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Where Healthcare Feels Like Home: How CommuniCare IsBUILDING TRUST IN HELOTESBy Sally KalosOn a quiet weekday morning in Helotes, the front doors of CommuniCare swing open for another day of care. Inside, a mother checks in her toddler for a wellness exam. Down thehall, an older woman sits comfortably in an exam room, chatting with her provider. The vibe is calm, welcoming— even familiar.And that’s exactly the point.“We don’t want patients to feel like a number,” says Dr. Vincent Coleman, a pediatrician at the Helotes clinic. “We want them to feel seen, heard, and cared for—just like family.”Each baby is a top concern for our team for babies to grow up healthy.That philosophy is more than just good customer service—it’s a reflection of CommuniCare’s roots. What started more than 50 years ago as a small pediatric clinic on San Antonio’s west side has grown into one of south- central Texas’s most trusted healthcare networks, all without losing its human touch.CommuniCare, originally founded as Barrio Comprehensive Family Health Center, Inc., opened its doors in 1972 thanks to the vision of Sister Dolores Girault. Back then, it was a humble two-room space designed to serve children in a medically underserved area.But demand quickly outgrew that little clinic. Over the decades, the organization expanded across Bexar, Hays, and Kendall counties, and now operates 32 clinics, serving nearly 550,000 patient visits every year. In 2019, CommuniCare brought that legacy to Helotes, a growing suburban community northwest of San Antonio.The Helotes clinic is one of the system’s proudest expansions—blending small-town friendliness with big- system support.Walk through the Helotes location and you’ll find something rare: a full spectrum of care under one roof. The clinic offers pediatrics, teen health, women’s health, adult medicine (coming this fall), behavioral health, immunizations, and patient education.Leading the team are trusted names like Dr. Coleman and fellow pediatrician Dr. James A. Donnel, who’ve helped establish CommuniCare as a go-to provider for local families. Dr. Shawna Wall leads women’s health services, while Dr. Katie Corkill, set to join in November, will anchor the clinic’s growing adult medicine program.“From newborns to aging parents, we want to care for the whole family,” says Dr. Wall. “That continuity really builds trust.”Care at CommuniCare isn’t confined to its four walls. The organization is equipped with advanced telehealth technology, allowing patients to meet with providers virtually when needed. They also offer curbside visits—a model born out of the pandemic that has become a lasting convenience for many.And their outreach stretches even further. Each summer, CommuniCare hosts free back-to-school immunization drives, ensuring children are protected and ready to learn—regardless of insurance status.“That’s the heart of what we do,” says a clinic staffer. “We’re not just treating illness; we’re investing in healthier communities.”At every level, CommuniCare is driven by a clear mission: “To improve the health of those we serve with a commitment to excellence in all we do.”But it’s their five core values that bring that mission to life:• Commit to Service Excellence• Be Timely and Responsive• Focus on a Hassle-Free Experience * Treat Patients Like Family• Be the Best Place to WorkThese aren’t just words on paper—they guide how patients are welcomed, how calls are returned, and how every member of the team works together to meet a patient’s needs.CommuniCare is also built to be accessible. The Helotes clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering extended hours for working families.The organization accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and welcomesWe address each paitents needs, as all women have unique health concerns.self-pay patients. The goal is to remove as many barriers as possible—financial or otherwise.“We never want someone to delay care because they’re worried about cost,” says Dr. Coleman. “Healthcare should be available to everyone.”With the upcoming addition of Dr. Katie Corkill and expanded adult medicine services, the Helotes clinic is poised to become even more comprehensive. Whether it’s a well-child visit, mental health counseling, or chronic disease management, local residents will now be able to access high-quality, whole-person care close to home.“Helotes is growing, and we’re growing with it,”says a clinic administrator.“We’re proud to be part of this community— not just as healthcare providers, but as neighbors.”At its core, CommuniCare is not just a healthcare organization—it’s a story of compassion, growth, and connection. It’s about answering the call to serve, decade after decade, and doing so with kindness and innovation.So the next time you drive down that familiar stretch of road in Helotes and see the CommuniCare sign, know this: inside, there’s a team ready to care for you like you’re family.Because to them—you already are.CommuniCare12850 Bandera Rd, Suite 106 Helotes, TX 78023 (210) 233-7000Dr. Shawna Wall Dr. Vincent Coleman Dr. James Donnel Obstetrician Pediatrician Pediatrician& GynecologistSeptember 2025www.heloteshighlights.com9