FORT WORTH, Texas — People living longer in a Fort Worth neighborhood are getting serious support now from two Fort Women on a mission to save lives.
That's because, according to a University of Texas Southwestern study, you might live 10 years longer if you reside inside the 76104 ZIP code in Fort Worth.
That study hit Marnese Elder like a wrecking ball because she has so many close ties to 76104.
"Me and my family have lived in this ZIP code off and on," said Elder.
Now, that same ZIP code is part of a new mission for Marnese and best friend, Jennifer Giddings-Brooks. She too has strong ties to the ZIP code, and the same house on the corner of East Terrell and Tennessee Avenue. It's the former home of their parents' family friends, the Flint family. The Flints often invited people to their home for meals, and neighborhood gatherings. The southside Fort Worth area was considered an affluent area for African American families.
"I still go to church in this ZIP code and we still, as a family, own property here," Elder said, "My great grandfather's house will be 100 years old next year. So we've been embedded here."
It's a community her best friend and now business partner Jennifer Giddings-Brooks has also been embedded in through family ties. Particularly, because of the house on the corner of East Terrell and Tennessee Avenue.
"This was an address that you wanted to go to and they were doing all kinds of things not only to support their community, but to support the larger community and to help people," said Giddings-Brooks.
Now, she and Elder own the house at Terrell and Tennessee. They hope to make their own impact on life in 76104. Especially after shocking news about the area.
"I found out very quickly there is a public health crisis here," Elder said. "This 76104 has a least life expectancy in the state of Texas, and that blew my mind."
They two women just cut the ribbon, opening up what they call the Renaissance House located at 1201 East Terrell Avenue. In a partnership with Teladoc Health, volunteers will assist neighborhood families in a new tele-medicine program.
"To talk to a doctor, you know, whether it is a video over the phone or computer, but at least you're getting to talk to a doctor and to be able to provide free prescription drugs," Giddings-Brooks said.
Virtually, Doctors will diagnose and treat things like the flu, respiratory infections, allergies and skin rashes. All for Free, a program the two women believe will save lives. The two women shared that The Renaissance House would not be possible without the support of local organizations, businesses and community partners. They hope to expand the free services to reach even more people. The Renaissance House will also have services available for Spanish speaking residents along with a translator on site.