“Marposa Women and Family Center: Not For Profit” is an organization dedicated to providing medical care for women and their families, as well as other social services. “Marposa Women and Family Center has been a leader in the medical community since its inception,” says Mary Deutsch, CEO of the center. “Since our inception, we’ve been committed to providing quality medical care, social service programs and support to those in our community who need it most.”
Located at 911 W. 5th St., Mariposa serves all ages and walks of life. Its mission is to provide healthcare services for women of every race, nationality, social class, religious affiliation and income level. The “Marposa” part of the center’s name refers to a village of South America, where its headquarters and branch facilities are located.
The center was founded by the late Rev. Charles Lindquist (1912-2020). His passion for helping people became the impetus for building the center. He wanted the center to offer its clients a “one stop” resource to help them maintain, improve, or seek medical care. The center continues to expand on these noble goals.
Jessica Fain works as a volunteer for “Marposa Women and Family Center. She was born in Mexico but grew up in the United States. “When I was growing up, I had two moms and two dads. I never knew one parent was not involved in their kids’ lives. The day I came to Mariposa, I realized how important it is to have a mom in my life as well.”
Bruce Lindquist started the center out of his basement and was thrilled when the first patient walked in his door. He says, “I was so amazed at how good the woman was and how she was able to speak Spanish. I didn’t even know what the language sounded like at the time.”
“Since then, I have learned a lot from Bruce Lindquist. Bruce is an amazing healer,” says Jessica. “When he healed my baby, I felt like he knew me because he spoke Spanish with my doctor. I couldn’t believe that I would be seeing the doctor again in a few years because he had healed my baby’s leg. It made me feel like I am a part of the healing process.”
Bruce Lindquist became the center’s executive director, but still volunteers are responsible for his leadership. “Marposa is run by volunteers,” says Jessica. “This helps makes it more personal. When I want to make a decision, I don’t have to ask Bruce to tell me what is right or wrong. Instead, he can tell me what needs to be done and I just do it. I feel more confident knowing that Bruce knows what’s best for the future of the organization.
“Marposa Women and Family Center” are dedicated to providing quality healthcare, social services, education, housing, support groups, housing assistance, and much more. Jessica says, “The center offers a lot of opportunities to help those who are struggling and want to move forward. I think a lot of people would like to go back to school but don’t have the money to pay for it.
“Bruce Lindquist makes it possible for people to achieve the goals they have set for themselves, whether they’re looking for a new home, a better job, or a new career,” says Jessica. “The center is very successful because it provides a place where those in need can connect with those who are willing to help.
“One of the best things about Bruce Lindquist is that he encourages people to share their experiences. He’s willing to listen, give feedback, and share his knowledge of healing and love through marriage counseling sessions, group therapy, and community events.
“It’s also really important that you get to know Bruce Lindquist before you decide to volunteer with him or any other center,” says Jessica. “Jessica is one of the most talented individuals on earth and that’s why she’s one of the center’s leaders. She’s an inspiring person, always ready to help and give advice. But I have to ask her, “How are you going to let a stranger into your life?”
“I will definitely say I feel confident about it when I’m volunteering with Bruce Lindquist,” says Jessica. “My biggest fear is not knowing anything about him, but I know it is important for me to help others.
