Our History
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley was founded on March 1, 1971 by Beverly Riggs, Conrad Melton, and Caesar Julian, M.D. The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is unique in that we have offered medical, legal, and counseling services together for over thirty-four years. In 2001, we expanded to occupy the entire building at our location on Tapo Street in Simi Valley.
Since our inception, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley has provided quality services to approximately 70,000 individuals.
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The Free Clinic of Simi Valley opened on March 1, 1971 located at 1725 Deodora Street, Simi Valley
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1974 the Free Clinic moved to its present location on Tapo Street, obtaining its state license as an outpatient clinic and funded in part by the City of Simi Valley and the County of Ventura.
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In 1981 the Free Clinic became a member of the United Way of Ventura County and received its first grant from United Way in 1982.
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In 1985 the Board of Directors and staff completed a United Way training program through Cabrillo Economic Development which resulted in the creation of a new mission statement and management techniques.
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In 1987 the Free Clinic hired an additional staff person to assist the Executive Director and serve as a receptionist/administrative assistant.
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In 1989 The Free Clinic obtained a grant from Safeco Insurance Company to purchase computer equipment. In 1990 the Free Clinic obtained malpractice insurance, increasing the possibility of adding physicians to its staff. In 1991 the Free Clinic obtained a grant from the City of Simi Valley (CDBG) for the purchase of new medical equipment and remodeling of our facility.
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In 1992 the Free Clinic obtained grants through the City of Simi Valley, Security Pacific Bank, and the Ventura County Community Foundation, for the expansion of our counseling program to an additional site near our current location on Tapo Street.
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In 1993 the Free Clinic received a third CDBG allocation for the updating of the computer hardware and software for our Legal Program which has helped facilitate the completion of numerous forms and documents for our legal clients.
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1995 was the year we received our first funds from Kaiser Permanente for our patient assistance fund. This fund is used to provide diagnostic tests, laboratory tests, and prescriptions to clients who otherwise could not afford these services.
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Also in 1995 the clinic received funds from VCCF, the Kiwanis Club and private contributions to produce a marketing video which was completed in the fall of 1996.
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In 1996 we celebrated our 25th anniversary which was held at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
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After 30 years of service in 2001, the Free Clinic marked an important milestone. We expanded our building into twice the space including an outside play therapy area, a group meeting room and an additional medical treatment room.
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2003 brought the addition of bilingual services.
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In the Spring of 2004 we quadrupled our medical services due to the increased commitment from volunteer physicians.
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In November of 2004, through the generosity of the Simi Valley Unified School District, we entered a lease for the dental building located at 1725 Deodora Street. This building is 2,000 sq. ft. and when combined with our main site on Tapo Street, gives us over 4,275 sq. ft. of service area.
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On May 17, 2005, the first dental patients were treated.
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Saturday November 12, 2005 Free Aid Live - The Event was held at the Key Club in Hollywood.
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