Non-Profit OF THE YEAR

The winner of the 2019 Non-Profit Award is Lake County Free Clinic.

Since 1971, the Lake County Free Clinic has provided medical care directly to those who need it without potential cost being a barrier to care. In 2019, the clinic cared for more almost 1,300 individuals in nearly 4,000 treatment visits. Patients who visit the clinic reside not only in Lake County, but also in Ashtabula, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties.

More than 80 percent of the Lake County Free Clinic’s patients are uninsured. The remainder either have private insurance but cannot afford to use it due to prohibitive co-payments or deductibles, or are uninsured for the service they need.

Patients who receive medical and dental care at the clinic go on to a better quality of life. No longer forced to choose between meeting their basic needs and addressing their health care concerns, patients feel less stress. They are able to return to or continue their employment or education, and become and remain productive members of their families and communities.

What makes someone worthy of the Non-Profit-of-the-Year Award?

Judging is based on the following criteria:

• Has started or substantially grown a business in Lake or Geauga County
• Has acted in a capacity to promote entrepreneurship in the area
• Has demonstrated vision and willingness to take risks in growing/starting a business
• Has demonstrated innovation by taking a business to new heights in
  creative and novel ways