We Believe ...

The name comes from Ecclesiastes 11:1, which invites the reader to: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Maya Angelou writes further: When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream, whose face we may never see, will benefit from our action, even as we enjoy the fruits sent to us from a donor upstream. All of us at the Bread of Healing Clinic are committed to achieving health, not necessarily eliminating sickness. For us, health is an issue of social justice, a right that belongs to all people...not a commodity to be "delivered" on the basis of finances. We share all that we have in the hope of healing, in the hope of moving all of us (patients and providers and volunteers) toward wholeness. None of us can be in full health without sharing the burdens of other people's illness. When we share those burdens, the pain and illness is no longer paralyzing. All of us are empowered.

We Are Bread Of Healing from breadofhealingclinic on Vimeo.

Seketha's story

Seketha J. is an extremely friendly, extremely likeable individual. No one would know from just looking at her that she has been struggling with diabetes since 2000, and that lately she has been experiencing bouts of depression. Her smile is warm and engaging, and her manner is gentle and kind. She seems to be a very tolerant person, quick to forgive, eager to let bygones be bygones; an easy confidant to anyone who would take the time to know her.

Janet's Story

The economic crisis affected Janet J. like it does so many people: her job downsized and then the company eventually dissolved. Now that Janet was unemployed, it was imperative that she continue her health insurance coverage; imperative because she has chronic high blood pressure. Moreover she is convinced that “something is wrong with my heart.”

Neil's Story

Neil M. was not very fond of talking about his work. “It’s just a job,” he said more than once, “just a way of paying the bills.” Neil has worked for this one employer for nearly ten years and although it has allowed him to maintain an existence, it has never provided him with health insurance. “I know many other people who don’t have health insurance, I guess I am one of them,” he remarked dolefully. When you are healthy this state of affairs doesn’t pose much of a problem, but in 2003 Neil wasn’t feeling well. He ended up in a hospital where it was discovered that he had diabetes. Now he needs regular medical care and daily medication.

Henry's Story

For thirty-nine years Henry J. removed lead-base paint and asbestos in homes. One can only imagine how many people he helped avoid the ill effects of these two dangerous substances in the nearly four decade’s time he was actively doing this kind of work. You see, Henry is like so many unsung heroes who go to work day after day for a lifetime, contributing to the world in so many measurable ways, and yet they are virtually hidden from us; all but forgotten; taken for granted. But without the Henrys in our world, it is certain that the quality of life would diminish significantly for all of us.

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