Mary's Center For Maternal & Child Care

Makeup for Mary's Center!

2011-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

BLOOMINDGDALE'S in Chevy Chase and our Host Committee invite you to Makeup for Mary's Center, an evening of beauty and inspiration while supporting Mary's Center!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

A percentage of the makeup sales will support Mary's Center's Teen Program Scholarship Fund.

Hosted by event co-chairs:
Marla Garchik
Margie Harlem
Janice Hansan
Amy Meltzer

Appetizers, Champagne and Sparkling water will be served.

RSRV to Marla Garchik by May 6th at marla610@aol.com or Sofia Morales at smorales@maryscenter.org.

Urgent Call to DC Mayor Vincent Gray

2011-03-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

On April 1, DC Mayor Vincent Gray will propose his budget for fiscal year 2012. Righ now, DC faces a $322 million gap -which must be addressed through cuts to programs or generating new revenue-.

DC government has already made $600 million in cuts over the course of the recession, causing uncertainty in the funding of our programs.

We need more revenue to protect the programs we care about. Mayor Gray will decide this week what revenue measures to include and what programs to cut.

Mary's Center as part of the DC Fair Budget Coalition joins efforts and invites you to email the Mayor at vincent.gray@dc.gov and challenge him to raise 150 million dollars through new progressive revenue. We need your support so we can continue supporting our most vulnerable families!

Renovation in Progress

2011-03-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

This beautiful picture on the right is now part of our history. It was taken the day of the grand opening of our headquarters located in Adams Morgan back in December 1994. We had just moved from our initial location -a basement on Columbia Road- with only 34 employees -today we are nearly 230-.

And this other picture on the left is how the same location looks today. But it's all for good.

Thanks to the financial support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, our 'old' building is going through renovation. In the meantime, our participants from this site are being seen at our new Center on Georgia Avenue.

It's been a year since the health care reform was approved and even though there's still a lot to be done, we are confident that President Obama and his administration will continue to support the work of community centers like ours in order to provide more families with the quality care that they deserve.

Mary's Center's New Site

2011-03-09T06:42:00.001-08:00

One week after we opened our new -and fourth site- the response has been amazing. The place is beautiful and our staff and clients can't be happier with the space and its larger capacity.

We have 22 exam rooms, 5 dental rooms, 5 rooms for our charter school, and additional areas for our teen program, mental mental, home visiting, health promotion and WIC programs.

The new site is located at 3912 Georgia Avenue, NW in the Petworth area of Ward 4.

Ward 4 has the least amount of community centers of all 8 Wards in DC and our arrival came at a right time to help provide access to health care and all of our comprehensive services to the residents of this area.

The day before we opened, Councilwoman Muriel Bowser (pictured left) from Ward 4 visited the Center and welcomed our staff to the neighborhood. Her kind words and enthusiasm encouraged us even more to do our best and to continue to support the District in its efforts to provide its residents with the highest quality of care.

It's been a great week for all of us at Mary's Center!

Mary's Center Staff Celebrates Valentine's Day with Lollipops

2011-02-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

Seven Hundred chocolate lollipops circulated throughout Mary's Center this Valentine's morning. this is one more tradition that makes our place so special!

Almost all of our nearly 220 staff members submitted names of colleagues whom we wanted to receive a lollipop, and the response was amazing. In addition, we all received a lollipop from our President and CEO, Maria Gomez.

These lollipops were very special also because they were made by one of our talented staff members -HR generalist Carolina Carvajal-. You can tell how much love and dedication she put into each one of the heart, sunflower and lady bug shaped lollipops.

Each recipient couldn't be happier with such a sweet token of appreciation.

We want to extend our gratitude on this day to all of our supporters for being part of our work during these last 23 years.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Job Fair at Mary's Center

2011-02-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

Looking for job? Mary's Center is hiring staff for its new site that will open in March, 2011.

We invite you to attend our Job Fair this coming Saturday, February 5th from 11 am to 2 pm at 3910 Georgia Avenue, NW (one block and a half from the Petworth/Georgia Ave. metro station - green and yellow lines).

We are looking for registered nurses, medical assistants, front desk receptionists, phone operators, family support workers, IT specialists, and more.

Stop by and learn more about our job opportunities!

For more information, call 202-420-7112 or 202-420-7141.

Exciting News!

