Neighbor News, February 2025
Challenges Pave the Way for Growth – An Organizational Update from CEO Daniel Lipparelli
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
– Galatians 6:9
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
More than ten years ago, our founder, Susanne Berger, had a vision to make a difference in the lives of patients who didn’t have the resources or knowledge to advocate for their own health – one of God’s greatest gifts. In just seven years since its founding, this vision has become a reality. Today, we serve more than 8,000 vulnerable neighbors each year, and our tremendous growth has been made possible by generous donors, supporters, and patients like you.
Yet, while we have much to be thankful for, it’s a difficult time to be in the business of healthcare. Over the past year, we’ve navigated numerous challenges – from staffing shortages to shifts in funding to an exponential increase in the number of patients who desperately need our care, but don’t have insurance or the ability to pay. Last year alone, we delivered more than $2.8 million in unreimbursed care to our uninsured patients. As we look ahead, we expect to face continued uncertainties in federal funding while the number of uninsured patients who need care in our community continues to grow.
Welcoming our new Director of Development
This month, we are excited to welcome Darlene Fiscus, Director of Development, to our team. Darlene’s career in the nonprofit sector has focused on program development, building collaborative relationships, and raising financial resources. She started her career working with United Way in Northern California in fundraising, community collaboration, and grantmaking. Among the organizations where Darlene has served as Director of Development and Communications are the Eno River Association, Teach For America, Animal Protection Society of Durham, and Compass Center for Women and Families. As a community building and fundraising professional, she is known for driving revenue growth through clear communication and cultivating healthy relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Darlene holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington with a passion for helping to improve the lives of people within our community. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Rotary Club of Durham. She has called the Triangle home for ten years and spends her free time gardening, cooking with her husband, reading, exploring farmer’s markets, and playing with her dogs.
Patient Testimonial
“From the medical assistant to the student PA, everyone was awesome. They always listen and take the time to hear what I have to say.”
– NeighborHealth Center patient
Closing Prayer
“O Christ our Healer, there is no end to malady, sickness, injury,
– adapted from “A Liturgy for Medical Providers”, Every Moment Holy, Vol. I
and disease in this broken world, so there is no end to the line of people
who daily need our tending. Therefore give NeighborHealth grace, O
God, that we might be generous with our kindness, and that in this
healing and care-taking vocation our hands might become an extension
of your hands, and our service a conduit for your mercy. Amen.”
