Through a Community of Volunteers, Mercy provides quality, whole-person healthcare in a Christ-centered environment to our underserved neighbors.

Our Core Values

  • Christ-Centered

    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). 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). 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).

  • Value each Person

    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 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).

  • Seeks Excellence in all we do

    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).

  • Faithful Steward of all we have

    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).

  • Motivated by love for one another

    We take seriously God’s command to love one another. From the overflowing abundance of God’s love, we find our motivation and ability to serve others (1 John 4:11; Gal. 5:13). We strive to develop caring, supportive relationships with our patients, volunteers, staff, supporters, churches, and community partners. We follow the model Jesus provided through his love for all people without discrimination or conditions (John 4:4-30); in his example of servanthood (John 13:5-15); and in his offer of 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).

 Our History

Mercy exists as an extension of the local Christian community and seeks to be an avenue of ministry for area believers and churches. The vision for this ministry began to form in the fall of 1999. God brought together a small group of individuals with a common desire to use medicine as a doorway to minister to 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 pharmacological 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 on Oglethorpe Avenue in north Athens. There were nearly 6,000 patient interactions in 2024! 

Presently, medical services are provided every weekday during regular operating hours, plus most Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Dental and behavioral health services are available every weekday as well.

Stories from Mercy

These patients represent the many stories that are encountered on a daily basis. While each person’s level of need may vary, there is a general feeling of hope that God will use Mercy Health Center to bring healing and a better tomorrow. We hope you will join us in praying for each one of these patients! Note: The patients featured on this page have given written permission for us to share their stories. Additionally, below you will find anonymous notes from Mercy patients who have left comments about the care they receive.

  • Meet Kevin

    Kevin Gibbs is a 38 year-old patient who is currently living at the Potters House. He has 3 months left in a treatment program that is helping him “turn his life around”. Kevin Describes himself as someone who has struggled with drugs and alcohol throughout most of life, but his loving and supporting family has challenged him to seek the help he needs.

    During his 12-month recovery program, Kevin has taken the initiative to clean out other areas of his life as well. This includes addressing some of the health concerns that have come as a result of being a drug user. When asked what the most significant part of this process has been, Kevin responded, “Discovering the grace of God and His strength that has brought me here today.”

    Kevin hopes to emerge from this year of cleansing and return to school where he will receive the training needed to become a commercial plumber. Please join us in praying that this year of healing will serve as catalyst for his new direction in life.

  • Meet Kay

    Kay Stokes, along with her mother and children, has called Athens home for over 5 decades. Her daughter, 36, works at St. Mary’s Hospital, and her son, 32, is a pastor. Growing up in a home that saw over 100 foster kids, Kay has always taken a role of service to those around her. This continues in her elderly age as she is the primary care giver for her mother.

    Spurred by gastric bypass surgery in 2008, Kay has lost over 200 lbs. However, the effects of this lifestyle remain. The most debilitating condition being chronic arthritis in her knees. This pain often prevents her from being able to do daily activities.

    Kay hopes that relief from the constant battle against arthritis along with improvement from other ailments will allow her to maintain her active lifestyle. Healing for Kay will result in a better life for two people. Not only will Kay be able to be more involved with her children, but she will also be able to give her mother the care that is needed. Kay will be able to return to her life of service.

  • Meet Dedrick

    “While waiting to be seen by your great staff, I saw the sign posted to ‘Take a moment to express my gratitude’. So thank you very much for providing the services that you do to help and inspire the community. I am currently without insurance and found myself in need - something I thought would never happen to me. So thank you so much for being here”. - Dedrick Griffeth

    Dedrick Griffeth was born and raised in Athens, and this has been a life he loved to love until a work related accident occurred.

    In 2008, a heavy piece of equipment malfunctioned and struck him in the eye. Dedrick was unable to afford specialist visits to get the care he needed. Walking the 700 Oglethorpe Ave was the first doctor’s visit for Dedrick since the accident. The affects of his accident cannot be overstated. Dedrick is now blind in his right eye and suffers from severe migraines. This struggle has pushed Dedrick into battles with depression and a life of isolation. He has been forced to give up many of the activities he loves: fishing, basketball, reading the paper. Since the accident, Dedrick has felt that “nothing has gone *his) way.” However, getting though the call line at Mercy has served as hope for a new day. A day that will allow him to return to a life he loved. 6 years of pain will not disappear over night, but pray that Dedrick finds relief from physical ailments he will find a new joy in life.

  • Meet Tim

    Tim Shultz is currently on a journey that he describes as being fueled by grace. Almost two and a half years ago, Tim prayed for God to Deliver him from the addictions that imprisoned his life: addictions that included crystal meth, porn, and others.

    “Since that day, I knew I was forgiven. But it was up to me to complete the journey.”

    Tim moved to Athens around the same time and found Mercy Health Center a short time later. A family history with strokes and mental illness has not escaped Tim. These conditions have made it difficult for him to find work. With an upcoming appointment with a specialist, Tim hopes he can have surgery to clean out his carotid artery. Returning to full strength will hopefully mean returning to an active lifestyle. Tim’s “attitude of gratitude” radiated as he shared his journey of struggle. His testimony is one that exemplifies the life changing power of God’s grace. Pray that as Tim continues to form a new outlook on life, his story will serve as inspiration to those he encounters.

  • Meet Jonathon

    Meet Jonathan Patrick. Jonathan was born in Athens and at the age of 12 was placed in the care of foster parents who became his “saving grace.” While Jonathan was taken out of the unhealthy home as a child, separating himself from some of the generational battles has been more difficult. Jonathan has 2 girls who currently live with his mother-in-law. Jonathan wants to love and support his girls more than anything in the world saying, “I don’t want someone to have to intervene to raise my kids.” Jonathan has had leg pain since 2002, and as someone who primarily does physical labor, this has made it difficult to sustain a job. “If I’m not healthy, I can’t do what I need to do to care for my girls” Jonathan has heart to care for his kids. He desperately wants to be a good father. He wants them to know that they are loved.

    As Jonathan continues to learn what it means to be a good father, pray that God would give him strength and the necessary medical treatment to obtain a new found health.

Share your story with us

We would love to hear your story about Mercy, and how it has supported you and transformed your life. Please use the form below to send your story to us. We will contact you and obtain your permission before sharing your story with others.