Shifa Campaign

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1666294580203{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1666294794135{background-color: #4286ab !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”SHIFA FREE CLINIC CAMPAIGN” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%23f28d1d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator color=”sandy_brown” border_width=”2″ el_width=”30″][vc_column_text]

Our goal is to secure a welcoming permanent facility to provide high quality, multispecialty, compassionate healthcare to the uninsured. A large fully stocked healthy food pantry, to provide for those in our community struggling to feed themselves and their families. Hungry men, women and children cannot work or learn to their fullest potential. Please partner with us to make this happen. Our entire community will benefit from your generosity.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

#Healingwithlove

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”149771″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”WHY THIS WORK IS CRITICAL IN SC” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]In 2019, MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Trident United Way implemented the Tri-County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)* and found the following:

  • Nearly 20% of the tri-county population lack health insurance. Almost 150,000 people remain uninsured at any given time.
  • The upfront costs of securing health insurance and/or lack of availability of coverage through employment create barriers to obtaining needed medical care.
  • The impact is massive on both the uninsured and the communities they live in. They are likely to end up in emergency rooms instead of receiving early preventative care, passing on avoidable cost to the hospitals and increasing insurance premiums.
  • In 2015, The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated the impact of not expanding Medicaid in South Carolina added 123,000 uninsured people.

  • Food insecurity is a daily struggle for many in the Lowcountry. One in five people are struggling with hunger—and nearly 30% are children.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”WHO WE SERVE” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Our patients and the community include people who are living on fixed incomes, families that are dependent on seasonal employment or those with limited financial resources, transient and homeless, and many that have temporary food insecurity for a variety of reasons. 100% of the people we serve, mostly women and children, are at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. We treat all those in need, representing diverse members of our community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667235091504{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”SC Has 9th Highest Maternal Death Rate in The US” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

Did you know? The United States has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world, and 60 percent of those deaths are preventable. For every maternal death, 70 mothers nearly die.

Shifa Free Clinic provides no cost prenatal care to those in need. Comprehensive, accessible, and affordable prenatal care as well as health education are the best ways to improve pregnancy outcomes. They are also the foundation of a healthy pregnancy, a safe birth, a nurturing family and a viable community. Early prenatal care fosters healthier pregnancies by enabling health care providers to identify and treat maternal conditions and behaviors that can adversely affect the initial stages of fetal development, provide medical advice, and assess the risk of a poor pregnancy outcome. Prenatal care may also provide an entry point to the health care system, especially for women who do not have a usual source of care.


Our goal is to reduce illness and death associated with the prenatal (pregnancy) and perinatal (around the time of birth) periods. Specifically, the clinic aims to reduce the number of low birth-weight infants and the rate of newborn mortality.Our partnership with Roper Saint Francis Health Care helps us to ensure smooth pathway for healthy delivery process whether vaginal or C section, as well as consultation and treatment of high risk pregnancies.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150779″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Hunger in South Carolina” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The problem of food insecurity—not knowing where your next meal will come from—is greater in South Carolina than many people realize.
489,510 South Carolinians are facing hunger – and of them 153,330 are children.

 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-utensils” color=”sandy_brown” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

SC is one of the Top 10 most hungry states

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-utensils” color=”sandy_brown” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Almost 1 in 5 people are hungry

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-utensils” color=”sandy_brown” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Almost 1 in 4 children are hungry

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-utensils” color=”sandy_brown” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

More than half (54%) of SNAP(formerly food stamps) participants are seniors or children

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667318545777{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_custom_heading text=”Our Hunger Prevention Program” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

We have four Hunger Prevention Programs that provide food for the patients in the clinic as well as those in the community. These include: On-Site Pick Up, Monthly Home Deliveries, Child Hunger Prevention, and Fresh Express.

