VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
October 2025
VMSN updates
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority has awarded VMSN a $50,000 grant for Dental Health Services. This grant will support VMSN’s dental program, which provides free, high-quality dental services, including cleanings, crowns, bridges, and extractions, to the low-income and uninsured population of Southern Nevada. We are grateful for San Manuel’s continued support in uplifting the most vulnerable population in our Southern Nevada community.
The Ruffin Family Clinic has a new (bigger!) heart logo in front of the building alongside the clinic signage. Our logo is a reflection of our mission, “To provide quality health care and support for people without access to health care in Southern Nevada within a culture of compassionate caring.” There is an abundance of love and compassion that goes into our work every day, and we are so grateful to be able to provide quality care for the most vulnerable in our community. Come by the clinic for a tour to see our mission in action!
patient spotlight
Boy Mom - Meet Gabriela
Gabriela has called Las Vegas home for more than 26 years. Having just delivered her third son, she is deeply grateful for the wraparound care she has received since becoming a VMSN patient in May. With her first son, Gabriela paid out of pocket on a sliding income scale for prenatal care, and with her second, she went without prenatal care altogether due to lack of insurance and income. Today, thanks to VMSN’s Maternity Care Clinic where she was referred by Allyfe Pregnancy Clinic, she has access to the care she and her baby need.
Gabriela also appreciates the VMSN Dental Clinic, where she recently received her very first check-up and cleaning. She plans to return for follow-up care with VMSN Dental Director, Dr. Ibrahim, after her pregnancy to continue protecting her oral health.
A devoted mother, Gabriela loves homeschooling her five-year-old and spending time with her family. She dreams of one day pursuing a career in massage therapy, a passion she discovered years ago while helping relieve the aches and pains of her parents, both construction workers.
Gabriela says she is grateful for VMSN and the peace of mind it has given her during this pregnancy.
“I am forever grateful for VMSN! They have saved my life. Without them I wouldn’t have the care I need for my pregnancy.”
community partners
VMSN staff participated in United Way Day of Caring by writing handwritten letters to seniors around the world through Letters Against Isolation. This organization sends letters to over 13,000 seniors around the world every two weeks!
Day of Caring is an annual event hosted by United Way of Southern Nevada, and this year, 1,300 locals got involved in 50 volunteer projects across the valley. It’s inspiring to see our community come together to create lasting change!
The first annual Be The Light Youth Conference, co-hosted by VMSN and Al-Maun (Neighborly Needs) of Las Vegas, was a great success. It was a day full of learning, community and awesome music thanks to DJ Quez from LVMPD! Kids walked away with bags full of clothes from the free clothing boutique, and some even got haircuts from our volunteer barbers. Read the news coverage here! We can’t wait for next year!
Volunteer spotlight
Lynnette - A Decade of Dedication
For over a decade, Lynnette has been a steady and compassionate presence at VMSN, generously giving her time and expertise as a volunteer Registered Nurse. Whether she’s mentoring the next generation of nurses or caring for patients with her signature calm and kindness, Lynnette brings heart to everything she does.
Originally from Ohio, Lynnette’s life took a transformative turn when she joined the U.S. Air Force—a decision she calls the most important one she’s ever made. It was there she met her husband, found a lasting sense of community, and began the journey that eventually brought her to Las Vegas, a place she’s called home for more than 40 years.
At VMSN, Lynnette’s presence is more than just clinical—she’s a mentor, a caregiver, and a trusted friend to patients and student nurses alike. “Teaching is so important to me,” she shares. “I want to give the students every tool I can to set them up for success in their nursing careers.”
One of the challenges she encounters in the clinic is the language barrier with Spanish-speaking patients, but thanks to the teamwork of bilingual medical assistants, interpreters, and staff, she’s always able to ensure that patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. “We make it work,” she says with a smile.
While the volume of patients has grown over the years, Lynnette notes that the spirit of VMSN has remained unchanged. “There’s still that same sense of fulfillment and generosity every time I walk through the doors,” she reflects. “It’s a joy to be part of something so meaningful.”
