Portland Lutheran schedules fair, clinic May 30 in Rockwood

The Gresham Outlook, May 12, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Portland Lutheran School, 740 S.E. 182nd Ave., will host Compassion Rockwood’s fourth annual free clinic and social services fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

With a goal of serving at least 1,000 people this year, Compassion Rockwood is bringing together doctors, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists and social and legal counselors devoted to meeting the basic needs of this low-income, high-crime community.

Compassion Rockwood is a partnership between several local ministries, medical and social service organizations in Gresham and the surrounding area. This year, volunteers will offer basic medical checkups, dental cleanings and emergency dental care, chiropractic services, basic social service resources, legal resources and education and children’s activities.

The group, led by Milan Homola and Gary Tribbett, formed locally after a small group of short-term missionaries returned home from Mexico in the winter of 2006, with one question on their minds: “Could we do this at home?”

Seeing the great need for medical and dental care, along with a lack of social service resources, the group decided to set their sights on Rockwood.

With less than four months to prepare for their first event, Homola and Tribbett recruited the help of their faith community, Clear Creek Community Church, and many other businesses, churches and ministries in their area.

That first year they served more than 300 people, and because of his time-spent serving at Compassion Rockwood, Dr. Bob Sayson retired from his practice and, in spring 2007, opened The Good News Community Clinic, which offers free services in Rockwood.

This year, families are not required to preregister to receive services, but if you would like more information or are interested in volunteering with the ministry, visit www.compassionrockwood.com.