2011-01-24T08:35:00.001-08:00

Remodeling one Center - Opening a new one... All in 2011

2011 started with lots of plans for Mary's Center. Our headquarters building in Adams Morgan, DC, where we see our medical participants, will be remodeled. This is made possible due to a grant received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The construction work will start on February 26th and will last until June 2011.

The new building will have 18 exams rooms, more privacy and beautiful areas. This building was our first one after we moved from our initial site -a basement on Columbia Road, 16 years ago-.

In the meantime, we will see our participants at a new site (yes, one new site is on its way) -also in DC-, located at 3912 Georgia Avenue, NW, in Ward 4, one and half blocks from the Petworth/Georgia Avenue metro station.

The new site with 26,000 square feet, will open on March 1st and will help us expand our services to more individuals in the District of Columbia.

Services at the new site will include medical and dental services, home visiting, mental health, WIC, Teen Program, social services and health promotion.

We'll keep you posted on the progress of our expansion and we acknowledge those of you who support us every day to make it happen!

Mary's Center will occupy
the first floor of this apartment
building on Georgia Avenue, NW.

Our Client Holiday Party

2010-12-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day for Mary's Center. We celebrated our Client Holiday Party and we all had a terrific time. Thanks to the support of organizations and individuals who made possible for us to celebrate this special day, we were able to provide gifts and food to nearly 600 children and their families.

Each family also had the chance to get a picture taken with Santa -we have our in-house Santa, who is our Chief Operating Officer, David Tatro, who's done it for the last two years and loves playing that role-. The pictures had an addition this year: Dr. Richard Gesker, our dentist, joined Santa playing "Rich, the Elf", and the kids loved him as well.

It is really gratifying to feel the support of so many people around us to make this event happen, and to see the impact it causes in our families. For many of our children, the toys they received today were the only ones they got this holiday season.

We are grateful for receiving so much love, care and warmth during these days and we acknowledge our donors, volunteers, staff and friends who have helped us preserve one of our oldest and most beautiful traditions of the year. Happy New Year!

Colombia Artisan Afternoon

2010-12-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

To Benefit Mary's Center

We want to invite you to a Colombia Artisan Afternoon exhibiting more than 15 Colombian artisans. From 'mochilas' made by hand to necklaces and key chains. You'll be amazed by the creativity of this exhibit.
Come and buy your Christmas gifts while you support Mary's Center!

When: Saturday, December 11, from 2:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: 212 New Mark Esplanade - Rockville, MD 20850
240-418-1942

Maria Gomez Joins DC Elected Mayor's Transition Team

2010-11-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Newly elected DC Mayor Vincent Gray has invited Mary's Center president and CEO, Maria Gomez, to join his Transition Team.

Maria was appointed as health and human services advisor along with Georgetown University law professor Peter Eldeman.

Congratulations Maria! We are proud to see that elected officials recognize your knowledge about health needs and your extensive experience in the community!

Together We Give More - Food Drive

2010-11-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Every year, during the Thanksgiving week, Mary's Center provides more than 200 families in need with a complete meal that includes a turkey, rice, canned vegetables, stuffing, etc., so that they can celebrate this special holiday. This is all possible thanks to the generosity of supporters and volunteers who donate food and time.

LatinVIP will hold its 9th annual Juntos Damos Más - Together We Give More fundaiser to benefit Mary's Center on this cause, and we invite you to join us.

When: Wednesday, November 17th, 5-10 pm

Where: Lupe Cantina: 1214 18th Streeet, NW, Washington DC

Free admission with the donation of 2 non perishable canned goods.

Halloween inside Mary's Center

2010-11-01T10:28:00.001-07:00

As traditional at Mary's Center, we had a fun Halloween celebration! Staff put all of their energy into decorating their offices and wearing creative costumes to delight our participants. Want to see more? visit our Facebook page.You'll be amazed!

Join Us!

2010-10-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

Maria Gomez, one of the 45 People who Shaped Washington DC

2010-10-20T13:30:00.001-07:00

We encourage you to read the Washingtonian Magazine 45th anniversary issue this month. Maria Gomez, our President and CEO, was featured as one of the 45 individuals -and the only one in the healthcare arena- who shaped Washington, DC between 1965 - 2010. Mary's Center was also acknowledged for being a critical piece of the region's healthcare system (page 78). It is truly an honor to be part of this wonderful organization!

Noche Tropical, what a lovely evening!

