Housing and Community Development Department

Press Release

Wellness Center Brings Vitality to Southwest Houston

March 13, 2015 -- Signs of new life emerged on Friday, Mar. 13, when community leaders and residents came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Hillcroft Health and Wellness Center. Dr. Richard Wainerdi, Chairman Emeritus of the renowned Texas Medical Center and namesake of the Wainerdi Wellness Institute within the center, was a special guest at the event. The $1.5 million health and wellness center is the fifth in the Central Care Community Health Center system and the first of its kind in the Fondren Southwest area.

The Hillcroft Health and Wellness Center is a 16,000-square-foot medical and fitness center that will provide low- and moderate-income patients with accessible and affordable comprehensive health services to as well as mental health services, education outreach programs and exercise and activity rooms.

The center is located on property owned by the Fountain of Praise.  Church leaders recognized a need for their congregation and residents in the surrounding area to access health care and wellness opportunities, and they envisioned restoration could take place in the newly redeveloped Fountain Life Center located at 14085 South Main Street.

The City of Houston contributed $1.1 million of Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make this vision a reality. During the grand opening ceremony Congressman Al Green commended HUD as well as state representatives Ron Reynolds and Sylvester Turner for lobbying for the federal funds to be designated for the benefit and vitality of local communities.

City Housing and Community Development Director Neal Rackleff, whose department administers and monitors the CDBG funding contributed to the center, shared a personal story about the difference low-income clinics like the Central Care Community Health Center made when he and his wife were just starting their lives together as students and new parents. He told the audience, “No matter where life takes you, it’s important to remember the help and opportunities you received along the way, and today I am excited to be a part of this project, knowing the value it will hold for others.”

Dr. Wainerdi echoed Rackleff’s sentiments saying, “The only requirement to receive treatment and respect at this clinic is to be human. It doesn’t matter your ability to pay.”

Central Care Community Health Center has more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive medical services to over 10,000 uninsured and underserved residents each year. Clients at this facility will have access to 19 medical examination rooms, four dental operatory rooms, two saunas, weight and fitness equipment, and exercise and activity rooms.