North Cascade Cares, a ministry of North Cascade Adventist Church in Burlington, Washington, hosted a free vision clinic on Nov. 7 and 9, 2025 to provide care to underserved or underinsured residents in Skagit County and beyond. Two hundred people received services, bringing the total number of patients served through North Cascade Cares to 959 over the past four years.
Carlindo Pereira, doctor and North Cascade Church member, coordinated the professional volunteers through Cascadia Eye and Cascadia Eyewear. Church and community members, along with students from Skagit Adventist Academy, served in various roles throughout the clinic.
The church foyer was transformed into the clinic registration and waiting room, with snacks provided for guests. The fellowship hall became the examination area and optical department, offering a wide selection of eyewear. Word of the event was spread throughout the community through food banks, homeless shelters and low-income service organizations, including Love INC, Family Promise, Community Action of Skagit County, Salvation Army and Skagit County Health Department.
The purpose of North Cascade Cares is to reveal the loving character of God by meeting unmet physical needs, following the example of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Fifty-nine volunteers from the church, community and school joined forces to meet this critical need. Skagit Adventist Academy students assisted by interpreting, greeting guests in the parking lot and church, sharing their musical talents and serving lunch to volunteers. This year marked the highest level of student participation since the clinics began.
“I helped by inviting people into the church,” said Jacob, a 10th-grade student. “Everyone was so kind and thankful.”
Juan Cancino, North Cascade Spanish Adventist Church pastor, played a critical role, as approximately 95% of guests were Spanish-speaking. Each guest was greeted by a pastor and offered Christian literature, health resources and the opportunity for prayer. As a result of previous clinics, the Spanish church has provided Bible studies that have led to baptisms and ongoing spiritual growth.
“There is a meaningful story about a couple who came to North Cascade Church for care,” Cancino said. “They received services, gave their lives to Jesus and were later married. The work of North Cascade Cares is making a difference in people’s lives.”
North Cascade Church has become known locally for providing much-needed care. The annual fall vision clinic and the corresponding spring dental clinic continue to serve as opportunities to plant seeds for kingdom growth and to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways.
The next North Cascade Cares event will be a free dental clinic on March 27 and 29, 2026, at Skagit Adventist Academy. The greatest need is for dental professionals and interpreter volunteers. More information is available at northcascadecares.org.
Carlindo Pereira, doctor, talks to a patient during the free vision clinic.
North Cascade Cares has provided care to nearly a thousand people over the last four years.
Juan Cancino, pastor, shares Christian literature and prays with a program participant.
SAA students participate by serving lunch to volunteers.
SAA students share their musical talents and provide a welcoming environment for those receiving care.