2010-10-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Congressmember Xavier Becerra and his wife Dr. Carolina Reyes's laugh can give you an idea about how fun our annual gala Noche Tropical was.
It was a lovely evening and the best gala ever in our 22 years of existence.
We had more than 350 guests at the Organization of American States and we raised over $365,000 for our programs.
We can't thank enough the First Lady, Michelle Obama, for accepting our invitation to be our Honorary Chair. It gave so much credibility to our work and our event.
We were privileged to honor two members of the administration, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Juan Sepúlveda, as well as the World Bank Community Connections Fund.
Also, the presence of Congress members Chris Van Hollen, Xavier Becerra and Silvestre Reyes, Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, and so many sponsors, friends and supporters added that special touch to our event that made it so memorable.
Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you next year!

SAVE THE DATE: Noche Tropical

2010-09-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

Mary’s Center invites you to its annual gala
Noche Tropical.
A night of fun for a good cause.

Funds raised from Noche Tropical will go directly to the services that Mary's Center provides, including: primary health care, mental health, dentistry, health education, family literacy, tutoring, family social services, adolescent programs, and home visitation.

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2009

Time: 6:30 pm

Program Format: Reception, Silent Auction, Seated Dinner, and Dancing

Location: Organization of American States -17th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC

Master of Ceremonies: Ray Suarez, PBS Senior Correspondent

Community Health Champion Award: The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Education Leadership Award: Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

Public Service Award: Katherine Marshall, Board Chair, World Bank Community Connections Fund

Business Attire: ~ Valet Parking Available

To reserve your tickets now or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call Ashley Griffith at (202) 420-7052.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.maryscenter.org .

I don't want to be a Teen Mom

2010-07-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

National Organizations Unveil First-Ever Pledge to Prevent Latino Teen Pregnancy

"As a 17 year old girl who struggle everyday with this issue, I have to confess that it is not easy to avoid the topic especially when I’m constantly surrounded by a lot of kids in school who are sexually active and the pressure is certainly there.

Believe me, it is very uncomfortable when your peers ask you why you don’t have a boyfriend and why you are not into sexual relationships yet. For many of them to be sexually active is not a big deal and the last thing they think of are the consequences because they know if they become pregnant, someone in their family will take care of their baby.

But I can tell that life doesn’t get easier for them afterwards. I see them rushing to the daycare, shopping for diapers, dropping out from school and feeling frustrated when they want to hang out with their friends on a Saturday night yet they can’ t because no one can stay with the baby.

And when I see that, it makes me reassure myself that I don’t envision myself in that position and although I’m sure that many of my friends who have become pregnant used to think the same, often times, they’ve been victims of lack of information on how to prevent a pregnancy, lack of time with their parents to discuss these issues, and lack of activities in which they can get involved with.

If you ask me how I’ve done it, I would say that there have been many factors: The efforts that my parents have put into trying to give my brother and I a good education and keeping us enrolled in numerous programs so that our time is always busy and entertained; also the rigor of the school I attended to, St. John’s College High School, which I just graduated from this past June 4th being part of the National Honors Society, and definitively the role that Mary’s Center has played in my life through its teen program.

As a 17 year old girl who struggle everyday with this issue, I have to confess that it is not easy to avoid the topic especially when I’m constantly surrounded by a lot of kids in school who are sexually active and the pressure is certainly there.
I’ve become part of the teen program since I was 12 and I can say that here I have learned practically everything: from the dangers of drugs or consequences of teen pregnancy or alcohol abuse to college applications and job skills. As a matter of fact, it was here where I received help throughout the college process for the career of Psychology that I chose to pursue and I was admitted in George Mason University.

In the meantime, I will spend my fifth summer here at Mary’s Center as part of the Urbanitos, a Youth Employment Program for us to be engaged in a work environment at the time that we learn and stay away from the streets.
I know there’s still a road ahead but the barriers and challenges I’ve found during these teenage years have made me stronger and have prepared me to achieve my goals, which are definitely not to be a teen mom.

On August 26th, I will start my career at George Mason University… and I am very much excited to work in Child Psychology and to work mainly with children who have autism."

