Senior Program Officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Whether as a teacher, education non-profit executive, or school board member, I’ve spent most of my career serving vulnerable populations, helping them with civil rights, education, and better jobs to become economically self-sufficient. Church Health is serving the people I care most about.

When I was CEO of the Memphis Urban League, health care was a major expense for our small staff. Every year it got more expensive. One year the cost jumped 30 percent. The staff who could get insurance other ways, such as through a spouse’s employment, made the switch. That left one person without coverage.

This kept me up at night for weeks. We couldn’t find an affordable plan for her, but I knew I couldn’t have a valued employee without health insurance.

Then I was invited to tour Church Health and heard about the MEMPHIS Plan. The application was easy, she enrolled, and it was affordable for her and for us. It was a lifesaver. Without Church Health, I’m not sure how we would have been able to give her what she needed.

Later, when I was working at a national level but still living in Memphis, I took another tour of Church Health. Once again, I was blown away by the breadth of what Church Health does for the community. When I heard about the opportunity to become a Champion and give every month, I chose to make a commitment that has lasted for years. I give proudly!

Many agree that people should have access to quality healthcare. Giving to Church Health gives you a chance to be part of the solution, because Church Health provides real service to real people in real time making a real difference.

Giving to Church Health gives you a chance to be part of the solution, because Church Health provides real service to real people in real time making a real difference.

Though I’ve moved from Memphis, I still give proudly, and now invite you to join me as a Champion!