Westminster FAQ’s

WFC is a center for community care that includes distribution of free fruits and veggies from Food Share, exercise classes through a partnership with Conejo Parks and Rec, clothing distribution through a partnership with local clubs, and a free medical clinic serving over 100 people a week (more than a full-time weekly practice) that provides free primary care including screenings, diagnosis, medications, health education, nutrition counseling, case management, health literacy and advocacy, mental health counseling, podiatry, chiropractic care, vision care and glasses, immunizations, mammograms, and labs & x-rays (paid for by the clinic).

Our other main program is a 2-year Teen Healthcare Training and Internship Program, which trains local high school students in the direct delivery of patient care and other supportive services.

Over 350 medical professionals and other adults volunteer their time to deliver free health care to uninsured, low-income community members in partnership with Teen Program student interns.

Student interns are mentored by medical professionals on clinic nights and work with the medical professionals in the delivery of care by taking the patients history, vitals, and chief complaint. The students also attend field trips to local healthcare facilities and learn the importance of giving back to their community. They also receive college application counseling and assistance preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many of our students have received academic scholarships.

We do not duplicate any existing programs. We only provide care to those that are ineligible for other programs and don’t have enough income to afford health care. We save taxpayer dollars by preventing overuse of costly emergency room care, and by offering a variety of services that help support families, and promote overall health.

Over 8,000 services are provided to patients per year; more than 80% of patients are low-wage, uninsured workers employed at minimum-wage jobs, others have been laid off and are having trouble finding new employment with benefits. Their take-home pay is not enough to pay for health insurance, but makes them ineligible for public programs, such as Medi-Cal. Our clients live and work in our community.

Over 100 students attending local high schools in our community are enrolled in our two-year training internship program. More than half come from the very same low-income, immigrant families that receive health care at our clinic and are often the first in their families to attend college after graduation. Students intern at the clinic and in the WFC’s community programs.

Our annual budget is $2 million. Over two-thirds is from donated goods and services. The remaining $600,000 comes from foundations, service groups and individuals. We are not a government funded program. Every $1 donated in cash leverages $9 in donated goods and services. Over 90% of our funds go to direct service.

All health care and other services are free to eligible patients, including diagnostic tests, labs, medical supplies, medical equipment, mammograms, immunizations, medications, prevention programs, community outreach advocacy and services, food, clothing, etc.