To learn more about the National Consensus Statement on Latino Teen Pregnancy Prevention, click here

My Cinderella Experience at the State Dinner

2010-05-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

By Maria Gomez, President and CEO

Dear Friends, Donors, and Supporters:
To all of our Mary’s Center friends, I dedicate this note to you for your unyielding commitment to our work. Without your longstanding support, Mary’s Center would not have had the privilege of the First Lady’s visit, the opportunity for our young teens to attend a State of the Union Address, or an invitation to the second State Dinner at the White House. Each one of you, through your extraordinary and significant support, have enabled us to grow in size, but even more importantly, in spirit.
All of you have been a source of strength and inspiration for me and my staff over the years. Many of you were there at critical moments in my professional life when my heart was in so much pain I felt I could no longer lead Mary’s Center. Your words, your solutions, and your hands-on actions brought me back with more enthusiasm and a deeper passion. I thank you and wish you that in your lives, angels come your way as you have been there for me.
My earnest gratitude goes out to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their tireless work on behalf of our great Nation. Thank you for embracing our city so profoundly. You truly understand the power that you have to transform the lives of our children forever.

My Cinderella Experience:

President Felipe Calderón and his wife Margarita Zavala were honored at the White House this past Wednesday, May 19th, with a State dinner that could be described as elegant, warm, and personable. Representing Mary’s Center, I was very fortunate and proud to receive an invitation and experience this momentous occasion with my husband. The security was tight but not imposing as we passed through the South East Gate and into the West Wing. We proceeded to walk down a corridor flanked by about 30 news photographers. All of this attention caught us by surprise, but we managed.

Once inside the White House, the atmosphere was a little more relaxed as guest mingled and exchanged greetings. We had the privilege of spending some personal time with California Congressman Xavier Becerra and his wife Carolina Reyes, Senator Menendez from New Jersey, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton, and others throughout the night. Equally wonderful was the time that we spent with Scott Schenkelberg from Miriam’s Kitchen, Lindsey Buss from Martha’s Table, and their magnificent wives as we shared our once in a life time opportunity to be able to serve in our communities during these special days in Washington. For that night, the everlasting chore of searching for funding was erased from my mind. Of course, there were a few Hollywood celebrities including Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate House Wives) and George Lopez.

At the appropriate time, the guests were gently prodded into the East Room to designated tables set around the periphery of the room and surrounding a long rectangular table near the center at which the two presidents and their wives and entourage were to be seated. Dinner was magical with a menu of superb Mexican food created by the Obama’s favorite Chef from Chicago, Rick Bayless. The ceviche could melt in your mouth, but my favorite was the Oregon Wagyu beef with mole sauce that tantalized with such amazing flavors. A few of the people at our table included New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and one of his offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson, as well as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Both presidents gave warm, salutary speeches and toasts that emphasized the bond between the two countries. First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her appreciation to the White House kitchen staff and the Marine Corp band for their support and hard work that helped to make the event memorable. The First Lady’s genuine and heartfelt words deeply touched my heart.

After dinner, trams shuttled the guests to a large tent for the evening entertainment. The tent covered an area that was about three quarters of the size of a football field with columns twenty feet high to support a ceiling from which three large flower baskets hung adorned with lines of simulated monarch butterflies. This butterfly theme was in honor of President Calderón, whose birthplace is Michoacán, Mexico where the monarchs make their annual migration from Canada. The evening started with acoustic guitarists originally hailing from Mexico City, Rodrigo y Gabriela. With a rousing Spanish guitar they played rock and a touch of heavy metal. This was followed by our own diva Beyoncé and her song “Irreplaceable” with my favorite line “To the Left, to the Left…” The evening ended beautifully as I shared the warmest moment all by myself with Mrs. Robinson, the First Lady’s mother. It doesn’t get any better than that!

The event was memorable and historic, and I felt honored and humbled to represent our Mary’s Center community and the important work that has been delivered to our community for the last 22 years. I remember a quote that caught my attention recently that stated that “we should judge each day not by its harvest, but by the seeds that we plant.” Although the author was anonymous, I feel that these sentiments best describe our renewed bonds with our Mexican brothers and sisters, especially in this time of controversy and strife.

Maria Gomez, Special Guest at State Dinner

2010-05-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Mary’s Center continues to strengthen its relationship with the White House. Our President and CEO, Maria Gomez, was invited by the First Lady Michelle Obama, to attend the State Dinner held in honor of the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon and his wife, Margarita Zavala on May 19^th.

Only three nonprofit organizations: Mary’s Center, Martha’s Table and Miriam’s Kitchen, were invited to attend this prestigious event –the second State Dinner of the new administration-.

