This is my first post to share the work and progress of our nonprofit, Clínica Verde. Who are we, exactly, and how are we different from the ocean of nonprofits out there working to change the world? Well, if you read the “About” tag on the site, you’ll see that we’re building a new model of care for families in need. That’s our mission. It encapsulates what we’re doing. But I realize it doesn’t explain the “how” of our work, so let me take it a few steps further.
We’re building an environmentally sustainable prototype of a health clinic in Nicaragua — a center for community health, responsibly built, that includes not just exam rooms but a cafe, small library, organic garden, community room with demonstration kitchen and courtyard playground. Our plan also calls for the construction of adjacent vendor kiosks where women can sell their produce and wares. The idea is to create an environment that addresses the whole health needs of the community.
This is the question we asked ourselves: When are we healthy? We realized that the answer wasn’t that we feel healthy when we visit the doctor and receive medication or advice. Medical care and attention are key, but the answer is much broader. The answer is that we feel healthy when our relationships are strong, when we’re eating well, when our children are safe and happy, when we feel economically sound, and when our lives are improving through learning and education. Clínica Verde addresses this concept of total health for our clients, the very poor.
At this stage, we’re firming up clear title on a plot of land near the city of Boaco, Nicaragua. We’re actively involved in fund-raising, and we expect to break ground at the end this year. I hope you check in often to see what’s going on with our project, and to offer your suggestions and ideas. I’m hoping to build a community of people interested in supporting our work and spreading the word. So, bienvenidos. I’ve got lots of stuff coming to share with you.
The mayor of Boaco, Vivian Orozco, in front of the land for Clínica Verde
