Fall 2025 Newsletter
It's officially Fall, even if it doesn't always feel like it on the beach! Here at the VIM-SD news desk, we're gearing up for an upcoming special clinic, welcoming new volunteers, and sharing some insights about where your donations go.
Our annual Ice Cream Social at UM Chapel of the Valley was a blast as always! So many friends and family showed up for ice cream and fun in the sun. Our Outreach team was there to showcase what they do and celebrate the staff and volunteers that help get the word out about our little free clinic. Thanks so much to everyone who came, and to Chapel of the Valley for hosting us again this year!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
Join us on October 8th for a free mammogram clinic. Hosted by Alinea Imaging, this event is for everyone over the age of 40.
From the National Breast Cancer Foundation:
1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and an additional 59,080 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.
But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Mammograms are quick and easy - and they're not nearly as unpleasant as you might have heard. Early detection and treatment saves lives, so if you're over 40, call or email the clinic to sign up today!
Welcome Judy & Paul Marquie!
We have two new wonderful folks joining the clinic this month - Judy and Paul! Judy joined our staff to assist Hersh with clinic operations as he starts the process of applying for medical school; she will eventually take over for Hersh as the manager, and Paul will be volunteering to get our garden into shape for winter.
Judy brings a wealth of career and non-profit experience with her; she spent 17 years with a biotechnology company in Ventura County before retiring in 2007 and relocating to San Diego with her husband.
In 2013, Judy began her nonprofit service with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, where she held multiple leadership roles and contributed to numerous community projects. In 2022, she joined Heaven’s Windows, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, where she managed the Spring Valley food pantry and supported families in need.
Paul comes to VIM with 16 years of working with several non-profits in the food insecure sector. A retired chef and “foodie” but not in the food “growing” part of from farm to table. He is always up for new challenges and looks forward in making VIM’s garden a true community project while learning about growing items to eat and share.
We're thrilled to have them both - welcome Judy and Paul!
Where do your donations go?
You might have wondered - why does an organization staffed mainly by volunteers still need donations? Or 'where does my donation go?'
Besides basics like internet, electricity, rent and facility maintenance, there are costs associated with serving our patients. We offer treatment at no charge to our patients, and through a combination of grants and donations, we cover the cost of lab and imaging services (often provided to us at a reduced rate) as well as other needs - things like translation services or diabetic supplies.
Here's a look at how the expenses for the clinic break down over the first part of this year - January through August 2025.
Platinum status achieved!
A tiny brag, if we may - Volunteers In Medicine San Diego recently achieved Platinum status with Candid, the premier provider of grant and nonprofit data. They help nonprofits find funding, and funders & donors to research the organizations they're giving to.
The Seals of Transparency tell funders how much information a nonprofit has provided about their operation, goals, and impact. Platinum status is the best you can get, and we're proud to say we got it!
More good news!
More good news coming in - VIM SD recently received a grant from the Parker Foundation to support our outreach program. Susan and our regular outreach volunteers have been doing an amazing job of getting out to events around town this summer to let folks know that we're here for them, and now they'll be able to keep on doing that vital work through next summer, thanks to the Parker Foundation's generosity!
Celebrating over 50 years of charitable grants totaling more than $63 million, The Parker Foundation supports San Diego’s non-profit organizations for the betterment of all San Diegans. From arts organizations to homeless service providers, The Parker Foundation has focused solely on improving life for the region through its non-profit providers.
Drew is off to medical school at last!
You might remember Drew, our former telehealth coordinator, who was instrumental in getting Agnes set up. He completed his med school applications and is officially off to school at Albany Medical College! We wish him the best and can't wait to hear what direction he goes in his medical career!
