Legacy volunteer loses health insurance, becomes patient

By Sharmeen Virani

Each time she prepares for a fitness class, Legacy volunteer Jennafer Hamilton looks out into the crowd of eager school-aged children and parents who renew her commitment to volunteer. “The smiles. It’s really just about the smiles,” she says.

Three years ago, Jennafer was contacted by Legacy’s Central Beaumont clinic to lead a fitness class for a back-to-school event. After spending one afternoon teaching Zumba to elementary and middle schoolers, Jennafer was blown away by the events and the services Legacy offers to the community. “It was amazing!” she recalls. “I see what Legacy does … they provide their services to a community that no one else will provide to. And I can’t help but be a part of it.”

Shortly after her first volunteer experience, Jennafer and her family lost their health insurance. Despite the hardship, Jennafer was comforted because she knew exactly where to go — Legacy. After her first appointment, she was convinced that she, along with her husband and daughter, would make Legacy their go-to health clinic moving forward.

Now that she has experienced the clinic from a patient perspective, Jennafer appreciates her volunteer time even more. “I now know how important these facilities are for the community at large. I’ll do whatever I can to help Legacy succeed and continue this impact.”