Patient lauds free clinic

Shepherd’s Hand Clinic, an outreach ministry of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, has improved the lives of hundreds in our community with its free medical and dental care.

The clinic is open Monday nights, when physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and dental hygienists volunteer their time to provide health care to those who are struggling.

One patient who asked to remain anonymous wrote the Inter Lake recently to commend the clinic “for their fabulous treatment of people.”

“Everyone there was welcoming and respectful,” she wrote, “What a lovely way to be treated. The dentists and staff were so kind and helpful.”

 She explained that she had taken her husband to have a tooth extracted and mentioned that she also had a tooth bothering her. X-rays were taken and it was determined that the tooth would need to be pulled.

“I didn’t want to be a bother. The dentist was unbelievably kind and patient. He didn’t rush and took his time when I was having trouble getting numb.

“They should be applauded for the work they do.”

Prior to the clinic opening that evening, this individual was also able to share a community meal, provided each week by members of several churches and organizations.

Shepherd’s Hand Clinic is wholly supported through private dollars and provides services to those who cannot access health care who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Literacy Center of Northwest Montana also works with Shepherd’s Hand to offer a free library with books for all ages and where volunteers teach computer skills free of charge.

The All Mosta Ranch in Marion rescues and provides compassionate shelter for abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals. The nonprofit facility also provides and education center for students and animal lovers, as well as adoption opportunities.

In its recent newsletter, the ranch thanked everyone who donated to the building of a new hay barn. Contributions also enabled the ranch to purchase a mini-barn to shelter smaller stock and a small barn for 34 goats that came in on an emergency rescue in February.

The ranch still needs to pay for its contracted hay, however, and to get through the winter it still needs about 300 bales, as well as a supply of hay for its Share-A-Bale program.

Other ongoing priorities are for grainy. Weekly, the ranch buys four bags each of hog feed, scratch and 3-Way grain mix (for goats, sheep and horses.)

The ranch is also hoping to replace the jack fence around the horse pasture.

Recently, the ranch was able to purchase an adequate tractor due to an anonymous donor.

However, the tractor needs some repair work and donations would be appreciated.

Donations may be mailed to All Mosta Ranch, P.O. Box 937, Marion, MT 59925.

For more information about how you can help, call 406-270-7513 or email allmostaranch@hotmail.com.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.