By: Ashmar Mandou

Situated in the heart of the Lawndale community, Lawndale Christian Health Center is changing lives in more ways than one. As a community-based nonprofit organization, founded over 20 years ago, Lawndale Christian Health Center is devoted to not only improving the health of Lawndale and its neighboring communities, but also giving residents a reason to proud of their neighborhood. “We not only want to ensure the health of our community and give them a place where they can just be free, we really want to change perceptions of what people might associate with the Lawndale community,” said CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center Bruce Miller. “Since I first stepped foot into Lawndale Christian Center I have been moved in so many ways. When people come through those doors they know they are coming to a place where people are working above and beyond to meet their needs.”

Lawndale Christian Health Center offers a variety of services for low-income families from adult medicine, to dentistry and optometry, a network of support, as well as a fitness center that is affordable to anyone who is interested. Eclipsed by gang violence and race crimes, the Lawndale Christian Health Center developed an outlet four years ago to counteract gang violence and give the Lawndale residents a way to reconnect with its neighbors and that is through its annual 5K Walk/Run event coordinated by Brian Gannon. “This event is a great opportunity for our residents to take back their community, to take back their streets, and reacquaint themselves with this great neighborhood,” said Gannon. “In the last four years I take great joy in working with these individuals and really see them take ownership in coming out and appreciating where they are from.” The event 5K Walk/Run event is open to anyone and everyone who would like to support the Lawndale community and the Lawndale Christian Health Center’s mission. And it is also a great way to meet friendly people. The Lawndale Christian Health Center has several locations, however its main base of operation is located at 3860 W. Ogden Ave. For general information or if you are interested in taking part of the fourth annual 5K Walk/Run celebration, call 773-843-3219.