On January 29, Northern Nevada HOPES announced the final phase of the new 43,000-square-foot Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center, slated to open in May. The announcement highlights the end of HOPES’ two-year $36 million capital campaign with two significant gifts — $6 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through the Chicago Community Foundation and a $5.9 million donation from the William N. Pennington Foundation.
The capital campaign focused on the construction of the Northern Nevada HOPES Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center, a new state-of-the-art clinic, located at 1905 East 4th Street. The wellness center significantly expands access to primary care, mental health, case management and substance use treatment to thousands of northern Nevadans.
The $36,640,734 million raised goes toward architecture, construction, landscaping, equipment, furnishings and a parking garage, providing a safe, and best-in-class healthcare facility for new patients to access care. Designed and built by The Neenan Company, this wellness center is dynamic in its ability to serve a variety of patient needs, including the addition of a same-day clinic.
“When I received the initial email from Ms. Scott’s team, I thought it was fake,” said Sharon Chamberlain, chief executive officer at HOPES. “This gift and the support from others, is an honor and will have a significant impact on the lives of thousands in our community.”
The unsolicited gift from MacKenzie Scott happened after her team found HOPES and believed in its work and its impact. “The gift is the single largest gift we’ve ever received and will lead to transformative improvements in the overall health of our community,” Chamberlain said.
Mackenzie Scott’s donation and the capstone gift of $5,894,000 from the William N. Pennington Foundation, is anchored by many additional government entities, foundations, businesses and individuals giving to ensure the successful opening of the new facility.
“The State of Nevada, Washoe County, the City of Sparks and Congressman Mark Amodei through the allocation of funds directed to the capital campaign from the American Rescue Plan Act, have all invested in reaching the most marginalized and vulnerable individuals and families in northern Nevada,” said Mandi Larsen, HOPES’ chief development officer.
HOPES also announced the new clinic will be named the Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center in honor of the late philanthropist who helped fund almost 300 non-profits in his lifetime and was a firm believer in the critical need for this project.
“Jerry Smith was a pillar in our region and this new clinic will serve as a physical representation of his decades-long service to our community,” said Dr. Trudy Larson, one of HOPES founders and current member of its board of directors.
Governor Lombardo highlighted HOPES’ efforts to support the most vulnerable among us and connect them with access to care and services. “The State of Nevada is proud to partner with organizations like HOPES,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. “Access to care and services can help lift our citizens out of chronic diseases and even into permanent housing through innovative programs like Hope Springs, a transitional housing community.”
In the weeks to come, HOPES will share more about the new clinic and its services with the public and garner support to complete its new fundraising goal to raise $810,000 for its first year of operating expenses of the Center. To support HOPES and the Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center, visit our donor page.
