Hope Within Community Health, Counseling & Dental Center

09/10/2026

Think about This Thursday!

Taste buds! So small and yet so important!

Cleveland Clinic states the following information about taste buds:

“The following can affect your taste buds, causing food to taste differently:

Infections in your mouth or throat, including gingivitis.
Inflammation in your mouth.
A deficiency of vitamin B12 or zinc.
Metabolic disorders, including diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Nerve damage.
GERD (chronic acid reflux).
Smoking or chewing to***co.
Heavy alcohol consumption.
Certain medications, including chemotherapy.
Dry mouth.
A burned tongue.
A swollen taste bud.

How can I keep my taste buds healthy?

The good news is that your taste buds repair and regenerate regularly. Injured taste buds usually heal on their own. Still, repeated damage — from frequent infections and smoking — can prevent your taste buds from healing and impact your sense of taste.

To prevent injuring a taste bud:

Don’t use to***co products.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Take good care of your teeth, gums and tongue (oral hygiene).
Allow foods to cool before eating them.
Don’t put anything frozen directly onto your tongue.”

Follow the link below for more fun facts about taste buds.

Taste buds allow you to perceive tastes, including sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Learn more about how they work to help you experience flavor.

09/09/2026

We are kicking off September’s Office Manager Appreciation month by spotlighting our current office manager and what she does for the ministry.

We say a huge THANK YOU to Kay for all that she does here. To name a few, her tasks may include:
- scheduling and interfacing with patients
- processing paperwork
- Maintaining the staff calendar

We appreciate her for this reason and so much more. Tune in over the next few weeks to check out all that she does.

09/08/2026

Iiittttt’s……Teeth Tip Tuesday!!!

🪥 Are You Brushing the Right Way? 🦷

Brushing twice a day is important, but how you brush matters just as much as how often you brush.

For a healthier smile and healthier gums:

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
* Hold your toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle toward the gumline
* Use gentle, small circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing
* Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth
* Don’t forget the inside surfaces of your front teeth
* Brush for a full 2 minutes, twice a day
* Gently brush your tongue to help remove bacteria and freshen breath
* Use fluoride toothpaste
* Replace your toothbrush or brush head about every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed
* Avoid brushing too hard—more pressure does not mean cleaner teeth and can irritate gums or contribute to recession

A good rule to remember: gentle, thorough, and consistent.

This National Gum Care Month, take a closer look at your brushing routine. A few small technique changes can make a big difference in protecting your teeth and gums.

💜 Hope Within Ministries
Community Health, Counseling & Dental Center

09/07/2026

📣 WE’RE HIRING — PART-TIME ADMIN / OFFICE ASSISTANT

Hope Within Ministries is looking for a friendly, organized, dependable person to join our team as a Part-Time Administrative / Office Assistant.

If you have a heart for ministry, enjoy working with both people and paperwork, and are looking for meaningful part-time office hours, this may be a great opportunity for you.

🕒 15–20 hours per week
🏥 Free healthcare clinic environment
❤️ Make a direct impact in our community

Hope Within Ministries seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing quality healthcare to uninsured and economically challenged individuals and families in our surrounding community.

As a nonprofit ministry supported by generous donors and in-kind partnerships, every member of our team plays an important role in helping us serve those who need care.

Interested in learning more or applying?

📞 717-367-9797
🌐 HopeWithin.org

Please share this post with someone who may be a great fit!

Come use your skills, your heart for people, and your heart for ministry to make a difference at Hope Within Ministries.

We Are Hope Within Ministries Community Health, Counseling & Dental Center About Us Get in Touch What We Provide Our Programs Community Health Center The HWCHC offers free primary healthcare services for medically uninsured low income residents of Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin Counties. Counseling....

09/04/2026

THANK YOU to all of the sponsors for supporting this annual event and to those who have purchased tickets. We are looking forward to an enjoyable evening sampling culinary favorites from all over the world!

09/04/2026

PCOH collected and summarized data from free and charitable clinics that provided free dental care to Pennsylvanians in 2025. This data helps us measure the gap between funding provided and services needed, advocate for more state funding for dental services, and encourage participation of dentists accepting Medicaid.

Thank you to the participating clinics for sending your data!

09/03/2026

In the words of our board president as he addressed a room full of staff and volunteers, “this isn’t just volunteering. You have answered a calling.” - Michael Murray

Thank you to the men and women who answered the calling to be a part of Hope Within Ministries to be the hands and feet of Jesus to so many in our community who are in need. We enjoyed celebrating each one of you at our appreciation dinner and we pray blessings in this year to come. This ministry would not be if it wasn’t for each of you.

If you think God is calling you to be a part of this family, please pick up the call and reach out! We’d love to have you!

09/02/2026

🦷 Healthy Gums Start With Healthy Habits! 💜💛

Taking care of your gums is about more than just brushing. Small everyday choices can make a big difference in protecting your smile and your overall oral health.

Try building these healthy habits into your routine:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss or clean between your teeth every day
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit sugary foods, sodas, and sweet drinks
• Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and calcium-rich foods
• Avoid smoking and to***co products
• Keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings
• Take steps to manage stress, get enough sleep, and care for your overall health
• If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar well controlled can also help protect your gums

And remember: healthy gums shouldn’t regularly bleed. Persistent bleeding, swelling, receding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth are signs that it may be time to see a dental professional.

This National Gum Care Month, make your gums part of your daily health routine. A healthier smile starts with the habits you practice every day!

💜 Hope Within Ministries
Community Health, Counseling & Dental Center

09/01/2026

We’re kicking off Teeth Tip Tuesdays this month in honor of National Gum Care Month! Tune in every Tuesday for a new tip for healthy teeth and gums!

08/31/2026

We may have missed it by a couple of days but we assure you he is not less important to all of us, here, at Hope Within!

We give a big shout out to Dr Wolf who graciously shares his time with us two Thursday afternoons a month! Dr. Wolf takes time to understand what is going on with his patients, will often follow up with them and make sure things are addressed. Dr. Wolf is flexible and accommodating with his schedule and even though retired, he still enjoys being involved in the clinic setting. Dr. Wolf volunteers in other capacities, enjoys the beach, traveling, hiking and staying active. He and his wife who is a Nurse Practitioner make a great team as they donate their time and talents to Hope Within. We are so thankful for their friendship, partnership and heart for Hope Within. Happy Birthday Dr. Wolf! Enjoy your special day!