Valley dentist follows the golden rule, makes a difference
“Difference makers” are people who go out of their normal daily routine to change the lives of others. It is not something they are always rewarded monetarily in doing but are paid in ways that can only be summed up by those who receive their blessings.
It is our intent to focus on some of those for the next few months. Most of them you will not know or have ever heard of because they do it in ways that seldom get noticed. While they may not get recognition for making sweeping changes in a community, the “difference makers” are familiar to the individuals and families whose lives are changed by their compassion and kindness.
One of those people is a man who recently moved here from another state. Having a successful dental practice, his normal routine is caring for those who can afford his services. After all, that is what he studied to do and has given his life in providing. And while that is rewarding in itself, there is something about a difference maker is that they are akin and unique to them: they see a need and do something about it that is coupled with the skills they possess. Such is the case with Dr. Jim Kelly.
When Dr. Kelly arrived in Phoenix seven years ago, he recognized a need for poverty-level students to receive dental care but for him, this was no passing notion. Since relocating from Harrisburg, PA, in 2015, this kind dentist has offered his services for free, several times a year, to kids who desperately need check-ups and cleanings but simply cannot afford them.
So where do you find these kids? Dr. Kelly has volunteered his services for students at two unique places that are populated by these kinds of young people: Genesis City and Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers.
Since its inception in 1991, Genesis City has provided hope and a new beginning to over 7,000 of the most disadvantaged teenagers in Maricopa County. Located at 525 E. McDowell Rd., Genesis City is an Expert in the Field of Inspiring Disenfranchised Youth to Reach Their True Potential.
Solid Rock’s primary mission is to make an everlasting difference in the lives of teens by helping them meet the spiritual, economic, physical, and social needs of teens in the community by offering a safe, engaging environment during non-school hours. They are located at 13625 N. 32nd St, Phoenix, and 122 N. Country Club Dr, Mesa.
And now, for that golden rule moment. Recently, a student in terrible pain was fortunate to be one of Dr. Kelly’s patients at his free mobile dental clinic at Genesis City. Dr. Kelly made arrangements for the young lady to come to his private dental office in Phoenix for treatment. It was there that he removed her wisdom teeth free of charge.
That is a true “difference maker.” Dr. Kelly also offers his dental services free of charge to students and adults who are in recovery from substance abuse and addiction. More examples and pictures are on Dr. Kelly’s Instagram page and on his website, drkellydds.com. Dr. Kelly’s office is located at 2999 N. 44th St. Suite 640, Phoenix.
The Arizona Interfaith Movement is honored to recognize Dr. Jim Kelley as a distinguished “difference maker” in the Phoenix Community.
Rev. Larry Fultz is the Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement.
Golden Rule Moments
Dr. Jim Kelly (right) made arrangements for a patient to remove her wisdom teeth free of charge.
COURTESY OF JIM KELLY Larry Fultz Guest columnist
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK Copyright © 2022 The Arizona Republic 7/9/2022