The list of over 200 guests included Hollywood celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, George Lopez and Eva Longoria, as well as key government officials and many other important personalities.

Also, the same day in the morning, 10 Mary’s Center teens were invited by the White House to be part of the arrival ceremony for Mexican President Calderon and First Lady Zavala.

Mary’s Center Teens Invited to the White House

2010-05-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ten participants of Mary’s Center’s Teen Program and two staff members were invited to attend the Arrival Ceremony for President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon and his wife Margarita Zavala at the White House on May 19th.

That same night, Mary's Center's president and CEO, Maria Gomez, attended the State Dinner at the White House in honor of President Calderon and First Lady Zavala.

It was a unforgettable experience for all of them!

Baby Shower in Honor of Mary’s Center Mothers

2010-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

What a lovely event! Two wonderful sisters, Marla Garchik and Margie Halem, invited a group of friends on May 19^th to a baby shower in honor of Mothers-to-be at Mary’s Center. There was a delicious food, gifts and a warmth atmosphere that made us feel like at home.

It was a privilege and an honor for us as staff members to be in a room with so many generous and caring individuals who we now consider part of the Mary’s Center family.

We thank them for the time they took out of their hectic lives to learn more about the work we do and for bringing so many cute gifts for our babies. We also thank our volunteers, Prue and Ingrid, for joining us as Ambassadors of Mary’s Center.

Help the Mary’s Center Teens go to College!

2010-05-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Vote everyday from now until May 31st to give the Mary’s Center Teens a chance to win $25,000 for College Scholarships. Visit www.refresheverything.com/mcteens.

Goals
· Provide supports for teens to apply to college.
· Raise money to provide scholarships for teens to attend college.
· Build the Urbanito Alumni Association to provide ongoing support.

Overview
The Urbanito Scholarship Fund was created by teens during after their 2007 summer project where they analyzed the Washington, D.C. educational system and concluded that a significant barrier to their access to higher education was a lack of financial resources. This year 25 have applied to college. All were accepted to at least one university or community college. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to provide each with a $1,000 grant.
To receive a grant, the teens must be a high school or GED graduate, help with fundraising, and show proof of college or trade school attendance.

Deliverables:
- 25 teens, upon proof of attendance at a college, university, or trade school, will receive a $1,000 grant to be used toward tuition, room and board or the purchase of books.
- The Teen Program Alumni Association will be formed to provide ongoing support.

We Never Stop Working for our Community!!

2010-04-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Mary’s Center has been selected as a 2010 Leadership Award recipient!!

The Washington Area Women’s Foundation has selected Mary’s Center as a recipient of the 2010 Leadership Award because of Mary’s Center committed role in critical issues and needs of the girls and women of our community.

“We are just thrilled with the richness and diversity in the communities reflected in the work you do, and the exceptional way that you serve these communities,” says WAWF Philanthropic Education Officer Nicole Cozier.

As a Grantee Partner of The Women’s foundation Mary’s Center will be receiving $10,000 and the possibility to compete for an additional $5,000.

Mary’s Center along with nine 2010 Leadership Award recipients will compete for online votes from April 5 to April 22. The additional $5,000 will be awarded to the organization that receives the most online votes.

The 2010 Leadership Award Reception and Presentation will be held on April 29.

Don’t forget to vote!

Take me to the voting site.

Mary's Center Locations!!

2010-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

View Mary's Center -Adams Morgan in a larger map

Dora the Explorer was at Mary's Center!!!

2010-03-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mary’s Center hosted on March 9 the launching of the U.S. Census Bureau “Children Count Too” awareness campaign featuring Dora the Explorer.

“Children Count Too” is a campaign designed to remind parents to include babies and young children on their 2010 Census forms. “Every child counted in the 2010 Census will help identify communities in need and bring resources to address specific vulnerabilities, whether they are in health care, child care, education, transportation and affordable housing. Only through well funded comprehensive and multiservice programs, places like Mary’s Center will be able to have an impact on the nation’s health care outcomes,” said Mary’s Center President and CEO Maria Gomez.

Mary’s Center has been working in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure our community is ready for the 2010 Census. Helping participants to complete census forms and answering their questions and concerns is critical; thus, starting March 19, and for the following month, the Center for Census Assistance will be in our Adams Morgan location on Tuesdays (11:30am-3:00pm) and Wednesdays (9:30am-11:30am).

