Light Orlando Lunch and Learn: Spotlight on Grace Medical Home
- Amanda Selby
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
On Wednesday, May 7th, Light Orlando had the privilege of hosting our monthly Lunch and Learn at Grace Medical Home, a place where faith and healthcare come together to serve the most vulnerable in our community.
\Light Orlando Lunch and Learn
Our Lunch and Learn series creates space for non-profit and religious leaders and organizations across Central Florida to connect, share insights, and explore how we can work together to address pressing social challenges. This month’s session highlighted the incredible impact Grace Medical Home is making by providing a true “medical home” for uninsured and low-income residents of Orange County.
Grace Medical Home: Reflecting the Heart of Christ
Grace Medical Home was founded on a simple but powerful mission: “To be a medical home reflecting the heart of Christ by offering the highest level of health care to those in our community who need it most.”
For more than 15 years, Grace has been serving as a hub of hope for patients who otherwise would have no access to consistent medical care.
The need is immense
Did you know?
Over 161,000 people in Orange County are uninsured and face significant barriers to care. Grace stands in the gap, ensuring patients not only receive medical treatment, but also support for their emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.
What Makes Grace Different
A medical home isn’t just a clinic, it’s an approach to healthcare that provides continuous, comprehensive care. At Grace, patients build ongoing relationships with providers who know their history and coordinate every aspect of their care.
Their model is holistic, bringing together:
Primary care for adults and children
Specialty care in over 35 medical fields
Dental care, lab services, and x-rays
Mental health counseling
Spiritual care volunteers
Nutrition support and a food pantry
Social service connections
No one is ever turned away for inability to pay. Patients contribute through a small registration fee and discounted flat fees, ensuring dignity and access for all.
Community Impact by the Numbers
In 2024 alone, the impact was remarkable:
16,099 patient encounters
1,775 dental visits
42,065 volunteer hours from nearly 500 volunteers
2,125 food bags distributed
$3.4 million worth of medications donated
$13.2 million in total value of care delivered
Since opening in 2010, Grace has served over 5,000 patients, reducing ER visits and providing millions of dollars in donated care.
The typical Grace patient is employed and working, often in industries like construction, hospitality, housekeeping, and retail; but living below the poverty line without health coverage. Nearly 80% face risk factors for heart disease, and 77% have never had a regular doctor before coming to Grace.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Grace Medical Home began with a vision sparked by local physicians who, after serving on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, realized Orlando had the same urgent need for comprehensive healthcare among the underserved.
Their idea quickly gained momentum, bringing together healthcare professionals, business leaders, and community members, all united by faith and the desire to serve. With the support of countless volunteers and donors, Grace became a reality in 2008 and officially opened its doors in 2010.
As Dr. Marvin Hardy of Grace Medical Home shares: “Those who are poor, yet created in God’s image, are not receiving the same quality of health care as others of greater means. In order to adequately meet the needs of the underserved, Grace must continue to be a high-quality, comprehensive medical home that is fully reliant on Christ and reflects his character.”
Touring Grace: A Glimpse Into Compassionate Care
During our Lunch and Learn, we had the opportunity to tour Grace Medical Home’s facility and witness their model of care firsthand, from medical treatment stations to dental and counseling rooms. Each space reflected not only clinical excellence but also the compassion and dignity that patients receive.
Moving Forward, Delivering Hope, Together
Grace Medical Home’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when faith, vision, and community unite. At Light Orlando, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from their mission and to explore how, together, we can continue delivering hope across Central Florida.
For more about Grace Medical Home, or to learn how you can get involved as a patient, volunteer, or supporter- visit the Grace Medical Home website.
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