It all began in 1966The Clinic began quietly back in 1966, when the Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Theresa's Church noticed a gap in medical services available for the less fortunate and decided to do something about it. These well-connected women persuaded private physicians to see patients in their offices free of charge. So began the Medical Referral Service, the Clinic's original name.
Around this same time, Father Richard McCabe, Director of Catholic Charities, was looking for a way to keep his recently retired father, Dr. John McCabe, occupied. He joined forces with the Ladies of Charity soon, a small daytime clinic was conducted in borrowed spaces. |
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For many years Dr. John McCabe kept busy seeing patients twice a week, during the mornings. Over time, evening Clinics, staffed by additional volunteer medical professionals, were offered.
The Clinic operated in several borrowed spaces including a building on the property of St. David's Church. At this location, the Clinic shared space with Caritas, another non-profit founded by Father Richard McCabe (later Monsignor McCabe). Due to the proximity to Caritas, it quickly became known as Caritas Clinic.
In 1993, with assistance from the Daughters of Charity/Seton, the Board of Directors was able to purchase and renovate the building at 4215 Medical Parkway, the Clinic's current location. In 1996, in order to properly honor the countless individuals and organizations in the community who give of their time, talents and financial support, the name was changed to the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic.
The Clinic operated in several borrowed spaces including a building on the property of St. David's Church. At this location, the Clinic shared space with Caritas, another non-profit founded by Father Richard McCabe (later Monsignor McCabe). Due to the proximity to Caritas, it quickly became known as Caritas Clinic.
In 1993, with assistance from the Daughters of Charity/Seton, the Board of Directors was able to purchase and renovate the building at 4215 Medical Parkway, the Clinic's current location. In 1996, in order to properly honor the countless individuals and organizations in the community who give of their time, talents and financial support, the name was changed to the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic.
Name history
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Milestones1966 - The Clinic is founded by Ladies of Charity & Father Richard McCabe
1969 - Dr. John McCabe begins seeing patients 1982 - Relocated to 1108 W. 34th Street 1993 - Purchased building on Medical Parkway 1999 - Chronic Disease Mgmt program began 2008 - Capital Campaign / Building Expansion 2009 - 'Healthy Kids Day' & Diabetic Blindness Prevention Program (DBPP) began 2016 - Electronic Medical Records Implementation and VHC's 50th Anniversary Gala 2018 - Debut of 'Tuned to Health' Musical Fundraiser at the ABGB |
FundingThe Volunteer Healthcare Clinic is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Financial support is provided by individuals, foundations, organizations, churches, and the Travis County Healthcare District, Central Health.
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