These stories are not just history; they are invitations. Invitations to look inward, move beyond awareness, and step into reflection, action, and love. The change our world needs is not abstract. It is personal. It is communal. And some things will only change if we move—if you move. Black History Month calls us not just to remember resilience and resistance, but to join it. The change ahead is meant for us to lead, together.
In his retirement, John continued his life-long practice of getting close to the “gritty reality” of this world. When he was presented with an opportunity to get trained by Justice For Migrant Families and New York Immigration Coalition for their Court Accompaniment program, he signed up.
During these exceptionally challenging times, volunteers in all given areas have been a bridge in helping to advance our wonderful mission. Being at Vive reminds me of the good in the world, and seeing people genuinely supporting each other is a beautiful thing!
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.
Dr. Glick mentions one refugee family from Somalia that made a big impact on him as a young doctor:
“In Kenya, they stayed in a refugee camp and then in 1998 arrived in Buffalo as refugees. They found their way to Jericho Road. Thus began a long friendship. With assistance, including Medicaid, they gradually acclimated to life in a new country, learned English, got good jobs with private health insurance, raised their family and became citizens. Today they have 11 grandchildren, and three of their children are doctors.”
A small investment in families who have had to leave everything behind, has proven a worthy use of the Medicaid program. At Jericho Road, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare, no matter what.
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.
Dr. Myron Glick, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jericho Road Community
Health Center (JRCHC), has announced his decision to step down from his role as Chief Executive
Officer, effective later this year, but remain a family doctor and public health advocate with the
organization. A search committee formed by JRCHC’s Board of Directors is conducting a national
search for Glick’s successor. He will remain as CEO until a successor is named.
