Community Thanks Event Celebrates Local Volunteers in Rowan County
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The Community Care Clinic of Rowan County hosted the Community Thanks event at the Peeler Crystal Lounge at Catawba College earlier this month, celebrating local volunteers and community partners. This year's theme was 'Angels big and small,' and the event attracted 180 supporters.
Board Chair Dr. Aerik Williams expressed gratitude towards attendees, emphasizing the importance of valuing each community member and addressing the needs of those struggling. The clinic has partnered with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, reporting over $4 million in emergency department diversion savings for the year 2024.
They have also implemented transitional services for patients leaving the hospital without a primary care physician. Dr. Williams praised the clinic's expansion in providing support services that address barriers to healthcare access, such as transportation and mental health issues.
The clinic has recently hired Mayra Mosquera as a community health worker and Emily Avalos as a mental health counselor. In 2025, the clinic's Medical Director, Dr. Amy Wilson, initiated a community lifestyle medicine course aimed at treating chronic conditions.
Outgoing board members Brad Brady, Rev. Henry Diggs, and Wade Furches were acknowledged for their six years of service. The 2025 Mike Fuller Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Hilda Zaldivar, a physical therapist who has volunteered at the clinic and previously at the closed Good Shepherds Clinic.
Executive Director Krista Woolly recognized artist Patt Legg for the 2025 Fred and Alice Stanback Silent Angel award for her ten-year contribution of painting a large angel mural at the clinic. Alan Rutherford, CPA, received the Silver Coffee Cup Award for his dedicated financial oversight of the clinic for 18 years.
Patient Paulina Lorenzo Vasquez shared her moving story of how the clinic helped her recover from a difficult period of financial and health challenges, expressing deep gratitude for the support she received.
The event highlighted the critical role of volunteers and supporters in transforming lives within the community, reinforcing the importance of local engagement in healthcare and social services.