Wesley Community & Health Centers Receives $500,000 Grant for New Health Center
News related to:Wesley Community & Health Centers · 2 min read
Wesley Community & Health Centers, a Phoenix-based nonprofit serving underserved communities since the 1950s, has received a significant boost to its mission through a generous grant. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded the organization $500,000 to construct a new health center in the historic Grant Park neighborhood.
The new facility, named the Mary Rose Wilcox Center for Health Care and Innovation, will be a two-story, 40,000-square-foot structure located at Central and Hadley, just south of downtown Phoenix. This project is part of Wesley's ongoing efforts to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and community support to Phoenix's most vulnerable populations.
Blaine Bandi, CEO of Wesley Community & Health Centers, expressed gratitude for the foundation's support.
The new health center will replace an existing Wesley-run facility that has outgrown its capacity. The center is set to feature twenty-four primary care exam rooms, two same-day exam rooms, specialty exam rooms, a retail pharmacy, imaging services, multi-purpose community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. The facility is also strategically positioned along the light rail, enhancing its accessibility.
Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, emphasized the importance of the grant. "Everyone benefits when people can get the care they need. This new center will be a cornerstone for families who deserve high-quality care close to home."
The Mary Rose Wilcox Center for Health Care and Innovation is expected to open in fall 2027. Upon completion, the center will enable Wesley to double the number of patients it serves annually. Wesley currently operates a network of fixed health centers and mobile units, serving approximately 7,000 patients each year.
Wesley Community & Health Centers, as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), offers a comprehensive suite of services, including primary medical care, integrated behavioral health, diabetes self-management education, HIV prevention, and specialized women's health services. Beyond clinical care, the organization empowers local families through youth afterschool and summer programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, nutrition, and community gardening initiatives.
The new health center represents a significant step forward in addressing both medical and social determinants of health, positioning Wesley as a trusted pillar for thousands of Phoenix families who face systemic barriers to care.