Pictured left to right cutting the ribbon on Grace Wellness Home are: Ken Robinson, Dr. Phillips Charities, Tony Jenkins, Floriida Blue Foundation, Don Brown, Bea for Kids (in background), Mike Aitcheson, Grace Medical Home Board Chair, Oren J. Henry, City of Orlando, Jeff Hayward, Heart of Florida United Way, Sherry Julian, Orange County Government, and Danny de Armas, First Orlando.
Restoring our patients’ health and hope is a daunting task. One that we don’t take lightly and one that we can’t undertake by ourselves. We couldn’t do what we do without our valued volunteers and community partners. We recently honored these special friends at an Open House that also hosted two milestone ribbon cuttings for Grace Wellness Home and our Mobile Medical Unit.
For over a decade, Grace Medical Home has been at the forefront of providing compassionate, integrated healthcare to those in need. Mental health services have always been an essential component of our holistic approach to care, recognizing that true wellness encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
In recent years, the need for mental health support has surged, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The statistics speak volumes: a staggering 125% increase in mental health counseling needs since 2019. Last year, we saw 1,710 mental health encounters and one in four adult patients displayed symptoms of possible depression, highlighting the urgency of our response.
Grace Wellness Home stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community. This tranquil sanctuary will not only offer vital mental health services but will do so in an environment designed to nurture healing and restore hope.
Expanding our much-needed mental health and wellness initiative across the street would not have been possible without the significant support from amazing community partners: Bea for Kids, The City of Orlando, Dr. Phillips Charities, Elevation Church, First Orlando, Florida Blue Foundation, Heart of Florida United Way, Orange County Government, and The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation. Together, they generously donated a combined $1,271,500 to purchase, renovate, staff and furnish Grace Wellness Home. Thank you for making our vision a reality.
Our heartfelt thanks also go out to Grace Trustee and Board Member - Marilyn King – for her visionary interior designs and creative touches that have transformed our spaces, infusing them with warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Marilyn's vision continues to transform not just buildings, but lives. Marilyn has left an indelible mark on Grace, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to our mission.
Additionally, we thank Keator Construction for their exceptional craftsmanship in remodeling and constructing Grace Wellness Home. Their tireless efforts have transformed a simple house into a welcoming home – a space where extended mental health and wellness initiatives can flourish.
Arthur's Creative Events and Catering also provided delicious gourmet treats for our celebration that enhanced the elegance of the gathering.
While we eagerly anticipate welcoming patients into this space soon, the pressing need for accessible healthcare continues to drive our efforts forward.
Transportation challenges cannot be overlooked. The statistics highlighting transportation obstacles faced by many of our patients are indeed overwhelming. With over 53% lacking personal transportation, the journey to Grace is often fraught with difficulties. Whether it's borrowing cars, enduring lengthy bus rides, or investing significant sums in rideshare services, the burden of reaching essential healthcare services falls heavily on the uninsured.
With our Mobile Medical Unit, we are stepping into a new era of accessibility and outreach. This three-room sanctuary on wheels brings care closer to our patients, meeting them where they are—in their neighborhoods, their workplaces, their communities. It's a beacon of hope for those who have felt the weight of transportation barriers, offering them a lifeline to the care they so desperately need.
Thank you, State Representative David Smith, and State Senator Jason Brodeur, whose advocacy and leadership secured the funding that made this dream a reality. Additional thanks go out to our generous community partners—The Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, First Orlando in MetroWest, and Discovery Church in Hunter’s Creek — for opening their doors and hearts as host sites for the unit.
Through both of these milestone initiatives, we are forging a path of compassion and inclusion, where no one is left behind, and where every individual has the opportunity to experience the healing touch of Grace.