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-heart” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”blue” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Combining health clinic and food pantry provides access to healthy nutrition along with health care needs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”far fa-calendar” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”blue” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Full time food pantry
providing access to
healthy groceries 5 days
a week on site

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-truck” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”blue” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Home deliveries via Amazon and volunteer network provides to families who are unable to come to clinic due to variety of reasons

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-tasks” background_style=”rounded-outline” background_color=”blue” size=”xl” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Well established electronic system for
accurate reporting and online client intake

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Our Achievements” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

  • The full-time free clinic in the Lowcountry with comprehensive and established multiple healthcare services and outreach programs under one roof.
  • No zip code restriction, which broadens our impact across South Carolina.
  • Providing greater return on investment: Each $1 donated results in $9 worth of services provided.
  • Collaborations with multiple organizations results in $2.3 million annually in in-kind services.
  • Expansion of our no cost comprehensive prenatal services and partnership with Roper St. Francis to provide delivery and referrals for high risk pregnancy.
  • Recognized academic center for graduating physician assistants and nurse practitioner students from MUSC, Charleston Southern
  • University, and various other universities. Family practice residents have established rotation for OB. Internships to graduating Masters in Public Health students from College of Charleston and DNP program for advanced nurse practitioners.
  • Accredited by AADE for Diabetes self management education program
  • Won Gold Seal by National Association of free clinics and accredited by South Carolina Free Clinic Association for quality standards

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667235124699{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”PROJECTED GROWTH AND CAMPAIGN PLAN” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]With increasing demands, our current 2,300 sq. ft. leased facility is too crowded, inefficient, impersonal and confining. We anticipate an 18% annual growth over the next three years, leading to more than 6,000 patient visits and 70,000 individuals served through our food pantry. A larger 5,000 sq. ft. permanent facility is critical to realise our fullest potential, expand services, and serve more people.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667315913097{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”BENEFITS OF EXPANSION” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-dollar-sign” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” custom_background_color=”#4286ab”][vc_column_text]

Increase Efficiency of Services

The expansion will provide for the division of the food pantry and the clinic. This division allows for both components to have designated areas to provide for the clients’ needs. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-md” color=”black” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”lg” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Reduce Operating Costs

By owning a building instead of renting, we can reduce the monthly operating costs by 7%. This reduction in costs allows for donor money to be utilized to impact the patients we care for in more ways.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-chart-line” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” custom_background_color=”#4286ab”][vc_column_text]

Increase Number of Healthcare Clients

The proximity to the highway will make the clinic more accessible to patients. A larger 5,000 sq. ft. permanent facility is critical to expand services to more people, and to accommodate and increase medical and non-medical volunteers.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-shopping-cart” color=”black” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”lg” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Increase Food Distribution

This expansion will allow for more shelf, refrigerator, and freezer space. An increase in goods provides for an increase in the number of families and individuals we can help.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”far fa-lightbulb” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” custom_background_color=”#4286ab”][vc_column_text]

Inspire Innovative Work Methods

The expansion will encourage hybrid work, lean working, agile workplace and swarm intelligence allowing us to work at our highest potential.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-star” color=”black” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”sandy_brown” size=”lg” align=”center”][vc_column_text]

Boost Morale of Staff

Designated spaces for staff will encourage independent thinking, ownership, and focus for our staff. A designated meeting space will encourage team development.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Our New Facility: 668 Marina Drive, Charleston, SC” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”149776″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667318116889{background-color: #4286ab !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Campaign Components” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23f29d1d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1667235244131{background-color: #f2f4f7 !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”$1.5 M Capital Campaign” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23f29d1d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • $800,000: Purchase of Facility
  • $700,000: Renovation/Move

– Construction/Remodeling

– Closing, Permits, Fees

– New Equipment/Furniture

– Indoor and Outdoor Signage

– Campaign Costs, Marketing

– Moving Cost

– Maintenance Fund

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”$2.5 M Operating Campaign” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23f29d1d” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • 3-year Operating Cost
  • Expansion of Key Staff

– Patient Navigator

– Food Pantry Assistant

– Intake Assistant

– Development Director

– Part-time Optometrist

– Deputy Director

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_custom_heading text=”Volunteer Shifa Free Clinic Campaign Cabinet” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_empty_space height=”64px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150753″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mr Chris Marino
Board Chair
Managing Partner Lerato, LLC

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150756″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mr David Smoley
Cabinet Member
Retd. Vice President at Apple

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150759″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Dr Micheal Moxley
Cabinet Member
VP& Chief Officer for Diversity, Health Equity,
and Inclusion Roper St. Francis Healthcare

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150754″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mr Colin Smoak
Hon. Co-Board Chair
Board Chair, Harbour Club at WestEdge

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150757″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mrs Kathy Smoley
Cabinet Member
Community member and volunteer

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150760″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Shaikh Shamikh Shahadat
Cabinet Member
Regional Director SE ICNA Relief USA

