Hundreds turned out in Peekskill to honor four women who championed the need for an affordable and accessible health care facility in Peekskill in the 1970s. 

"Founding Mothers" Willie Mae Jackson, Pearl Woods, Jeannette Phillips and Mary Woods had an idea for a community health center, especially for the area's poor and minority population. 

"We wanted to be part of the solution," said Rev. Jeannette Phillips. 

The Peekskill Area Health Center opened in 1975 with just 12 employees. Now, the newly renovated Jeannette J. Phillips Health Center on Main Street is one of 27 centers serving patients throughout the state.

People in Peekskill say the building's foundation is made from the tenacity, hard work and faith of the four women.

Sharon Jones says her mother, Willie Mae Jackson would be thrilled to see the result of her efforts.

"She would have lots of joy and laughter and just be excited to see all the people and how it's grown and the lives that have been touched," says Jones.