Two church members recognized the need to provide primary healthcare to indigent and uninsured residents. Over the years the need for primary healthcare in the community increased. And, in 2007 the clinic moved to a larger facility and acquired its 501 (C) (3) non-profit status. In 2009, Hope Clinic became a partner with Baylor Scott-White Health system. The clinic remains a safety net clinic for BSW patients.
Medical partnerships have grown to include the Health Texas Partner Network, Parkland Health/Dallas Hospital District. In addition, numerous specialty practices aid diagnoses of our patients. The clinic operates in a 5400 sq. ft. building near downtown Garland. It is easily accessible to our patients. Beginning with one night a week in a borrowed space with an all-volunteer staff, Hope Clinic of Garland, Inc. has grown to a full-scale operation. It averages approximately 8,000 patient visits each year.