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150755″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mr Herbert Drayton III
Hon Co-Board Chair
CEO HI Mark capital

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150758″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Ms Roslinda Loredo
Cabinet Member
CFO Passion Masonry and Foundation

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”150761″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Ms Maureen Cannon
Cabinet Member
Rotary Club of Daniel Island

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_separator border_width=”2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Staff and Liasons” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150767″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Dr Reshma Khan
Founder and Medical Director
Shifa Free Clinic

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150768″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mrs Lupe Barragan-Moser
Office Manager
Shifa Free Clinic

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”150769″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Mrs Khitam Dames
Hunger Prevention Manager
Shifa Free Clinic

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Campaign Consultants” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”150770″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Ms Sandy Morckel
President
Solutions for the Greater Good.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”150771″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

Ms Jessical Boylston
Senior Consultant
Solutions for the Greater Good

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667235177652{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Patient Stories” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667235182257{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”150148″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

I have been to many clinics, however, the Shifa Clinic has treated me very well and has given me the medications I need. They are very good people, which is why I continue in the clinic. Being diabetic has affected my everyday life;

It has changed my life because if I did not have the support of Shifa, I would not know what to do, especially with insulin. For them all my thanks and respect”
–  Carlos Castro

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/5″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”150776″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]

“I felt very comfortable, especially with the treatment they gave me, they treated me very well. I believed that my case was impossible and thanked God and all the doctors who helped me. After all, I was desperate because I had gone to many places. Nobody wanted to help me, and I even said how much money had to pay for this and nobody, nobody, nobody helped me. I feel very grateful to the Clinic and Dr. Hochmann.” – Walter Moran

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”150147″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1667235189126{background-color: #e7eaf7 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Student Testimonials” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

We provide educational opportunities for future medical practitioners, so teaching remains a huge part of the clinic’s identity to this day.

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”150153″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]

“This was the most knowledgeable experience I’ve had, I’ve learned so much through this real-world opportunity. I know times are hard, however, providing more clinical experience would be great!  

 – Kristen Patel, Public Health Intern at NC University

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“The clinic runs like a well-oiled machine! I loved that I was able to be a part of something greater here in my own city. The clinical experience was wonderful- I’ve had one clinical experience before, but the experience was night and day! I was able to function almost independently seeing patients, formulating my plan, and working with Erin or Dr. Khan who made sure what I wanted to do was safe and appropriate for our patients. I also enjoyed the interdisciplinary approach– being able to bounce ideas off of other students was invaluable.” 

– Lindsey Willis, Nurse Practitioner Student[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”150155″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]“I will forever value my time at Shifa and will remember my experience for the rest of my career. Thank you to all.”

– Jonathan Little, Nurse Practitioner Student at MUSC

“Thank you so much for continuing to allow South PA students to rotate at Shifa Clinic. I enjoyed my rotation and love working and learning hands-on with the patients…I am very thankful for my time here at the Shifa Clinic. Exposure to a diverse patient population really puts things into perspective for me as a future provider, and I hope I can make a difference in my future patient lives because of this experience.”

– Caitlin Caratree, Physician Assistant Student at South University[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”FAQs” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23004561″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_tta_accordion style=”flat” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”2424″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”What makes Shifa Free Clinic Unique? ” tab_id=”1667318615212-3f079f38-7682″][vc_column_text]

  • The full-time free clinic in the Lowcountry with comprehensive and established multiple healthcare services and outreach programs under one roof. 
  • No zip code restriction, which broadens our impact across South Carolina. 
  • Providing greater return on investment: Each $1 donated results in $9 worth of services provided. 
  • Collaborations with multiple organizations results in $2.3 million annually in in-kind services. 
  • Robust women’s health services including no cost comprehensive prenatal services and partnership with Roper St. Francis to provide delivery and referrals for high-risk pregnancy.
  • Recognized academic center for graduating physician assistants and nurse practitioner students from MUSC, South University, Charleston Southern University, and various other universities. Family practice residents from MUSC have established rotation for OB. Internships to graduating Masters in Public Health students from MUSC as well as public health interns from College of Charleston. 
  • Accredited by AADE for Diabetes self management education program. 
  • Won Gold Seal by National Association of free clinics and accredited by South Carolina Free Clinic Association for quality standards. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How many people are uninsured in our area?” tab_id=”1667231634995-7f66b070-faa7″][vc_column_text]

