Dr. James Nelson Gingerich has provided healthcare to the Goshen, Indiana community for 18 years. His passion for social justice, conflict transformation and community building aligns with LaCasa’s vision for its neighborhood. In 1988 Gingerich helped organize Maple City Health Care Center (MCHCC), a nonprofit organization in a low-income section of Goshen. Through MCHCC, Gingerich and his staff provide quality health care to community residents from all walks of life, regardless of income.  But Gingerich’s commitment doesn’t stop there.  He led a team of community volunteers to renovate an abandoned fire station on Goshen’s north side. Similarly, in 1990 LaCasa renovated a vacant wholesaler’s warehouse in the same neighborhood. Since then, these two distinct organizations have worked together to address community issues. Shared clients, regular referrals and joint ventures contribute to this collaboration’s success. In 2003 Gingerich became more involved in community building activities. As co-chair of the East Lincoln Crossroads Neighborhood Association, he worked hard to construct meetings that were bilingual and culturally sensitive. Gingerich actively participates in community meetings, serves as a facilitator and hosts meetings in his home.

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