Celebrating a New Ministry Center and Clinic Opening

Methodist Healthcare Ministries, CentroMed and Northern Hills United Methodist Church collaborate on new resource center for the community

San Antonio (January 24, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), CentroMed, and Northern Hills United Methodist Church celebrated the opening of a new Ministry Center and Clinic on San Antonio’s North East side on Friday, January 24, 2025. The new ministry center and clinic create a place where local community members can find high-quality and affordable medical and dental services provided by CentroMed, as well as resources targeting social determinants of health through the Northern Hills Ministry Center.  

The Northern Hills Ministry Center features a food pantry that offers a variety of dry goods, as well as produce, dairy, frozen meat, among other necessities. The food pantry serves 800 families and over 29,000 pounds of food each month. The center also provides community accompaniment through a team of Community Health Workers that walk with its members by following the determinants of health framework. Following the Methodist tradition, the center also provides pastoral care through counseling. The ministry center also has office space and a conference room available to community partners.

“Rooted in the social determinants of health, this ministry center is more than a provider of food and services–it is a space of accompaniment, a place where we walk together as a community,” said Manuel Padilla, Site Director at Northern Hills Ministry Center. “Here, support is not transactional, but transformational. Together with our community partners, we answer the call to make abundant life possible for everyone.”

The CentroMed Thousand Oaks Clinic is over 15,000 sq. ft. and offers Adult Medicine, Pediatric, Dental services, Laboratory, Behavioral Health, and Eligibility services. CentroMed’s Thousand Oaks Clinic began serving patients at this location on November 4, 2024, operating Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5 pm. 

“We are thrilled to have this partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries which allows us the opportunity to expand and provide much needed healthcare services in this northeast community,” said Dr. Ernesto Gomez, President and Chief Executive Officer of CentroMed.

MHM provided funding for the construction of the facility, as well as operations funds.  Additionally, An MHM Wesley Nurse is based out of the new Ministry Center and provides support to community members seeking assistance with services, such as health education, individualized diabetes education, referral assistance, facilitation of resources, and wellness classes.

“Creating a place that is safe, organized and well-equipped to meet the needs of a community is challenging and inspiring work,” said Alan Kramer, Chair-Elect of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ board of directors. “We are honored to be a part of it and look forward to many years of continued success as we strive to advance health equity and create the conditions where families and communities can thrive.”

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive. 

About CentroMed

CentroMed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that was established in 1973 as El Centro del Barrio. CentroMed offers primary medical and dental care, behavioral health services, nutritional services, and other support services through a network of 30 sites located throughout San Antonio as well as Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties.  Since 1999, CentroMed has received accreditation from The Joint Commission and was most recently reaccredited in 2023. CentroMed employs over 700 employees which includes physicians, dentists, mid-levels, counselors, dieticians, nurses and many other support staff.  In 2023, CentroMed served 124,503 individuals by accommodating 418,581 patient visits.  CentroMed is fortunate to receive financial support from various foundations such as Methodist Healthcare  Ministries, as well as support from federal, state, and local partnerships.  For additional information about CentroMed, visit www.centromedsa.com.

About Northern Hills United Methodist Church (NHUMC)

Northern Hills United Methodist Church (NHUMC) is a welcoming congregation in northeast San Antonio, Texas, rooted in the Methodist tradition of holistic care—mind, body, and spirit. Guided by its mission to “Reach, Teach, and Love,” NHUMC creates a space for spiritual growth, community connection, and holistic thriving. With two campuses—the 1604 Campus and the Ministry Center—NHUMC offers traditional, contemporary, and bilingual (English and Spanish) worship services, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Beyond worship, NHUMC focuses on holistic well-being, addressing eight determinants of health: Thriving Natural World, Basic Needs for Health and Safety, Humane Housing, Meaningful Work and Wealth, Lifelong Learning, Reliable Transportation, Belonging and Civil Muscle, and Spiritual Wellness. Through intentional partnerships and community engagement, the church nurtures individuals to realize their God-given potential.

For more information, visit www.nhumc.orgFacebook, and Instagram.