People of the ‘Burg: Beth Houghton

Over the course of her lifetime, Beth Houghton has been many things to many people: wife, mother, grandmother, boss, colleague, volunteer.

From General Counsel at All Children’s Hospital to Treasurer of the Foundation for International Missions, her extensive resume reveals her dedication to both corporate and community responsibility. After serving as Chair for six years, in December 2011, Beth became executive director of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

Beth is the type of person that prefers a hug over a handshake. Her demeanor is professional; her warmth is genuine. Engaging and friendly, she can rock a suit or roll up her sweatshirt sleeves and sweep the floors alongside volunteers. She is not afraid to get dirty.

Beth’s husband of 35 years, Scott Wagman, was there helping out, too. When asked for a few words to describe his wife, the former mayoral candidate said, “I love her.” After realizing he should offer a more professional description, he smiled and said, “Organized and persistent.” He said his wife is really good at re-engaging the community and keeping them connected and supportive.

The non-profit organization has several programs designed to meet the needs of families and individuals who “fall between the cracks,” Beth said.

For those on public assistance, being able to buy basic necessities can be challenging, and this is where the St. Pete Free Clinic steps in. Temporary and transitional housing are offered as well as a food bank and pantry that provide emergency food.

The Free Clinic also provides drop-in or scheduled appointments, and persons in need of medication can visit the clinic for donated pharmaceutical items such as insulin samples, hypertension medication, and various drugs to help with chronic diseases and lung disorders.

St. Petersburg Bike Shop provides a service to repair donated bicycles for individuals to use. Medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs are also provided to those in need.

In the future, Beth would like to expand the dental program and the work that is done through the county health department. Currently operating one evening and one Saturday a month, she sees a strong need in the community for dental work and hopes to acquire more volunteers and add more days.

What keeps her going is the feedback she receives from both patients and volunteers.

“It truly is a gift,” Beth said. “When I receive a note of thanks, it really does bring tears to my eyes.”

Beth said the volunteers all say they get so much more than they give. “But what it really comes down to is neighbors helping neighbors.”

For more information on the St. Pete Free Clinic, call 727-821-1200 or visit their website.
It is located at 863 3rd Ave. N in downtown St. Pete.

Photos and report contributed by Aimee Alexander, freelance Journalist and recent USFSP Journalism & Media Studies graduate. Her love of art, history, events, local businesses and what makes people tick is the driving force behind her stories. When not scouring Pass-a-Grille Beach for seashells with her two children, Aimee can be found riding her bike along Coffee Pot Bayou, soaking up the sunshine on the trails of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, or sampling local fare at the Saturday Morning Market.

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