As Promise Community Health Center marks its 15th anniversary, it is an amazing opportunity to reflect on our journey in serving the greater Sioux County community.
Nancy Dyksta, the founding CEO and Executive Director, had a front row seat to the evolution of Promise from its beginning in a converted bowling alley in Sioux Center, IA, in July 2008 until her retirement in 2018.
Nancy said that her deep understanding of the changing demographics in Sioux County drove the inception of Promise. As the former Director of Public Health Services, she and the founding board members recognized the growing need for essential primary care services among marginalized groups such as migrants, immigrants, the uninsured, and the underinsured. Barriers such as language, finances, racism, and prejudice hindered access to healthcare, fueling the mission to establish a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Promise has a legacy of helping the marginalized in various aspects and working towards ensuring everyone can access quality healthcare regardless of their circumstance. Nancy shared that shortly after the health center opened its doors, she had a patient tell her he was grateful for a place like this – where he didn’t feel embarrassed or felt he had to apologize for being on Title XIX. On another occasion, a new mom shared with Nancy how much it meant to her to receive care from our midwife team. To have a midwife attend the birth and to be cared for by such an experienced and knowledgeable women’s healthcare staff meant a lot to her.
CEO Emily Tuschen has played integral roles within the organization. She started as a Clinic Nurse then Clinic Manager, then Chief Operating Officer, and is currently the Chief Executive Officer.
An unwavering commitment to patient-centered care is at the heart of Promise’s mission. As community needs evolve and healthcare transforms, Promise remains steadfast in caring for individuals of all backgrounds, payer types, and vulnerabilities. The organization recognizes the importance of adapting to change while preserving its core mission of delivering compassionate and inclusive healthcare.– Emily Tuschen, CEO
Ruth Hernandez, a dedicated member of the Promise team since August 2008, witnessed firsthand how the organization evolved through the years. Ruth was hired as a Receptionist/Interpreter and now is a Patient Navigator/Interpreter for the Population Health Team. She has seen how Promise has responded to community needs through new programs and comprehensive services such as interpretation, transportation, an onsite social worker, and a clinical pharmacist. Other milestones over the years include becoming an FQHC, changing our name from Greater Sioux Community Health Center to Promise Community Health Center, transitioning from paper charts to electronic medical records, and multiple expansions.
I believe Promise CHC has set a high standard of care for all of its services, thus raising the bar for primary health care in the community and region. Promise has contributed to the health of the community because when marginalized groups are served, everyone in the community benefits including schools, other primary care settings, business and industry.– Nancy Dykstra, Former Promise CHC CEO
The health center has gone through a variety of changes both internally and externally. It has grown in the amount of space, employees, and services offered. In 2008, Promise was only 3,600 sq. ft. and housed just medical care, with 12 employees, from CEO to facilities management. Since then, it has gone through three building expansions, plus one currently underway. Once the current expansion is over, the building will be 24,000 sq. ft. Now, there are 70 employees, and additional healthcare services have been added, such as Dental, Mental Health, Women’s Health, Health Coaching, Vision, Clinical Pharmacy, Psych NP, and Social Work!
Ruth remembers how necessary every expansion Promise has gone through has been. Before the expansions, employees utilized and converted every closet and storage area into working space. She also recalls the external makeover the old building undertook, “No more yellow, tin building!”
Promise Community Health Center’s footprint on the community has been profound, thanks to the dedication of past and current employees—individuals who embody the organization’s mission with passion, intelligence, and an unparalleled drive to enhance patient outcomes. The patient need is prevalent; Promise is committed to staying responsive and ensuring a safety net for all.– Emily Tuschen, CEO
As we celebrate 15 years of Promise Community Health Center, we want to thank the community, staff, and partners who have played crucial roles in our journey. Here’s to many more years of advancing health equity and positively impacting the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being part of the Promise story!