  • Nearly 20% of tri-county residents lack health insurance, including 7.2% of children in Charleston County alone.
  • South Carolina did not participate in Medicaid expansion through the American Care Act, which resulted in an additional 123,000 uninsured people throughout the state.
  • We also serve people who are under-insured (can’t afford co-pay for high deductible policies), or can’t afford healthcare. 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Why don’t some employers provide healthcare?” tab_id=”1667231653980-8286b250-516a”][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”If the US decides to offer Universal Healthcare, how will this impact Shifa?” tab_id=”1667231654833-d224a409-6387″][vc_column_text]

  • That would be great if it happens, but its not likely to happen in the foreseeable future.
  • Free Clinics provide more services to keep costs low for other programs. We help the government to not go over expenses when we treat people without insurance.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Who is ICNA RELIEF USA and what’s Shifa Free Clinic’s relationship to them?” tab_id=”1667231853404-2ededdab-6333″][vc_column_text]

  • ICNA Relief USA is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides social services across the U.S. to the underprivileged and those affected by natural disasters. Their services are made possible through contributions from donors and volunteers.
  • ICNA Relief USA strives to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining their dignity.
  • ICNA Relief USA is a Gold-Star Rated Guidestar Accredited Charity with just 6% administrative costs.
  • Shifa Free Clinic was founded locally by Dr. Reshma Khan in 2012, and is a field office of ICNA Relief USA. Each field office is responsible for determining their budget, raising their own funding, and using the money raised for local support only.
  • All donations raised in South Carolina goes to support Shifa Free Clinic.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”There are so many agencies distributing food (178 LCFB agencies). What is unique about Shifa? Also, is this a necessary investment since there are many food drives being done out of “free” spaces like churches, etc.” tab_id=”1667231881504-026752c3-88e1″][vc_column_text]

  • There are a number of unique features about Shifa’s food delivery system that make this a good investment
  • Ability to combine nutrition and health in one-stop-shopping. Few other food pantries do this. Health and Nutrition go hand-in-hand. Especially for pregnant women, eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is linked to good brain development and a healthy birth weight, and can reduce the risk of many birth defects. A balanced diet will also reduce the risk of anemia as well as other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness. Shifa is able to combine medical wellness visits with provision of food to those-in-need. This ability is unique across the Lowcountry, and important. So important that the NAFC (National Association of Free Clinics) data indicates that 44% of the Free Clinics across the US offer food alongside medical care. (I caught this in the NAFC fact sheet).
  • Extended hours of operation. Shifa offers 5-day a week access to nutritious foods. The majority of food pantries are open a couple of hours once per month. While a client may be able to visit multiple food pantry’s during a week, this presents logistical and organizational challenges, particularly for families with children or those with limited mobility. Moreover, Shifa has the appropriate language skills in-house to ensure that clients’ needs are understood and dealt with in a respectful manner.
  • Ability to Offer Clients Choice – Closely related to the extended hours, Lowcountry Foodbank is increasingly requiring agencies to offer clients choice, in which clients select the foods. Not only does this reduce food waste – a key necessity for agencies like LCFB – but results in greater respect for clients. Shifa’s new food space will allow them to offer Client Choice (BTW, a key component of ECCO’s capital campaign, who does an outstanding job of this). It is very difficult to offer client’s choice in many of the “drive-through” foodbanks in the Tri-County.
  • Unique delivery methods results in greater reach and higher volumes. In the face of the pandemic, Shifa has implemented unique delivery methods that have allowed them to reach an incredible number of people and deliver a large volume of foodstuffs, principally obtained from Lowcountry Foodbank. These include: 1) Drive-Up services to patients at Shifa Clinic, 2) volunteer delivery to those shut-in or otherwise unable to reach the clinic (like MOW) 3) mass distribution several times a year, principally around holidays and 4) an incredibly creative partnership with Amazon to deliver boxes of foods to specific addresses throughout the Lowcountry. The bottom-line is the combination of these diverse methods allowed Shifa to deliver an incredible volume of food during a pandemic at very low cost; 818,439 lbs. in FY 2020
Investment Rationale – Assuming ~25% of the $1.5M fixed capital cost allocated to food and amortized over 10 years, results in a facilities cost of ~7.5 cents/lb./year (assuming 500,000 lbs.). This is very competitive with other Foodbanks not offering the same level of service.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]