Bonton Farms opens a Wellness Center to enhance health access in South Dallas, partnering with local organizations to provide comprehensive services.
DALLAS — What does it take to grow a healthy community?
Daris Lee would tell anyone it takes access.
“Underserved communities like this are super deserving,” said Lee, Bonton Farms Health and Wellness Manager.
He knows firsthand working at Bonton Farms in South Dallas. It is an urban farm providing healthy food options to residents.
“It saved my life,” said Lee. At age 36, he was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.
“It was devastating because I had never had to deal with anything that I felt like I couldn’t conquer,” said Lee. “We weren’t afforded any of those resources to let us know preventative measures that you could take to help you or anybody to talk to us or educate us on the importance of medications and things like that.”
Lee spent 12 years and eight months on dialysis before getting a kidney transplant. A new kidney meant a second chance not only to improve his health but the health of others.
He helped expand Bonton Farms to include a new Wellness Center.
“It’s leveling the field on health equity, wellness equity. It breaks down that barrier of transportation,” said Melissa Metoyer, Bonton Farms Community Health and Wellness Director.
Partnering with Baylor Scott & White and Methodist Community Collaborative, the Wellness Center will have a medical clinic, and dentistry, and will provide financial literacy. Bonton Farms has also partnered with nine banks to offer banking services for residents.
All the services will be within walking distance of each other.
“Everybody deserves access to health care. It shouldn’t be a decision of am I feeding my family or do I go see the doctor,” said Metoyer.
Taking patients with or without insurance, Metoyer said the center focuses on the whole self by offering activities such as healthy cooking classes and fitness.
“It is a joy to be able to see the community members that I’ve walked with, I’ve talked with say that this is an answer,” said Metoyer. “It sends a message to the community that we see you, we hear you, and your voice matters.”
Lee is using that voice.
“I’m living my dream to be able to serve in my community, to be able to see all the things that other communities have, to be a part of building that,” said Lee.
He is helping to provide access he didn’t experience growing up.
“Our mission is to break down systems of inequity,” said Lee. That is what not only grows a healthy community but allows it to bloom.
The Bonton Farms Wellness will host its grand opening on Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
