Renetta Williams, Director of HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne (HVM), is retiring after 20 years of service to the ministry. HVM strives to meet the needs of poor and underserved families and individuals in Allen County. Under Renetta’s leadership, the agency has persevered in that mission, offering medical interpretation for Latino residents and health education for the most vulnerable populations. HealthVisions’ programs focus on mental health, as well as decreasing or managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. 

Renetta spearheaded initiatives over the past two decades that inspired collaboration and innovation among local healthcare providers. In 2003, she formed the Allen County Health Disparity Coalition (ACHDC), which began with 10 area agencies and has grown to over 90 organizations that work to stay informed and to address health disparities affecting minorities. Coalition members participate in regular Health and Wellness Clinics, offering free testing and health screenings to the uninsured and working poor. In 2009, the coalition launched its first community-based participatory research project, resulting in the first local research on minorities and diabetes. Renetta and her team also introduced Allen County to the Community Health Worker (CHW) program and became the first organization in Indiana to receive certification. Today, HVM continues to lead the state in training community health workers. Among numerous other awards, the Fort Wayne Urban League honored Renetta in 2017 as a community “Lion” for her contributions. 

Sharon Tubbs is transitioning to continue the mission. She will assume Renetta’s duties as of March 30. Sharon has been the community liaison for the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for the past four years, working to expand the organization’s Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Program. In 2019, the NAACP recognized Sharon for her efforts to improve health in Fort Wayne’s black community. Prior to her community endeavors, Sharon worked professionally for nearly 20 years as a newspaper reporter and manager in the greater Philadelphia area and in Florida. Sharon holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University, a master’s degree in human services counseling from Liberty University and is a member developing new community partnerships and collaborating with local faith-based institutions, of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sharon will be tasked with health and social service agencies. Sharon will leverage her relationship with the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and others to forge collaborative partnerships that will benefit HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne clients. 

HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the religious order that formerly owned St. Joseph Hospital. We extend our best wishes to Renetta Williams and ask for God’s blessings as she embarks on the next chapter of her life’s journey. We welcome Sharon Tubbs as she steps into the Director’s role and look forward to growth and prosperity for HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne and its clients.