Empowering Healthcare in Orange County: The Story of Families Together
In 2003, Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) embarked on a mission to enhance healthcare accessibility for the community. Founded by CEO Alexander Rossel and a group of dedicated private doctors, the organization’s journey began at 661 West 1st Street in Tustin, where a small medical and dental practice was established. Recognizing the numerous barriers that prevented individuals from accessing essential healthcare, FTOC adopted a community-centric approach from the outset. They identified language barriers, healthcare navigation difficulties, and transportation issues as critical obstacles to receiving care, and they promptly began addressing these needs.
FTOC’s roots extend back to 2003 when a modest clinic was complemented by a resource center on Lyon Street, Santa Ana, offering tutoring and food pantry connections. This initial partnership with the nonprofit helped bridge the gap between medical services and community resources. Over nearly a decade, staff from the practice served on the nonprofit’s board, reinforcing the collaboration’s strength and fostering a spirit of community involvement.
However, by 2013, the resource center encountered significant challenges. To ensure its continuation, its founder sought a new leader capable of revitalizing the organization. Rossel embraced the opportunity, becoming the CEO and redesigning Families Together as a community-focused health organization in 2014. This transformative vision laid the groundwork for FTOC to flourish as a community clinic, magnifying its reach and impact in the local healthcare landscape.
Achieving the status of a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike in December 2016 marked a significant milestone for FTOC. The rigorous application and inspection process validated the organization’s commitment to quality care. Notably, it became the first health center in Orange County to achieve 100% compliance on their first federal inspection. This achievement signifies FTOC’s dedication to high standards and quality service, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted healthcare provider.
Since attaining the FQHC Look-Alike designation, FTOC has rapidly expanded its services. Facilitating over 10,000 visits each month, the organization now operates out of three centers in Tustin, Garden Grove, and Fountain Valley. Its dedicated Wellness Center in Tustin provides an array of mental health services and specialty offerings, including physical therapy and weight resistance training, ensuring a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
FTOC’s commitment to reaching vulnerable populations is evident through its four mobile health units, which deliver vital services directly to those in need across Orange County. Whether at homeless shelters, schools, or community centers, FTOC’s mobile units bring essential medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision services, embodying the organization’s mission to provide equitable healthcare access for all.
Under Rossel’s leadership, Families Together of Orange County is more than just a healthcare provider; it has become an inspirational beacon of hope for the community. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, its unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier community and prioritizing the welfare of every individual remains at the forefront of its mission. Families Together is truly an oasis in the healthcare landscape, proving that community-driven healthcare can be both impactful and transformative.
Boost your health naturally—click here to shop Nature Made vitamins at NatureMade/TheOCJuice and enjoy 25% off your first order! Shop Here