From bringing orange juice for patients with low blood sugar to greeting every “delightful little old lady” with warmth and kindness, Lynnette’s attention to detail and love for caregiving shine through. Her nurturing nature extends beyond the clinic too—she volunteers her therapy dog, Liquorice, at a local nursing home, where the comfort and joy that tiny pup brings is, as Lynnette says, “absolutely priceless.”
Outside the clinic, Lynnette shares a rich life with her husband, daughter, three grandkids, and two adorable pups. While Lynnette gives her time at VMSN, her husband is busy biking an impressive 150 miles a week! Together, they’ve built a life centered on service, love, and community.
Thank you, Lynnette, for your unwavering commitment, your heart for teaching, and your ten years of extraordinary service to our patients, students, and team. You are truly a cornerstone of our VMSN family.
celebrations
Welcoming new team members, celebrating work anniversaries and birthdays with homemade tabouli salad and baklava donated from Mukaddes Kaplan of the Interfaith Council and Silver Sage Foundation!
Employee Spotlight
Sarah - A Legacy of Care and Compassion
If you’ve ever walked through the doors of the eligibility department at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), there’s a good chance you’ve already felt the welcoming presence of Sarah. With a warm smile, a comforting word, and often a snack ready to share, Sarah embodies the very heart of VMSN’s mission: to provide compassionate, quality care to those who need it most.
Originally from Southern California, Sarah spent over 30 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where her deep-rooted love for caregiving blossomed. That same passion brought her to VMSN, where she started as a volunteer—almost full-time—before officially joining the staff. “This place just pulls you in,” Sarah shares. “You feel the compassion the moment you walk in.”
Sarah began her journey at VMSN as a front desk coordinator. It was there she learned one of her most valuable lessons: the importance of empathy, especially for those facing the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Today, as a leader in the eligibility department, she remains committed to that core value, mentoring her team with the same kindness and patience she shows every patient.
Her role is not without challenges. The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare policy and insurance access creates a constant demand for learning and adaptability. “We’ve seen a big increase in calls from people who’ve lost jobs or no longer have insurance,” Sarah explains. “It can be overwhelming, but it’s our job to be their calm in the storm.”
That calm is something Sarah brings not only to patients, but to her colleagues as well. Whether it’s decorating her department for Fall and Halloween to bring a little joy, or offering a safe space to decompress, her office is known as a go-to spot for a pick-me-up. “Staff and volunteers know they can come in for a snack, a smile, or just to feel a little lighter,” she laughs.
Outside of work, Sarah finds balance through her beautiful family. Time spent with her beloved grandkids and relaxing with diamond art are her favorite ways to unwind. “They keep me grounded,” she says with a glow.
Having watched the clinic grow from just 8 staff members to over 30, Sarah reflects on her journey with pride and gratitude. She’s seen the eligibility department built from the ground up and has witnessed firsthand the impact of VMSN’s services. “The need in our community is tremendous,” she says. “But the most rewarding part of this work is seeing how lives truly change—patients gaining confidence, independence, and better health. That transformation is priceless.”
Even on the tough days, when she must deliver difficult news to a patient who doesn’t meet eligibility requirements, Sarah stays rooted in her purpose. “It’s hard, but I keep going—because I’m a caregiver. That’s who I am.”
Thank you, Sarah, for being a cornerstone of compassion at VMSN. Your dedication continues to change lives every single day.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada include our annual Toy Drive, where you can drop off toys for our VMSN families at the Ruffin Family Clinic. Also stay tuned for more information about our annual VMSN holiday party!
VMSN is teaming up with Kendra Scott for a day of holiday shopping and giving back! Join us in-store at Kendra Scott Downtown Summerlin on Saturday, November 15th 1-3pm and use this give back code
GIVEBACK-KGYRY
at checkout for 20% of your purchase to go toward Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada.
Can’t make it in-store? Shop online at kendrascott.com anytime between November 15-16 with the code to donate 20% of your purchase to VMSN.
Areas of need
Ongoing Needs
- Prenatal Care $1,800/patient
- Medications $77/patient
- Colonoscopies $15,000/year
- Dental Supplies $36,000/year
Volunteer Clinicians – doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, cardiology, oncology.
Help us provide quality health care within a culture of compassionate caring. Please consider donating. We would also love to give you a tour of the Ruffin Family Clinic, the main clinic on Martin Luther King Way. Contact us through our website or call 702-967-0530.