“We cannot afford to miss a single child living in America. A complete and accurate count of our nation’s youngest is critical to their health and education, and the strength of our communities and work force,” said US Census Bureau Director Robert Groves.

Children from our playgroup and our family literacy program were thrilled to see Dora the Explorer in person.

Noche Tropical: Mary's Center's Friends Celebrate 21 Years of Service!

2009-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

It was a night to remember! There were nearly 250 of Mary's Center's friends and corporate sponsors. There were two distinguished members of Congress: Xavier Becerra and Eleanor Holmes Norton. And two members of the Obama administration. And as master of ceremonies: National Public Radio's Ray Suarez.

All kinds of good food, and wonderful live music.

These are just a few highlights of the spectacular 2009 Noche Tropical, Mary's Center's annual fundraising gala, held Thursday night, October 8th, at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC.

Keynote speaker at the event was Neera Tanden, senior advisor to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Ms. Tanden, who worked as Director of Domestic Policy for the Biden Presidential Campaign before joining the Obama administration, congratulated Mary's Center on 21 years of outstanding service to the medically-underserved populations of Washington, DC. She also spoke about the urgent need for health care reform in the U.S.Congressman Becerra, left, with Mary's Center President and CEO Maria Gomez and National Public Radio's Ray Suarez, MC for the gala

Also recognized at the gala was Ana Recio Harvey, the former President and CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Harvey recently was named head of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. In that capacity, Ms. Harvey will work to promote women-owned businesses. In helping to empower women, Ms. Harvey advances a major priority of Mary's Center President and CEO Maria Gomez.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, a long-time friend of Mary's Center, congratulated Mary's Center "for helping our city to grow and thrive economically while... simultaneously supporting our most vulnerable families and children." She echoed many when she noted that "in giving back, you are receiving. I applaud Mary’s Center and all of you here today for your efforts to improve the well-being of our families in DC and for helping every child in the District to have a chance to thrive and succeed."

Guests at the gala had a chance to view a wonderfully-inspiring video that displayed the many reasons that Mary's Center has to celebrate the past year, most notably, a visit from First Lady Michelle Obama in February 2009. Mrs. Obama used her visit to Mary's Center to focus on the need for all of us to "give back" to our communities.

Also addressing the crowd at Noche was teenager Akrem Muzemil, who talked to the crowd about how Mary's Center helped to steer his life in the right direction when he first arrived in the U.S. from Ethiopia five years ago.

Author Allison Silberberg, whose book, Visionanaries in our Midst features a profile of Mary's Center, was at Noche Tropical, too, signing books. On the dance floor was music man Verny Varela and his band, and there were lots of people dancing, including Maria!Mary's Center President and CEO Maria Gomez hits the dance floor at Noche Tropical!

An auction and dessert buffet ended the evening. The gala celebration left Mary's Center with one more year of rich memories!

Mary's Center Celebrates One Year at Silver Spring Site

2009-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

A year after Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care opened its first Maryland location in Silver Spring, officials gathered to celebrate the Center's anniversary.

The Center was praised for providing critically-needed health care, education and social services to more than 2,000 residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

“We feel very proud to commemorate our first anniversary at this location,” said Maria Gomez, Mary’s Center’s President and CEO. “The increased volume of residents from Montgomery County and Prince George’s County who are coming for services to our Center is a live testimony to the urgent need for broader health care reform in this country. As President Obama has said repeatedly, we Americans are desperate for health care reform. We need a system that will serve the millions of families who lack access to adequate health care and social services in this country.”

A year ago, Mary’s Center’s 3,600-square-foot primary care center, located at 8709 Flower Ave. in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring, became the first federally-qualified health care center in Montgomery County. The Flower Ave. center offers a full range of much-needed services to underserved communities in the region, regardless of ability to pay.

”Our Maryland facility extends Mary’s Center’s 20-year experience to residents in Maryland who desperately need quality and culturally-appropriate services,” says Dr. Mark Fracasso, Mary’s Center’s Vice President of Medicine. “We’ve also established vital partnerships with Montgomery County agencies and local organizations, as well as with the Washington Adventist Hospital. These alliances have enabled us to meet the most urgent needs of our clients.”

The Maryland heath center has a multidisciplinary health-care team providing women's services, including obstetrical and gynecological care, as well as pediatric, adolescent, and adult health services. The center also offers a broad range of social services, counseling, and health education programs to its clients.

