His Hands raises $1.8 million for clinic expansion in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — His Hands Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids announced Tuesday the conclusion of its “Great Need. Great Care” campaign, which raised $1.82 million that allow the clinic to move to a larger building.

The clinic, which provides free health care and dental services to people without insurance, moved to 1245 Second Ave. SE in June 2020. The building was purchased using a loan from one of the clinic’s donors, according to Dawn Brouwers, executive director of the nonprofit clinic.

A $1.5 million fundraising campaign was started to pay off the loan and expand services. A ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday to signify that goal had been exceeded and to allow donors to tour the building.

“In January, when we hit $1.5 (million), I couldn’t believe it,” Brouwers said. “And our board said, ‘We have many donors we haven’t asked yet, so let’s see what happens.’ So, we continued to ask, and people were very responsive.”

The new clinic, she said, has more space, allowing departments to work more effectively.

The clinic also added mental health services to its health care options, which include medical care, dental care, chiropractic care and physical therapy.

“We’re in the business of helping people not only increase their self- esteem and confidence, but give them hope,” Brouwers said during the ribbon-cutting.

Brouwers said the clinic still is in the process of arranging its new space and deciding where to use the funds raised beyond the original goal.

“Do we add more dental hours? Do we add more medical hours? And what will the cost be?” Brouwers said. “It’s been a planned trial and error.”

The clinic still is accepting donations through its website and is always looking for volunteers to help with operations.

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