PHOENIX (November 14, 2018) – Brighter Way Institute has been awarded a $250,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to help fund staffing needs for its three dental centers. The expanded staff will allow the Institute to provide care to an additional 3,000 patients over the next 12 months. Through comprehensive dental treatment, Brighter Way serves working poor and homeless adults, children and youth living in foster care, veterans and low-income and undocumented students in the Murphy and Isaac school districts.
“Good oral health is a critical component of a person’s overall wellness, but can often be a challenge in underserved communities,” said businesswoman Renee Parsons. “Bob and I are proud to continue supporting Brighter Way Institute as they provide services to those who otherwise have no access to dental care.”
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has been a long-time supporter of Brighter Way, including the funding for the expansion of the pediatric dental clinic, Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. The Center provides services to thousands of children who suffer from untreated mouth and tooth infections that often result in missed school days and an inability to focus on learning due to chronic pain.
“Renee and I believe that anyone who needs healthcare in the USA should receive it, without regard to race, religion, station in life, or how they got here,” said businessman Bob Parsons. “We are proud to support Brighter Way because that’s exactly how they operate.”
The recent grant will help fund the additional staffing needs of Brighter Way’s three dental clinics – The Brighter Way Dental Center, Canyon State Academy Dental Center and Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. The Brighter Way Dental Center is the Institute’s primary clinic and offers comprehensive dental care to homeless, underinsured and uninsured adults. Canyon State Academy Dental Center provides care to at-risk youth in the foster care program.
“The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s continued support will make it possible for us to serve thousands of people in dire need of dental care,” said Brighter Way Institute’s Founder and CEO Kris Volcheck, DDS. “The return on investment in restoring someone’s smile is incalculable. They not only experience a renewed self-confidence, but many will be able to eat without pain and digest food properly for the first time in years.”
Brighter Way Institute has treated more than 130,000 patients since opening in 2001. Utilizing a unique model that incorporates both staff and volunteer dentists, they are able to address the social determinants of health inequity among the poor and homeless of Maricopa County. For more information, visit www.brighterwaydental.org.
About Brighter Way Institute
The Brighter Way Institute comprises three dental programs that were previously under the auspices of Central Arizona Shelter Services. Brighter Way Dental Center, the Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and the Canyon State Academy Dental Center now comprise Brighter Way Institute’s programs. Brighter Way Institute offers dental homes to uninsured and underinsured men, women, and children, delivering comprehensive dental care. To learn more about Brighter Way Institute, visit www.brighterwaydental.org.
About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.
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