"Mary's Center has been a wonderful safety net for our most vulnerable residents in Montgomery County,” said Uma Ahluwalia, Director of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services. “We look forward to continuing this partnership in addressing health care and the need for social services that produce positive health outcomes for our residents in the Long Branch community and the county at large."

The one-year anniversary featured numerous local and state lawmakers, public health officials, and other supporters of Mary’s Center.

"Mary's Mary's How Does Your Garden Grow?"

2009-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a generous donation of perennial garden plants by the Garden District, a DC indoor and outdoor plant store located on 14th Avenue, Mary's Center now has a wonderful new garden! Come by and walk the flagstone path through the roses and back to the big old peach tree.

Or take a few minutes -- or your lunch break -- to rest on one of the lovely wooden benches.

Sit and enjoy all the new life growing up around you.

You will see dozens of new spring plants, including hosta, geraniums, lilacs, forsythia, red grasses, delphinium and black-eyed susans. Not all of these plants are in bloom at this season, but they will come back year after year showcasing their colorful spring and summer finery.

Pictured here is little Isabel holding an umbrella during one of our many recent rainstorms. Mary's Center is good at growing adorable little chidren, that's for sure!

A BIG THANKS to the Garden District for helping to give the entrance to Mary's Center a fresh green look!

Mary's Center Hosts Make-Up Marathon!

2009-05-29T17:07:00.001-07:00

More than 100 women turned out in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Wednesday evening, May 27th for a social event to benefit Mary's Center. Supplying the make-up talent for the women attending was a very talented crew from Saks Fifth Avenue. The event, intended to raise awareness about Mary's Center's mission and need for resources, was by all accounts great fun and a big success. (Even Mary's Center's President and CEO Maria Gomez had her make-up done.)

Pictured here, from left to right, are the three chairs of the host committee: Margie Harlem, Marla Garchik, and Hanita Schrieber (who is also on Mary's Center's Board of Directors and the Chair of the Center's philanthropic board), then Mary's Center's President and CEO Maria Gomez, and the Chairperson of the Board, Mary MacPherson.

Stimulus legislation is helping Mary's Center!!

2009-05-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mary's Center is already putting to work the federal government's stimulus money that is aimed at helping shore up cities across the nation.

Over the next two years, Mary's Center will receive $340,551 from the stimulus program. A total of $1.7 million has been allocated to health clinics in the District that serve the growing number of individuals who need health care but have no money or insurance to pay for it. Mary's Center is using the first of the monies to bring back into service its vitally-important mobile dental clinic, which had to be closed six months ago for lack of funds. Dental service is provided primarily to children and pregnant women. Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary's Center, said that pregnant women are at higher risk of giving birth prematurely. They can also suffer more serious complications, if oral infections are not detected and treated properly.

Called the Mama & Baby Bus, the mobile clinic is equipped with a dental chair and a new X-ray machine, making it easier for patients because they won’t need to travel to a hospital or a radiology center to get their films done.

At this point, the mobile bus is available in DC four days a week. The stimulus money is also helping to pay the salary of a new dentist, Dr. Oluwole Ajagbe, as well as his assistant and a dental hygienist.

Gomez noted that the stimulus grant became available on extremely short notice and that the grant-writing effort demanded a very quick turnaround (less than two months.) The process of applying for grants is normally much more drawn out. However, in these very tough economic times, Gomez said that Mary's Center could demonstrate a clear and urgent need for health services, as more and more people are losing jobs and their insurance.

Mary's Center plans to add three more dental chairs to its new health clinic being built in Ward 4.

MARY'S CENTER RECEIVES $100,000 FROM WORLD BANK!

2009-05-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

Great news! Mary’s Center has just received a very generous grant of $100,000 from the World Bank Community Connections Fund. The grant money – which will be used to make much-needed improvements in Mary’s Center’s information technology infrastructure – will be matched by the DC Primary Care Association.

With this support, clinicians at Mary’s Center will have better access to electronic medical records, and administrative staff will be able to work more efficiently. The IT staff at Mary’s Center will spend less time troubleshooting problems with computer systems.

“This grant is such a blessing,” said Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary’s Center, “We are thrilled and so thankful. On behalf of the clients, staff, and Board of Directors at Mary’s Center, we extend our deepest gratitude to the World Bank and its employees. We are tremendously grateful for this support of Mary's Center.

