Western Tidewater Free Clinic has been certified by Points of Light as a “service enterprise.” A service enterprise fundamentally leverages volunteers and their skills to successfully deliver on the social mission of their organizations.

WTFC’s designation makes it one of the first organizations in the U.S. to be recognized as such by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, according to a press release from the clinic.

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as service enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work.

The service enterprise designation was coordinated locally through Volunteer Hampton Roads, and the clinic’s participation was funded by Obici Healthcare Foundation.

WTFC completed extensive assessment, training, consulting and certification that led to the SE recognition, the release stated.

Annually, WTFC has approximately 200 volunteers donating time throughout the clinic, including medical providers, nurses, lab and pharmacy technicians and general administrative volunteers, whose donated hours equate to more than five full-time employees.

The clinic currently has a critical need for volunteer registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified medical assistants. These specialized volunteers are needed for key clinical roles throughout the clinic, specifically triaging and discharging patients, processing lab work, patient medical history interviews and medication pickup.