Community Health Centers Logo

History

"It all started as a simple health clinic operating out of a single-wide trailer in Apopka back in December 1972. Community Health Centers has come a long way since then."

Doors Opened in 1972

Opened our doors as a simple non-profit health clinic operating out of a single-wide trailer in Apopka back in December 1972.

Expanded Services in 1979

Dental care and maternity services were added in 1979, with additional facility improvements, including expanded dental, x-ray, and pharmacy services.

Name Change in 1989

WOFHA received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization in 1989 and a name change to Community Health Centers, Inc., soon followed.

The Humble Beginnings of Community Health Centers

Originally called the West Orange Farmworker Health Association (WOFHA), we incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit health organization “to be operated by and for its consumers.” Although experiencing many obstacles and opposition, the WOFHA secured a federal grant and opened a clinic in a trailer donated by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando. 

The Apopka Farmworker Clinic began operation under the leadership of Sister Cathy Gorman, Sister Ann Kendrick, Sister Teresa McElwee, and Sister Gail Grimes, all members of Notre Dame de Namur order of Catholic Nuns, in 1973. Their mission was to provide the underserved in the community access to the healthcare they couldn’t afford. 

The original staff only included a Nurse’s Aide, a Medical Director, and an Administrative Director.

 

Expanding Our Reach Throughout Central Florida

After outgrowing the trailer, a permanent health center was constructed in 1978 at the corner of Forest Avenue and Seventh Street in Apopka on land donated by members of the Presbyterian Church in Maitland. The trailer was put to good use and moved to Groveland to serve south Lake County. Dental care and maternity services were added in 1979. Improvements to the facility, including a modern dental suite and expanded x-ray and pharmacy areas, were added in the early 1980s.

In 1986, WOFHA opened its third location in Winter Garden and the organization began to grow with an increase in medical providers and offering extended hours. WOFHA received accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization in 1989 and a name change to Community Health Centers, Inc., soon followed.

During the mid-1990s, CHC saw the opening of the Leesburg Women’s Health Center, Leesburg Family Health Center, and the Apopka Children’s Health Center. In the early 2000s, the Pine Hills Family Health Center began providing services, the Eatonville Family Health Center opened, Winter Garden Family, Children’s and Dental Health Center relocated to where they are today and the Corporate office moved from Apopka to Winter Garden. During the mid-2000s, the organization began to grow even more and expanded the Pine Hills Family Health Center to a larger facility, added Pediatric Dental services to the site, and opened the Lake Ellenor Dental Clinic.

Community Health Centers is proud to have received accreditation from the prestigious Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Center, Inc (AAAHC). In an effort to create brand awareness and recognition, we changed our center names to include our corporate name, Community Health Centers.

Our history proves our commitment to expand our services and service area. We continue to look for areas in need to serve the uninsured, underinsured and insured alike.

History by the Year

West Orange Farmworkers Health Association Founded

West Orange Farmworkers Health Association founded by local farmworkers, consumer activists, and the Sisters of Notre Dame saw the need to help the underprivileged in the area.
1972

Clinic Opened in Apopka

The farmworkers trailer clinic opened in Apopka. The first medical team consisted of a doctor, nurse, and assistant.
1973

Clinic Opened in Winter Garden

Bishop Borders Satellite Health Center opened to serve Winter Garden area farmworkers and residents. Dental care was also provided. That same year West Orange Farmworkers Health Association became a comprehensive primary care model, expanding to include pharmacy, laboratory, and dental services.
1976

First Permanent Center

Our first permanent health center was constructed in Apopka, where it still is to this present day. The Apopka trailer clinic was relocated to serve farmworkers in Groveland.
1978

Childbirth Services

Childbirth services initiated at the Apopka Family Health Center with deliveries at Advent Health and dental services were added.
1979

Groveland Family Health Center

Permanent Groveland Family Health Center was constructed. Patient contributions and farmworker fundraising led by board members provided the funds to furnish the new center.
1983

Hospital Service Rotation

All sites increased medical staff to create hospital service rotation.
1986

Accreditation by the JACHO

Accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations makes us Florida’s first and only JACHO accredited community health organization.
1989

Community Health Centers, Inc.