The World Bank Community Connections Fund is a non-profit arm of the World Bank Group. According to Viki Betancourt, manager of outreach for fund, the $100,000 comes from undesignated employee contributions, as well as a 100% corporate match for these undesignated donations. (Viki Betancourt, a long-time Mary’s Center supporter, is pictured here on the left with her daughter, Christina Johnson, (right) and holding her granddaughter, baby Vivian. Maria Gomez is in the center.)

The gift comes at a critical time for Mary’s Center. With the U.S. economy in shambles, and unemployment rising, patients at Mary’s Center are struggling harder than ever to deal with the economic downturn.

“The need for our culturally-competent services is growing,” noted Ms. Gomez. “By building our administrative capacity, Mary’s Center will be well-equipped to meet the ever-increasing needs of the District’s most vulnerable residents.”

Thank you President and Mrs. Obama for Celebrating Cinco de Mayo!!

2009-05-15T06:15:00.001-07:00

Dear President and Mrs. Obama, I would like to thank you both for inviting me and so many other members of the Latino community to the White House this week, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a very special way. What a delightful and meaningful event this was, not only for those of Mexican descent, but for all of us Latinos present. We were just thrilled to have this opportunity to spend this intimate time with you both, as well as with Vice President Biden and other officials.

Your warmth and sincerity and your relaxed, informal manner made me feel so welcome, and so comfortable. As a Latina woman, who is both a mother and health professional, I have great hopes for this nation, my second home country. I know that we can do great things, and that you, President Obama, stand ready to lead us toward them.

Indeed, you have already begun. The passage of SCHIP – expanding health care to children, was an important first step. Mrs. Obama, your visits to the DC neighborhoods, and your establishment of the White House community garden, have made the White House feel like our house. As we say in Spanish: mi casa es tu casa. Truly, we all feel so welcome and so inspired and invigorated to work with and for you both. We especially look forward to supporting your efforts to pass a major health care reform bill, and to working with Health Care for America Now, a group that includes many of us from so many regions of the U.S. Our priority, like yours, is to ensure that all Americans are insured, and afforded quality health care.

In your 100 first days, Mr. President, you have accomplished more than others have done in their entire terms. Who would have thought that health care reform, the war, the economy and immigration reform would compete with new crises like the flu, a measles outbreak, and even, pirates attacking American ships? But your determination and your genuine concern for our welfare assures us that we as Americans can and will overcome all the obstacles that confront us. We are there not only to “Kumbaya” with you. We are there by your side, and at your back, determined to support your hardworking and committed staff to do whatever it takes to bring about the changes we need in this nation.

On behalf of the entire Latino community, I say, “Muchas gracias!” Thanks for being the inspirational President that you are, and the force of power that unites the multicultural quilt that inhabits our Washington metropolitan area. With great respect and gratitude,

Maria Gomez
President and CEO Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Care

Here Comes Mary's Center New Building!

2009-05-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

If you live in Ward 4 in Washington, D.C., there is exciting news in store! Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care has announced plans to launch construction of a new building in Ward 4 to meet the needs of medically-underserved residents in that District. The new building, which is expected to be complete by the Fall of 2010, will replace the existing structure at 3910 Georgia Avenue, NW.

Early in May, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty attended the demolition of the old structure on Georgia Avenue. The Mayor praised Mary’s Center for its work and said the new building will help the health center expand its vitally-important mission providing neighborhood health care. “I am pleased to announce that Mary’s Center will have a new home in this neighborhood to continue doing their fantastic work in meeting critical needs such as HIV testing, teen pregnancy issues and health care needs,” said Mayor Fenty.

The 28,000 square-foot site will be part of an affordable housing project that includes 130 apartments for low-income families. A total of 130,000 square feet is planned. Mary’s Center will occupy the first floor of the new building. “We are very excited about this new building,” said Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary’s Center. “It will give us more efficient space in order to serve patients and it will enable us to expand our dental care services and to increase our primary health care capacity to this medically-underserved area.”

A $7.5 million grant from DCPCA will provide Mary’s Center with the initial funding to start construction. The total cost of the project is estimated at between $15 and $16 million. The project developer is Jair Lynch & Associates. (Note: Pictured in the photo above are Sharon Baskerville, DC Primary Care Association Executive Director; Mary's Center President and CEO Maria Gomez; Council Women for DC Ward 4, Muriel Bowser; DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and Jair Lynch, President and CEO of Jair Lynch Development Partners.)