A free medical and dental clinic is expanding in Happy Valley. Here’s what to know
Centre Volunteers in Medicine’s nearly decadelong search for a long-term home is over.
The nonprofit doled out $2.35 million to purchase the building at 2026 Sandy Drive in Ferguson Township. The sale was finalized Oct. 4, Executive Director Cheryl White said Monday.
“The board and staff are excited about owning a long-term home where we can carry out our mission to serve the uninsured in Centre County,” White said.
The organization that offers free medical and dental care to those without health insurance and whose household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level has leased space at 2520 Green Tech Drive since 2008.
The building has about 6,700 square feet of floor space, while the organization’s new home will likely offer about 11,000 square feet of space.
CVIM bought the building from LAMAH Ventures after about eight months of negotiations. The latter was hesitant to sell the building that was constructed in 2005, but opted to — in part — because of CVIM’s mission.
“We were looking to lease the building,” co-owner Dave Matta said Tuesday. “... But we thought we would be helping the community by selling to them.”
CVIM plans to renovate and expand the new location. The additional space will allow for more exam rooms, while also expanding the behavioral and women’s health programs.
White expressed optimism that it may also help recruit additional volunteers. She hopes the organization can move into the space “debt-free” by fall 2022.
“It’s just a win, win, win all the way around,” said Mick Trombley, the real estate broker who helped facilitate the deal. “I’m proud as Punch of the whole thing.”
About $1.5 million of the purchase was covered by a state grant. A price tag for the renovations has not yet been finalized. Information about an upcoming fundraising campaign is forthcoming, White said.
And while the building isn’t ready for its grand opening, CVIM is already using the space to offer free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations. The organization is set to offer the shot 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday and 1-4 p.m. Thursday.
Additional dates can be found at cvim.net/covid-19.
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 11:58 AM.