Families Together of Orange County: A Beacon in Community Health Care

Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) stands as a testament to innovative community-driven healthcare. Founded in 2003 by CEO Alexander Rossel and a group of dedicated private doctors, FTOC began its journey at 661 West 1st Street in Tustin, California. Initially started as a private medical and dental practice, the organization has since evolved into a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike that prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and comprehensive care. This article provides an overview of FTOC’s accomplishments, the barriers it aims to overcome, and the extensive services it offers.

From its inception, Families Together recognized the barriers that hindered access to healthcare for many families, including language difficulties, navigational challenges, and transportation limitations. The organization’s commitment to addressing these issues shaped its core mission. At the outset, FTOC implemented several initiatives, including in-house free transportation services. This initiative remains a hallmark of all Families Together locations. The organization’s focus on removing barriers has allowed it to function as more than just a healthcare provider; it acts as a crucial lifeline for its community.

In 2003, alongside the medical and dental clinic at 661 West 1st Street, a resource center named Families Together of Orange County was established on Lyon Street in Santa Ana. This center aimed to assist families in the area through services such as after-school tutoring and food pantry connections. The partnerships between the private clinic and Families Together facilitated a holistic approach toward community wellness, allowing them to bridge the gap between healthcare services and resource access. This collaboration continued for almost a decade, emphasizing the significance of interconnected services.

Despite the positive impact of the resource center, by 2013 and 2014, Families Together faced financial hardships that threatened its sustainability. The founder made the strategic decision to hand over leadership to Mr. Rossel. Taking on the role of CEO, he transformed the organization’s structure, leading to the official establishment of Families Together of Orange County in its current form in 2014. This transition marked a pivotal moment, as the organization shifted its focus to become a community clinic, laying the groundwork for significant growth in the healthcare sector.

The transition to a community clinic was completed in 2015, culminating in FTOC becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike in December 2016. This prestigious status was granted after successfully navigating a rigorous application process, which included a meticulous three-day federal inspection. Remarkably, Families Together became the first community health center in Orange County to achieve a perfect score on its initial inspection, and it has since maintained a record of three consecutive 100% federal site scores. These accomplishments allowed the organization to reinvest in the community, expanding its services to better meet local needs.

Today, Families Together facilitates over 10,000 visits each month and has extended its reach by opening additional sites in Garden Grove and Fountain Valley. The organization’s comprehensive Wellness Center located in Tustin provides mental health services alongside specialties like physical therapy and weight resistance training. Furthermore, FTOC operates four mobile units that bring essential healthcare services directly to vulnerable populations across Orange County. By providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision services in locations such as homeless shelters and schools, the organization is actively working to enhance health equity in the region.

Under Mr. Rossel’s leadership, Families Together of Orange County continues to evolve as a comprehensive health hub, embodying the vision of creating an oasis in the healthcare industry. As the organization expands its service offerings and explores new initiatives, its commitment to fostering a healthier community remains unwavering. Every day, FTOC reaffirms its mission to address healthcare barriers and prioritize the well-being of every individual, thereby ensuring that community-driven healthcare remains at the heart of its operations.