At 56, Pam Ceniceros is living a life she never thought possible. After years of moving around, battling homelessness, and struggling with severe dental and medical issues, she has found stability and support.
Pam’s connection to Marin Community Clinics dates back over 30 years. In her late teens, Pam moved back to Marin and graduated from an adult special needs day program. She was also dealing with serious stomach issues. She recalls feeling sick and lost, but finding her way to MCC changed everything. Over time, MCC’s services have helped her manage her health challenges, including medical, dental, behavioral health and other wellness needs.
Most recently, Pam has been catching up with her oral health needs. Like many of our patients, the ability to afford dental care was not within reach. Yet, despite these challenges, she feels hopeful and at ease with her care team. “I like my dentist because she relaxes me, makes me feel like it’s okay, she’s gentle.” Pam shares. Her dentist, Dr. Frida Kagan, understands Pam’s background and makes each appointment an opportunity to build trust and connection. “They don’t make me feel worried or stressed,” she continues.
Pam’s experience highlights one of MCC’s core values—compassion. Serving over 36,000 patients annually, MCC remains a lifeline for so many, providing medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to those with few other options. Ninety-four percent of their patients earn less than $29,000 a year, making affordable and accessible care critical.
For Pam, who has a history rooted in dentistry (she comes from a family of dentist), losing her teeth due to years of financial hardship and life challenges was especially disappointing. However, thanks to MCC’s dental program, she can smile again. Pam emphasizes how vital it is to keep these services available: “It’s the best place to go for people that don’t have any money or good health insurance. I’ve seen people walk in with nothing and come out smiling.”
After experiencing homelessness and addiction for five and a half years—living in a tent surrounded by poison oak—Pam now has her own apartment. It’s a small space she shares with her beloved cat, Pearl, but it represents so much more: stability, safety, and a new chapter of life. “I’m very happy,” Pam says with a warm smile.
Reflecting on her journey, Pam is filled with gratitude. She has been sober for 14 years now, crediting MCC’s support for helping her regain control over her wellbeing. “I think people will end up pretty bad if this place ever shuts down,” Pam says. For her, MCC is not just a clinic—it is a lifeline and a community. Pam now dreams of helping others, hoping to pay it forward by finding a job working in adult day programs.
In a world where healthcare is increasingly complex and inaccessible, Marin Community Clinics is a beacon of hope for those like Pam. As she puts it simply, “You guys are pretty awesome.”
By supporting MCC, you ensure that people like Pam can continue to find the care, kindness, and dignity they deserve. Consider making a donation to help sustain this essential mission. Your generosity means more than you know—it means hope, health, and a brighter future for all.