A Message from the Board Chair – Arlington Free Clinic

In 2004, a physical therapy colleague, Nancy White, encouraged me to volunteer at Arlington Free Clinic. Twelve years later, my practice, Body Dynamics, Inc., Center for Sustainable Health (BDI), manages the PT program for AFC. Serving at AFC is an essential part of the culture of my business – and part of the physical therapists’ job descriptions. Every Tuesday or Thursday morning since 2004, BDI physical therapists have been positioned at AFC seeing patients. The physical therapists value the opportunity to serve those who would otherwise be unable to benefit from PT. Even BDI’s clients have gotten involved, routinely contributing dental supplies to the AFC Dental Clinic.

As Board Chair this year, I am once again enjoying the opportunity to work with Nancy White, who is now AFC’s Executive Director. Thanks to my longstanding involvement as a volunteer provider, a board member and board chair, and as a business-to-business pro bono partner, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the many important links that exist between AFC and the community, not least of which are the Clinic’s connections with local businesses.

There are great examples of companies like Accenture, AvalonBay, CEB, Clark Construction and The JBG Companies that have formal Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Other companies – including Stewart Commercial Realty Services which you read about earlier in this publication, or Winking Fish, the graphic design firm who generously partners with AFC on all of its printed materials including this annual report – simply have strong philosophies of giving back ingrained in their core values and have gone to extraordinary lengths to partner with AFC for the good of its patients.

Businesses in the medical community, including private practices, diagnostic centers, and Virginia Hospital Center, have a long history of providing essential support to AFC. But medical know-how isn’t a prerequisite: companies from every sector represented in Arlington have long been providing a mix of volunteer hours, expertise, and financial support to the benefit of everyone from CEOs, staff, and patrons to the patients of AFC. So, how can you help? We have a strong need for continued support from local businesses and would love to partner with you.

If you haven’t been involved with AFC, please consider joining this incredible community of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to providing top-level medical care to the most vulnerable in our community. If you and your company have been involved, THANK YOU! Please continue to help us fulfill our mission, and share your experiences of AFC with others in the community. The larger our network, the more secure our future.

— Jennifer Gamboa, DPT, OCS
2016–2017 Board Chair

Read our complete 2016 Annual Report.