Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike. The organization began its journey to becoming the oasis in the healthcare industry it is today in 2003, when CEO Alexander Rossel partnered with private doctors to found a medical and dental practice at 661 West 1st Street in Tustin, the site where the health center is still headquartered today.
Despite initially being established as a private practice, the organization always approached healthcare with a strong community-oriented mindset. Right from the outset, the organization was acutely aware of the obstacles hindering patients from accessing vital care. With unwavering determination, they set out to tackle these challenges head-on, identifying language barriers, a lack of knowledge in navigating the healthcare industry, and transportation limitations as the key areas needing attention. As a result, the site at 661 West First Street began providing assistance in all three aspects from its very inception, including the provision of in-house free transportation—an enduring hallmark of all Families Together locations to this day.
Back in 2003, the private medical and dental clinic founded at 661 W. 1st Street only comprised a fraction of the site it holds in Tustin today, and was limited to medical and dental services. At the same time, a resource center in the heart of Lyon Street in Santa Ana was founded with the aim of assisting the Santa Ana community. That resource center was called Families Together of Orange County, a small non-profit providing help with after school tutoring, connecting families to food pantry resources, and more.
In an effort to broaden the reach of the private practice, the clinic at 661 W. 1st Street began working with Families Together of Orange County to connect the nonprofit’s families with medical and dental services, and in turn connect the clinic’s patients to community resources. This partnership remained strong for almost a decade, with members of the clinic serving as board members of the nonprofit for a number of years.
In 2013 and 2014, the resource center was finding it difficult to keep Families Together afloat. So, its founder made the decision to pass on the reins to someone new that could revive and grow the nonprofit. They approached Mr. Rossel with the opportunity, which he gladly accepted. When Mr. Rossel took over Families Together, he also assumed the role of CEO, and in 2014 the Families Together of Orange County that we know today was officially born.
With support from the new leadership team at Families Together of Orange County, Mr. Rossel brought forth the idea to transform the private practice into a community clinic. This move was essential in allowing Families Together to become the fast growing healthcare hub we see today.
After a year of preparation, Families Together became a community clinic in 2015, and in December of 2016, it became a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike. This achievement involved an extensive application process and a rigorous 3-day federal inspection. Upon completion, Families Together became the first community health center in Orange County history to pass all requirements and inspections with 100% on the first attempt. Today, Families Together proudly holds three consecutive 100% federal site visit scores – all achieved on the first attempt.
Becoming an FQHC Look-Alike allowed the organization to invest back into the community and expand its services. In the short time frame since becoming an FQHC Look-Alike, under the direction of the CEO and the leadership team, Families Together of Orange County became one of the fastest growing community health centers in the County of Orange.
With pride, Families Together now facilitates over 10,000 visits each month and has extended its reach to encompass two additional sites in Garden Grove and Fountain Valley. Moreover, the establishment boasts a dedicated Wellness Center located in Tustin, where a comprehensive array of mental health services, as well as specialty offerings including weight resistance training and physical therapy, are readily accessible.
With four mobile units, Families Together is also bringing healthcare directly to some of Orange County’s most vulnerable populations, offering medical, dental, behavioral health and vision services at locations such as homeless shelters, schools, parks and shopping centers all throughout Orange County.
As the organization continues to grow and evolve, Mr. Rossel’s vision of creating an oasis in the healthcare industry serves as an enduring beacon of inspiration for the health center. With each passing day, Families Together reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthier community, where the spirit of community-driven healthcare prevails, and the welfare of every individual remains at the heart of its mission.
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