Families Together of Orange County: A Community Health Oasis

Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) has emerged as a cornerstone in the healthcare landscape since its inception in 2003. Established as a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike, FTOC’s journey began with CEO Alexander Rossel partnering with private practitioners to create a medical and dental facility at 661 West 1st Street in Tustin. From its humble beginnings, the organization developed a community-focused approach, determined to break down barriers that hindered access to essential healthcare services. FTOC exemplifies how targeted interventions can lead to a healthcare oasis for underserved populations.

As the organization evolved, it recognized the multifaceted obstacles that prevented patients from receiving necessary care. Language barriers, lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, and transportation issues were identified as primary concerns. As a result, from the very start, FTOC implemented solutions to address these challenges, including in-house transportation services that remain a hallmark today. This proactive strategy underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare rights are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

In parallel with its medical ambitions, FTOC also established a resource center on Lyon Street in Santa Ana aimed at assisting local families. This small-scale nonprofit provided critical services, including after-school tutoring and food pantry assistance. By linking the healthcare clinic to the Families Together nonprofit, a synergistic relationship blossomed, allowing the clinic to bridge healthcare with community resources effectively. This partnership was crucial in nurturing the organization into what it is today, with members of the clinic actively participating as board members of the nonprofit.

Transitioning from private practice to nonprofit leadership was not without challenges. By 2013, the resource center struggled to sustain its operations. Mr. Rossel was approached to revitalize Families Together; his acceptance led to a transformative phase for the organization. By 2014, under Mr. Rossel’s leadership, Families Together of Orange County was officially reborn, marking a commitment to community-focused healthcare as a core value. This significant shift allowed FTOC to reshape its vision, culminating in its evolution into a community clinic.

In 2015, after a year of comprehensive preparation, Families Together transitioned to a community clinic bedrock and successfully became a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike in December 2016. This endeavor required a meticulous application process and a rigorous federal inspection. Remarkably, Families Together became the first community health center in Orange County to achieve 100% on its first inspection attempt, a feat it has repeated for subsequent evaluations. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of FTOC’s leadership and staff to providing exceptional care.

Having established itself as an FQHC Look-Alike, Families Together has made substantial investments in expanding its services. Today, the organization facilitates over 10,000 patient visits each month, and its reach now extends to Garden Grove and Fountain Valley, in addition to Tustin. The dedicated Wellness Center located in Tustin offers a wide range of services, including mental health initiatives and physical therapy, further enriching the community’s healthcare landscape.

The organization also understands the importance of accessibility and outreach, operating four mobile units that bring healthcare directly to underserved populations in Orang County. Through medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision services, these units frequently visit locations such as homeless shelters, schools, and parks. This initiative aligns with Mr. Rossel’s vision of creating a healthcare oasis and reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to community health. Each day, FTOC continues reinforcing its mission of transforming lives, demonstrating that community-driven healthcare can indeed foster a healthier society for everyone.