Four years ago, Jericho Road Community Health Center launched a bold idea: to inspire young people from Buffalo’s East Side to see themselves in medicine. Today, that idea has grown into the Empowering & Mentoring in Medicine (EMIM) Summer Internship Program, a hands-on experience that’s shaping the future of healthcare—one student at a time.

Since 2021, 39 high school students have completed the EMIM program. Of those, 15 are now pursuing higher education in medicine—an achievement that stands as a powerful testament to what early exposure, mentorship, and opportunity can do.

At Jericho Road Community Health Center, we know that health is shaped by far more than medicine. Access to food, stable housing, warm clothing, and social support can make just as much of a difference as a prescription or doctor visit. That’s why our Care Coordination program is such a vital part of Jericho Road’s work here in Buffalo.

Jericho Road’s mission is to care for our communities and advocate for systemic health equity as an expression of Jesus’ unconditional love. While we’re known for serving refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers, our doors are open to all. We stand for health justice, walking alongside those on the broken road to Jericho and working to transform it. In this next season, we will strengthen our systems, steward resources wisely, build financial sustainability, and deepen partnerships. Despite uncertain times, I remain hopeful—believing in our team, our mission, and the power of community.

Juliana came to me for a check-up shortly after she realized she was pregnant. Coincidentally, I had just found out I was pregnant too. Our due dates were only a few days apart. I followed her throughout her pregnancy, and a week after I delivered my baby, I was in the clinic for my daughter’s newborn appointment. Guess who walked in? Juliana, with her brand new baby girl. Turns out, we had delivered on the same day. We checked in with each other, showed off our babies, and took a photo together. It was one of those moments that stays with you.

Jericho Road is dedicated to promoting improved health outcomes for Black mothers by caring for our patients comprehensively. Currently, Dr. Demetra is working at Jericho Road to create a pilot program that could help account for the social determinants of Black mothers’ health and ensure better care. With her help, we can work to improve the state of maternal health so that all have access to safe, high-quality maternal healthcare.  

“There is something to say about the feeling of walking into a room and seeing someone that looks like you. Your ability to relate to others through shared experiences makes a big difference,” Dr. Demetra stated. 

Jericho Road is dedicated to promoting improved health outcomes for Black mothers by caring for our patients comprehensively. Currently, Dr. Demetra is working at Jericho Road to create a pilot program that could help account for the social determinants of Black mothers’ health and ensure better care. With her help, we can work to improve the state of maternal health so that all have access to safe, high-quality maternal healthcare.  

While it might not be the highest paying medical profession or have entire TV series centered on its drama—family doctors are in high demand. The work is pretty meaningful too. Some might call us the “doctors of the people.” Actually, I don’t know if anyone has ever called us that but I feel like it’s an accurate title because we walk through life with our patients. “Womb to tomb” is not a hyperbole.

Many proclaim to have touched His robe, yet the question remains: Whose hem have they touched? The hem of Christ or the hem of their ego. We are called to take a stand. We are called to a life where all are equal, all are loved, all are welcomed. We are called to a life of humility, justice, and mercy (Micah 6:8).

As we mark the third anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, Charley Fisher reflects on the city’s painful history of segregation and violence, and calls for healing, unity, and faith-driven action. Join us in remembering the lives lost and envisioning a more inclusive future for our community.

Suddenly, Janet slipped into the water. She felt like she would get pulled away but Antonio was able to help her gain stable footing. Yet as she did, she heard her cousin Zandra scream. Janet looked around to see what was going on: Debora, Janet’s 33-year-old sister, was gone. She and her five-year-old were being carried away, down the river. The rest of the family got out of the water as quickly as they could and began running down the river bank. They searched and searched until it was too dark to see.