FOUNDING AND HISTORY
Mercy exists as an extension of the local Christian community and seeks to be an avenue of ministry for area churches. The vision for this ministry began to form in the fall of 1999 when God brought together a small group of individuals with a common desire to use medicine as a doorway to minister the needs of the low-income uninsured in Athens, Georgia. For two years, this small group continued to pray about their vision, and as they did so, their group expanded.
On September 10, 2001, Mercy opened with a prayer, and volunteers began to care for the medical, emotional, spiritual, and pharmacy needs of the patients who arrived. Sunday school classrooms at Redeemer Presbyterian Church served as makeshift exam rooms and an office became the pharmacy.
Our patient volume has continued to grow, and in July of 2007, Mercy Health Center moved to its own facility. Our medical clinic is open every Thursday and Tuesday evening; we have pharmacy refill clinic on Wednesday mornings for Mercy patients with chronic conditions, and we also provide dental services. In 2008 Mercy Provided care for over 4,200 patients.
MISSION
Mercy Health Center provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for our low-income uninsured neighbors in the Athens area. Mercy exists as an extension of the local Christian community to manifest the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
In his time on Earth, Jesus Christ validated the dignity of human beings by taking on human form and concerning himself with feeding, clothing, and healing the people around him, especially those without economic or social resources. In our time, God has given us the talents and resources to minister specifically to physical needs. In caring for the body, we seek opportunities to minister to the eternally important spiritual needs of individuals.
CORE VALUES
We are Christ-focused -We believe that in Jesus Christ the love, mercy, and grace of God are made known to us and to all people (Rom. 5:1-2). From this overflowing abundance of God’s love we find our motivation and ability to serve others (1 John 4:11; Gal. 5:13). We seek to follow him—in his identification with and compassion for the poor, the afflicted, and the marginalized (Matt. 11:5; Luke 4:18; 6:20; 14:13); in his desire for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness of each individual; in his call to share our resources and talents with each other (Phil. 4:9-19); in his love for all the people without discrimination or new life through faith in him (Rom. 6:4, 23). Through our belief and practice, we bear witness to the redemption offered through faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-14).
We seek unity within the Body of Christ - We affirm and promote unity in the Body of Christ. We desire to serve as an avenue by which the Christian community in the greater Athens area can use their talents and resources to help those in need (Rom. 12:16; Eph 4:1-6; Col. 3:12-15).
We value Individuals - We regard all people as created in the image of God (gen. 1:26-27). Therefore, we recognize and act in ways that respect the dignity, uniqueness, and intrinsic worth of every individual with whom we come in contact (our patients, donors, community partners, our own staff and volunteers and their families) (Rom. 12:10).We believe we are strengthened by each person’s unique personality, culture, and contribution. We seek to understand the situation of the under-served and work alongside them toward fullness of life (1 Cor. 12:23). We practice a participative, open, and enabling style in working relationships. We encourage the professional, personal, and spiritual development of our staff, volunteers, and patients (Eph. 4:15).
We are built on Relationships – We take seriously God’s command to love one another. We strive to develop caring, supportive relationships with our patients, volunteers, staff, supporters, churches, and community partners. We seek opportunities to facilitate engagement between the underserved and the Christian community that opens both to transformation. We respect the underserved as active participants, not passive recipients, in this relationship (John 13:34; 15:12-17: 1 John 4:7-8). We seek the Lord’s Guidance – We look to the Lord as the ultimate author, leader, and guide of all we undertake, Our purpose, vision, ministries, and decisions are nurtured in prayer, seeking the direction and wisdom of the Lord (Isaiah 28:29; Eph. 2:10; James 1:5).
We strive for excellence – We believe that excellence honors God and therefore strive for it in everything we undertake. We endeavor to provide outstanding care and are continuously looking for ways to improve the processes and services we provide. We maintain an attitude of learning, reflection, and discovery in order to grow in understanding and skill (Col. 3:17).
We act as Stewards – We believe that the resources at our disposal are not our own. Therefore, we live as faithful stewards of all our material resources, time, energy, and talents. We desire to give our volunteers, patients, and staff opportunities to use their God-given gifts and talents. We act in accordance with the highest standards of ethical practice and financial integrity (Psalm 8:6-8; Gen. 1:27-28).