ZEBULON - Most new businesses would love to have a full house of customers in the first four weeks after they open the doors. Few can truthfully report that kind of success.

But the Shepherd's Care Medical Clinic isn't just any other business.

The brainchild of Leona Doner, Shepherd's Care provides free medical care for the uninsured with chronic diseases.

The clinic held a soft opening the first week of June and by the end of the month, the appointment book was full through July.

Doner and other organizers held a formal grand opening last week.

She called the clinic's opening the realization of a dream that began two years ago.

"During such unsettling times as we find ourselves in today, there are numerous people who either have lost their jobs or work for employers who cannot afford to provide health insurance," Doner told those in attendance at the grand opening.

Creating the clinic out of nothing more than an idea required organizers to seek financial support, partnerships with other healthcare providers and local supporters willing to volunteer their time and their resources.

The clinic, located at 304 Pony Road, was provided by William Parrish. The Association of Free Clinics provided $20,000 in seed money. Dr. Stephen Marsh agreed to serve as the clinic's medical director.

Other health care professionals and volunteers provide nursing and administrative support for the agency. Doner said about 8 people are volunteering their time at the clinic right now. Because Marsh is the only doctor on the staff, the clinic sees patients just one night per week, Tuesdays, from 6-9. Doner said the clinic averaged between seven and nine patients each night. The clinic's appointment book is already filled for the month of July.

Now that the clinic is opened, though, Doner said there remains plenty of work done.

Recruiting more doctors, nurses and physician assistants willing to volunteer their time will govern when the clinic can expand its hours. Doner hopes to add a Thursday night session soon. Eventually she hopes to find specialists like a dentist, an optician and a podiatrist who might be willing to work at the clinic one or two times a month.

The road to last week's opening wasn't always a smooth one.

"We had difficulty finding a building," Doner said. "We couldn't get any funding from the Association of Free Clinics until we had a building."

On the day that an official from the Association of Free Clinics came to the site for an inspection, Doner asked him how it looked.

"He said they ought to have a check to us in a week or two. I burst out in tears," Doner said.

Though the clinic sees patients only one night a week right now, the office is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. People can stop by to make an appointment, fill out paperwork or even have blood drawn.

The clinic's services are free. That means money for the start up non-profit is tight. But Doner says the patients aren't necessarily looking for charity care.

"We always need the funds. We have a little black box in front off the receptionist's desk. Twice we've had patients put money in the donation box. People have the need, but they don't want to be perceived as not being able to pay for it," Doner said.

In addition to the $20,000 in start up funds provided by the Association of Free Clinics, Shepherd's Care has won a $15,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Foundation that will help provide resources for the clinic and money to train the staff in how to run an efficient clinic.

"I tell everybody God is the sole proprietor. We're just volunteers," Doner said.