Serving At The Crossroads

2005 ANNUAL REPORT
SERVING AT THE CROSSROADS

Excitement is in the air… as we turn tears into smiles on the faces of the patients treated at the clinic and especially as we look with anticipation towards the future.  I’ll save the story of what lies ahead for another time and focus here on the accomplishments of Serving at the Crossroads (SATC) over this past year.  Many blessings were bestowed upon us as you will see when you review our accomplishments on the following page.

Mayor Vega provided Manos Amigas with a rent free building on the main thoroughfare in town so we could open an interim clinic while we continued our search for a parcel of property on which to build a new, spacious clinic at some point in the not too distant future.  Beginning in April 2005, the Interim, or Phase I Clinic as we like to call it, opened its doors with a small staff – one paid physician, a nurse, pharmacist assistant, administrative aid and a security guard.

News of the “gringo” clinic’s presence spread by word of mouth, more quickly than you can say “Serving at the Crossroads!”  On opening day, nearly 60 people were outside waiting to be treated.  Since the very first day and every morning since, a line of patients begins forming at about 5:30 AM and the clinic gates don’t open until 8:30!  From April – December 2005, the clinic staff saw anywhere from 35 – 60 patients per day, treating conditions such as bronchitis, parasites, dermatitis, gastritis and diarrhea..  At that rate our challenge was to keep the supply of medications flowing from the United States. 

Although we live in the heart of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the country, SATC was not successful in locating a company or contact within the industry that was willing to provide medications on an on-going basis.   However, that did not deter us in keeping our pharmacy shelves stocked.  We continued to provide medications and supplies to the clinic by collecting physician samples from medical practices in the area and purchasing medications outright.  The purchasing of pharmaceuticals was the single biggest demand on the budget.  We have a large formulary and Manos Amigas provides a monthly accounting of the medicines received and dispensed at the clinic. 

Some other remarkable events occurred this year.  Networking and volunteerism took place among the local healthcare professionals; some local funds were collected for the clinic; the mayor became a generous supporter and advocate of the clinic; and barrio leaders helped identify the neediest families.  Manos Amigas Board Members did an incredible job of visiting homes and identifying the needy - undergoing personal transformation in the process, as many saw up close and personal, for the very first time, the extent and level of poverty in their own communities.  They were astounded by what they had uncovered, reporting that "with our own eyes we saw so many sick children and very old people that need health care and now they know about the clinic.  We are certain that we can provide the care they need."   And, with the help of those who have supported Serving at the Crossroads, indeed they can!  For this we thank you.

Robert L. Sumner
President, Serving at the Crossroads

Milestones & Current Position of SATC

*Year 1 runs from April ’05 – April ’06.

**Values for donated equipment, mostly used, are estimates of equivalent value if purchased new.CIAL DATA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

DECEMBER 31, 2005

The complete audited financial statements are available upon request.

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2005