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In the late 1980s, 
Dr. Roberto Canizares and late wife (also a physician),began caring for homeless persons who St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church sheltered for two-week stretches in the winter months as part of a coalition of faith communities. In the beginning, they cleaned, washed dishes, and the like. Later, when the Thurman Brisben Center opened year-round on its Essex Street, Dr. Canizares volunteered as a family doctor—assessing children and adults alike, making referrals, and prescribing treatments for simple maladies.
He was one the Brisben Center’s first board members, a distinction he still holds today as Director Emeritus. Dr. Canizares has had a front row seat to the organization’s evolution from a volunteer-run church ministry to a dynamic service provider staffed by professionals steeped in the knowledge of systemic homelessness and effective, data-driven interventions. The Brisben Center, and especially those it serves, have been fortunate to receive his care and support.
In a reflective moment Dr. Canizares explained his philanthropy like this: When you give, you receive. If you have money, just give. You don’t have to give a lot. I know that. That’s the reason I am not rich. Give something you think will help. I chose the Brisben Center by accident, got hooked on it. I know my money helps people who truly need it. The awards I’ve received I’ve given to the homeless. The more you give, the more you receive.
Join us on June 10th at the FredNats game for
*Go To Bat ... for Brisben Day*
*There will be a Special Video Presentation
*Throwing out the first pitch
*Chuck 'a' ball and tons of fun
Go here to support the Brisben Center and get your ticket: https://offer.fevo.com/lynchburg-hillcats-cj4nrun-319bdec
We are grateful to everyone who has been cooperating with us... recently! We want to maintain the momentum! Do you wish to help others? Visit our website to learn more about how you may collaborate with us! http://BrisbenCenter.org
The UCAN Club teaches homeless families and individuals how ... to pick, prepare, eat, and store nutritious food on a budget.Our goal is to instill these life skills as well as fundamental nutrition knowledge for a well-balanced diet. Please contact us at for more details.
Brisben is grateful to have hundreds of volunteers who ... actively engage in Brisben's Meal Program from a variety of organizations and groups. If you've ever wanted to help individuals in need, get in touch with us and we'll help you or your organization get started right away!
Happy Wednesday!
Heartfelt thanks to Mt Ararat for the ... beautiful landscaping project at the Brisben center. Mt Ararat provided new trees, shrubs, flowers and mulch which made a distinctive improvement to the outward appearance of the center.
THE BRISBEN CENTER
471 CENTRAL ROAD
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA 22401
(540) 899-9853
