Hope Within Ministries

Hope Within Ministries is an organization currently based in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania that specializes in providing free healthcare services to those who do not have health insurance, and are financially struggling. The program started 5 years ago, and is a faith based center that offers prayer at the end of each appointment, which can be declined if patients choose. There are nearly 50 volunteers that help run the organization, 10 of which are medically licensed. All of the licensed doctors and nurses volunteer after their regular shifts on their own time.

Hope Within connects with Lancaster and Dauphin counties, and is currently working to expand services different location that will increase accessibility to their patients. They have seen a definite increase in patients, with a 60% increase from 2008-2009, and a 30% increase in 2009-2010. They rely entirely on volunteers and donors, and Nichole Rineer, Hope Within's director, speaks throughout the Central Pennsylvania area to raise awareness of the great need for free healthcare services in this area.

Rineer acknowledged that the increase in patient applications for services is a combination of a tough economy where patients have lost jobs and an increase in awareness of their facility. Many of their patients in the past had jobs, but were unable to afford healthcare or it was not offered and could not be purchased individually. Now the patient demographic leans towards the unemployed.

All types of healthcare services are provided, including preventive care, lab work, and pre-natal screenings. Pediatrician services are minimal due to the availability of the Pennsylvania CHIP network to provide healthcare for children.

For those who are interested in the spiritual perspective the ministry, bible studies are held at the facility and counselors are available to discuss spiritual health needs. This includes a sexual abuse support group. Appointments are also available for patients who are struggling financially, through the Dave Ramsey course on financial counseling.

To encourage patients to achieve overall health, cooking classes are offered that use specific recipes tailored to a minimal budget. Recipe options are also offered by diabetes and health problems, in hopes to keep their patients healthy in all areas of their lives.

For more extensive medical care, Hope Within works with patients to be covered under Federal Medical Assistance. A former patient experiencing a kidney stone was delayed for weeks due to being turned away from the ER for lack of funds and insurance, and not immediately qualifying for Medical Assistance. Trying to help uninsured patients, who cannot afford the out of pocket expense, obtain care for services not provided at Hope Within can often be a struggle. Hope Within is constantly working to get their patients the best coverage available when and if a severe illness is discovered.

They are fortunate to work with doctors who offer specialty services, and may waive referral and appointment fees for their uninsured patients. This is not the case for all specialties, and because of this, it has left patients in a difficult in-between battle for optimum healthcare.

While the ministry does receive some government grants, many of their donations come from private foundations, individuals, businesses and churches. They have experienced a 94% increase in donations from local churches in the past year. There is still a great need for funding, especially to expand additional satellite offices that can house a portable EKG machine and other necessary equipment to properly treat patients.

Anyone interested in partnering with Hope Within through volunteer efforts, or donations, should contact Nicole Rineer at 717-367-9797 extension 22. To learn more about the Hope Within Ministry, visit HopeWithin.org