Families Together of Orange County: A Beacon of Hope in Community Healthcare

Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) stands as a commendable nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike, dedicated to ensuring accessible healthcare for the community since its inception in 2003. Founded by CEO Alexander Rossel, the organization emerged from a small medical and dental practice located at 661 West 1st Street in Tustin, California. Initially a private practice, FTOC intended to deliver healthcare with a community-centered approach. From the very beginning, the organization recognized the significant barriers hindering patients from receiving essential care. Understanding challenges such as language barriers, lack of healthcare navigation knowledge, and transportation issues, FTOC committed itself to eliminating these obstacles by offering vital services, including in-house transportation, a signature element of its community service model.

In addition to the clinic’s growth, a resource center named Families Together was established in Santa Ana, aiming to support local families through programs like after-school tutoring and food pantries. This collaboration between the clinic and the Santa Ana resource center facilitated broader access to medical and dental care while helping clinic patients connect to crucial community resources. The partnership thrived for nearly a decade, with healthcare professionals from the clinic taking on board member roles within the nonprofit. However, in 2013 and 2014, the resource center faced financial difficulties, prompting its founder to seek new leadership to revitalize the organization. After taking on the role of CEO, Rossel revitalized the nonprofit, leading to the formation of Families Together of Orange County as we know it today.

Under Rossel’s direction, FTOC transitioned from a private practice to a community clinic in 2015, marking a pivotal moment in its history. This transformation enabled the organization to expand its offerings and solidify its position as a leading healthcare provider in Orange County. In December 2016, following a rigorous federal inspection process, FTOC achieved the prestigious designation of a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike on its first attempt—an achievement that remains unparalleled in the county’s history. This designation has been crucial for the organization, allowing it to enhance its services and significantly increase its community impact.

Since becoming an FQHC Look-Alike, Families Together has experienced remarkable growth. The organization now boasts three consecutive 100% scores on federal site visits, asserting its commitment to quality healthcare. In only a short period, FTOC has expanded its services, now facilitating over 10,000 patient visits each month across multiple sites in Tustin, Garden Grove, and Fountain Valley. Furthermore, the organization has established a Wellness Center in Tustin, offering a wide array of mental health services and specialty services such as physical therapy and weight resistance training, thus addressing the holistic needs of the community.

Moreover, FTOC has taken significant strides to reach vulnerable populations within Orange County through four mobile healthcare units. These units bring essential medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision services directly to those in need at various locations, including homeless shelters, schools, parks, and shopping centers. This proactive approach ensures that healthcare becomes accessible to all segments of the community, aligning perfectly with FTOC’s mission to serve those who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.

As Families Together continues to evolve, CEO Alexander Rossel’s vision of creating an oasis in the healthcare industry remains an inspiring force guiding the organization’s mission. The commitment to nurturing a healthier community embodies the core philosophy of community-driven healthcare, ensuring that every individual’s welfare is at the center of its actions. With its rich history of innovation and dedication to addressing community needs, Families Together of Orange County exemplifies how thoughtful leadership and a strong sense of community can revolutionize access to healthcare, creating lasting positive impacts in individuals’ lives.

Through strategic growth and community-focused initiatives, Families Together of Orange County is not only transforming healthcare in Orange County but is setting a benchmark for other community health organizations. Efforts to address barriers to care while providing targeted services make FTOC a model for integrated community health systems. As we look toward the future, Families Together will undeniably continue to thrive as a beacon of hope and healing, illustrating the power of compassion driven by a unifying mission.