Global Hope International Transforms Lives Through Access to Health Services
Global Hope International is making significant progress in addressing healthcare disparities and empowering underserved communities. With the support of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, Global Hope International provides critical medical, dental, and vision services to individuals who may otherwise go without care. Its mission is simple but profound: to stand in the gap for those who lack access to essential healthcare services and to bring relief to communities through holistic care.
Global Hope International’s approach is rooted in offering comprehensive, accessible healthcare to communities in need. The organization provides free medical, dental, and vision care through annual health clinics. These services meet urgent needs, such as dental extractions and eye exams, often out of reach for many families due to financial constraints.
“Being able to educate people about what’s happening with their bodies, or addressing their concerns, can in itself be a relief,” said Monica Georges, Global Hope International. “When we help someone, whether with a toothache or by prescribing glasses, we remove barriers that allow people to focus on other aspects of their lives. It’s about providing relief and hope.”
In 2023, the FRJE grant was pivotal in supporting Global Hope International’s health clinics. Through support from Valley Health Partners, Lehigh County, and other community organizations, the clinics brought essential care to local residents. For many, this care was life-changing, particularly for children in the Allentown School District who could receive vision screenings and glasses within 45 minutes—a vital service for students who struggle with reading due to vision problems.
The success of Global Hope International’s health initiatives is largely due to the nonprofit’s strong partnerships with organizations like Valley Health Partners, Lehigh County and B. Braun. These partnerships have enabled Global Hope International to expand its reach and provide care to more people each year. Global Hope International’s 2023 clinic saw nearly $100,000 worth of medical services offered at no cost to patients, thanks to its partners’ financial and volunteer support.
Global Hope International collaborates with Remote Area Medical (RAM®), a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering accessible quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need, to hold an annual free, two-day clinic providing healthcare services on a first-come-first basis. This year’s pop-up clinic is on Oct. 19 and 20 at the Executive Education Academy Charter School in Allentown. All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Patients are encouraged to create a profile on the RAM platform to help expedite the registration process at https://patients.ramusa.org/. Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide a mammogram bus funded through federal resources for uninsured individuals, emphasizing Global Hope International’s commitment to preventative care.
In addition to medical services, Global Hope International also focuses on educating the community about available resources. Its clinics feature a Community Resource Section, where local nonprofits provide information on housing, food assistance, and other services. This holistic approach ensures that attendees receive immediate healthcare and are connected to longer-term support.
While Global Hope International’s work in the Lehigh Valley is transformative, the organization’s reach extends far beyond the local community. Global Hope International has brought healthcare services to underserved populations abroad. Recently, Global Hope International organized a mission trip to Peru, where a team of 17, including a dentist, provided much-needed care to local communities. These international efforts reflect Global Hope International’s dedication to making a global impact through healthcare and empowerment.
As Global Hope International prepares for its upcoming clinic, it continues to rally community support to ensure its success. With financial support from community organizations, Global Hope International can continue to provide life-changing services to those who need them most.
With help from initiatives like the FRJE grant, Global Hope International is providing critical healthcare services and fostering a more equitable and connected community. The nonprofit creates lasting change in the Lehigh Valley and beyond by addressing immediate health concerns and connecting individuals with essential resources.
Global Hope International’s work exemplifies the impact that can be achieved when communities unite to support those in need. Global Hope International ensures that healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. As the organization continues to grow and expand, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals and transform lives through comprehensive, compassionate care.
United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:
- Cohesion Network
- Epoch Tribe
- Financial Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley
- Fine Feather Foundation Inc.
- Global Hope International
- Greater Community Development Corp.
- InnaStar
- Juneteenth Lehigh Valley
- Lycan Media
- LatinosARE
- Lehigh Valley Black Church Housing Alliance
- Light on the Horizon
- Mother2Mother Inc.
- Movement Moves Media
- Resurrected Community Development Inc.
- SELF!
- The Rilyc
- The Rising Sun Initiative
- The Thrive Hub Inc.
- Unidos Inc.
- Vet Beds
Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.
Learn more about United Way and the FRJE grant program by visiting our Fund for Racial Justice and Equity page.
