Mission Center Extends a Helping Hand

Second Mile Mission Center in Stafford is offering assistance ranging from food and furniture to medical and dental services for victims of Hurricane Ike regardless of where they live. 
 
Executive Director Greg Stirman said the Center now serves up to 700 weekly, a significant increase from the 400 Stafford area residents being assisted per week before Hurricane Ike. 
 
 
"We’re not specifically keeping track of where Hurricane Ike victims are coming from, because we've got a lot of regular clients in Fort Bend County who were affected," Stirman said. "We do ask them were they are from, and we do see Ike victims every day."
 
 
The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 504 FM 1092, Suite I, Stafford, 77477; Saturdays, by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 281-261-9199.
 
 
For dental or medical appointments, or to check walk-in clinic hours of operation – which tend to change based on professional healthcare provider availability – call 281-403-0136.
  
 
Several families have been referred to Second Mile by the City of Houston Hurricane Ike Helpline.
 
 
"We will help as many people for as long as our resources hold up," Stirman said. "So far, resources have been flying out of here, but also arriving. Since Ike, we’re about to receive our fourth 18-wheeler load of supplies from Matthew 25: Ministries in Cincinnati."
 
 
In turn, Second Mile has sent more than 30 pallets of supplies to Galveston, where in some cases the needs are more urgent.
 
 
Stirman said Second Mile is the only mission center in Fort Bend County offering free dental and medical care to those who qualify.
 
 
Six physicians rotate through the center one day a week, and a nurse practitioner is available four days a week. Stirman said they generally provide primary healthcare, and refer through Gateway to Care for specialty services.
 
 
Four dentists rotate through the dental clinic, and are able to perform extractions, fillings, crowns - and if time permits, aesthetic work.
 
 
Stirman said they are seeking more healthcare professionals to volunteer in the medical and dental clinics.
 
 
For more information on volunteering, call Clinic Director Tuesday Ross at 281-403-0136.
 
 
For more information on Second Mile Mission Center, call 281-261-9199 or visit www.secondmile.org