West Orange Farmworkers Health Association changes its name to Community Health Centers, Inc., to better reflect our mission of service to all the community.
1990

Winter Garden Health Center Opened

Winter Garden Children’s Health Center opened to provide children services in a supportive and caring environment. Community Health Centers and County Public Health Services integrated to include outreach, early enrollment, teen pregnancy classes, drug treatment, and March of Dimes Community Support Network.
1992

Leesburg Women's Health Center Opens

Leesburg Women’s Health Center opens for service. Community Health Centers initiates Community Relations Program with priority goals of educating Medicaid and Medicare recipients and area employers.
1993

Leesburg Family Health Center Opened

1995

Apopka Children’s Health Center Opened

1996

Eatonville Family Health Center Opened

2001

Health Alliance Family Care Center opens

Health Alliance Family Care Center opens – Winter Garden Family and Children’s Health Center relocated into the new 22,000 square-foot facilities, and CHC corporate headquarters moved from Apopka to Winter Garden.
2002

Pine Hills Family Health Center Relocated

The Pine Hills Family Health Center relocated into the Princeton Plaza, expanding from a 4,000 sq. ft. facility into a 19,155 sq. ft. space & added Pediatric Dental services.
2004

Lake Ellenor Dental Clinic opened offering Pediatric & Adult Dental services.

Community Health Centers – Lake Ellenor, located in the SouthSide Family Health Center, between the Oak Ridge and Pine Castle communities in Orlando, focuses on dental care for adults and children.
2007

New Centers Open in Apopka, Groveland, and Bithlo

Our Apopka Dental Center offering Pediatric and Adult dental services opens. Later in the year, we opened new health centers in Groveland offering Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Dental, and a Pharmacy; and in Bithlo offering Family Medicine for children and adults.
2011

Meadow Woods Children’s Medical & Dental Care Opened

Community Health Centers – Meadow Woods, is located in south Orange County near the Osceola County line just off the Central Florida GreeneWay (State Road 417). This beautifully themed center provides comprehensive medical and dental services for children.
2012

Winter Garden Health Center Relocated

Winter Garden Child, Adult Medical & Dental Care has been relocated to a more accessible and larger center offering evening and Saturday hours. Added services include Optometry and children’s dental.
2014

Tavares Child • Adult Medical & Dental Care Opened

Community Health Centers – Tavares is located in downtown Tavares, just off Lake Dora, and is surrounded by the cities of Eustis and Mount Dora. This Sea Plane themed center provides comprehensive medical, dental, and specialty services, for both children and adults.
2015

Forest City Child • Adult Medical & Dental Care Opened

Community Health Centers – Forest City is located on Forest City Rd between the historic town of Eatonville and Altamonte Springs/Maitland area. This center provides comprehensive medical, dental, and specialty care for children and adults.
2016

Pine Hills Health Center Relocated

Community Health Centers – Pine Hills relocated to its own building at 840 Mercy Drive, less than two miles East of their previous location.
2017

Four Corners Health Center Opened

Community Health Centers – Four Corners opened in Cagan Crossings at 509 Cagan View Road, Clermont in south Lake County.
2020

West Lake Early Learning Center Opens

Community Health Centers – West Lakes Early Learning Center (ELC) opened providing compassionate pediatric services.
2021

Bithlo Expansion Completed Adding Additional Services

Community Health Centers – Bithlo expands to offer even more services to East Orlando patients. These services include Family Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, and Specialty care.
2021

Community Health Centers Opens for Both Children and Adults Inside Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center.

Community Health Centers – West Lakes, is conveniently located west of downtown Orlando, just off 408, in the West Lakes community. This beautiful new location provides comprehensive medical and specialty care for children and adults at this center.
2023
4.7
★★★★★
70,000+ Healthy Patients

Rating calculated using an average of internal patient surveys across all locations.

Orange County

Lake County