August 2026 Newsletter
- Julia's Center
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Spotlight on Food and Nutrition
In America, the land of plenty, rich foods are plentiful and taste great!!! As a result, Americans consume more food, calories, and fats than they need and can burn, which results in high rates of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
At Julia’s, we believe food and nutrition are synonymous, and they play a huge role in patient care and with our volunteers. We’re very blessed to have a team of volunteers who prepare and bring in beautiful, healthy meals every clinic night to feed the workers.
During Diabetic Support meetings, we prepare low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fiber meals for the attendees and teach the value of good nutrition. We also provide the recipes so they can replicate them at home to help reduce their blood sugar. In addition, we provide them with an assortment of fresh produce and eggs that are donated by local food pantries and gardens.
In the Hypertension Support group, we stress reducing sodium, saturated fats, and increasing fiber to help take the strain off of the heart and blood vessels. We’re also introducing a low-impact exercise program led by a physical trainer.
Food for Thought...
Including the following foods regularly in your diet can help maintain energy, support immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Nutrition.gov
Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and antioxidants; they support bone health, immune function, and reduce oxidative stress.
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants; they help protect cells from free radical damage and support heart and brain health.
Salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve cognitive function.
Almonds, walnuts, and other nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamin E, and help promote heart health and satiety.
Oats, quinoa, barley, and whole wheat are excellent sources of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals that help regulate blood sugar and support digestive health.
Legumes like black beans, lentils, and chickpeas provide plant-based protein, fiber, and iron to support heart health and stable energy levels.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are high in vitamins, fiber, and phytochemicals to support detoxification.
Quinoa is a complete protein and gluten-free grain that contains all nine essential amino acids, fiber, magnesium, plus iron, making it ideal for a balanced meal.
Butternut and acorn squash are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium, supporting eye health, digestion, and heart function.
While not a food, adequate hydration is essential for overall health. It supports digestion, circulation, and cellular function. Aim for 8–12 cups daily.
Heat Preparedness Reminder
We are in the midst of summer, and temperatures are extremely high. Please heed the heat advisory. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated if you are outdoors. When drinking water, add electrolytes, like Liquid IV, or drink water with electrolytes like Smart Water. Try to remain in shaded areas or go indoors as often as you can to beat the heat! Be aware of pavement temperature as well when taking your pets for a walk.
Semi-Annual Activities Report(1st and 2nd Quarters)
Patient Visits: 809 = $287,195
Lab Requests: 1,255 = $188,250
PAP Smears: 17 = $1,875
Imaging: 12 = $8,000
Mammograms: 25 = $5,000
Diabetic Supplies Distributed: 114 = Over $19,000
Flu Shots Administered: 27 = $1,080
Savings to the Community due to our In-Kind Services Total = $461,298
North Texas Giving Day Beginning Soon!
Our Annual Fundraiser with North Texas Giving Day (NTGD)begins NEXT month!
Starting next month on August 27th, 2026, donations can be made through the NTGD Website on our page. Please mark this on your calendars! We appreciate all your support!
Mark your Calendars!
Irene Ouazaa's Birthday Fundraiser with Kendra Scott
On Monday, August 24, 2026, our Board president, Irene Ouazaa, will be hosting a fundraiser with Kendra Scott Jewelry. Please join us! All purchases made in Irene's name will give Julia's Center 20% of the profit made during the event.
If you are unable to attend in person, we can send you a code to use during checkout when making an online purchase. This will allow that percentage to come to Julia's.
THR Mobile Mammogram
Callie Acquaye, our Vice President and outreach director, and Jordy Lopez, our Administrative Assistant, helped facilitate outreach with Texas Health Resources and their Mobile Mammogram Unit, and they screened patients. Last quarter's mammogram event was rescheduled to July due to THR's technical issues. Every quarter, up to fifteen patients are given mammogram screenings and care free of cost!
There will be another Mammogram Event this month in August!
Mark your Calendars!
Irene Ouazaa's Birthday Fundraiser with Kendra Scott
On Monday, August 24, 2026, our Board president, Irene Ouazaa, will be hosting a fundraiser with Kendra Scott Jewelry. Please join us! All purchases made in Irene's name will give Julia's Center 20% of the profit made during the event.
If you are unable to attend in person, we can send you a code to use during checkout when making an online purchase. This will allow that percentage to come to Julia's.
Will you be attending the Kendra Scott Fundraiser? Please RSVP by clicking a button below!
LOCATION
DATE AND TIME
08/24/26 4:00pm - 08/24/26 7:00pm America/ChicagoPresident Irene's Birthday Kendra Scott Fundraiser for Julia's Center for Healthcare!
Grants and Donations
Julia's Center received a generous donation from the West Plano Rotary Club
(pictured to the right).
Grant Approval from the Episcopal Foundation
Julia's Center for Healthcare has received the NAFC and TxACC Gold Seals Once Again!
Julia's Center is a member of both the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics (TxACC). We've been awarded the highest award of NAFC, the Gold Seal, for the seven consecutive years, and the TxACC Gold Seal for the 3 consecutive years, for recognition of our commitment to providing high-quality care, strengthening our organization, and serving uninsured and underserved Texans with excellence. The Gold Seal is more than a recognition; it is a symbol of our organization's commitment to quality, accountability, and compassionate care.
Volunteer Recruitment
Volunteer Skills Currently Needed:
Nurses
Prayer Ministers
Translators
Next Volunteer Orientation: August 1st, 2026
Grants and Donations
Julia's Center received a generous donation from the West Plano Rotary Club(pictured to the right).
Grant Approval from the Episcopal Foundation
Julia's Center for Healthcare has received the NAFC and TxACC Gold Seals Once Again!
Julia's Center is a member of both the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics (TxACC). We've been awarded the highest award of NAFC, the Gold Seal, for the seven consecutive years, and the TxACC Gold Seal for the 3 consecutive years, for recognition of our commitment to providing high-quality care, strengthening our organization, and serving uninsured and underserved Texans with excellence. The Gold Seal is more than a recognition; it is a symbol of our organization's commitment to quality, accountability, and compassionate care.
Fundraising
Donate today through our website using PayPal (with your credit card), cash, or check! Help fund the needed operating costs and medical supplies!
We are an approved organization for the Kroger Good Neighbor Program! You can elect to have a percentage of their shopping trip donated to Julia's when they link our organization number to their rewards card.
Organization Number: YU771
Comments