When the Hodgson Lau family first came to Grace Medical Home in February 2023, they were searching for a place where every member of the family could find care and encouragement. What they discovered was more than a clinic—they found a community committed to their health and well-being.
Planting Seeds of Health to Combat Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease
Grace Medical Home has launched an innovative four-year program that addresses the intersection of food insecurity and chronic disease through Culinary Medicine, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation.
One Pot Lentil Soup with Parmesan Recipe
Faithful Healer, Tireless Advocate: Dr. Sherry Brooks Retires from Grace
With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable service of Dr. Sherry Brooks, who retired after 15 years of faithful leadership as Grace Medical Home’s Adult Medical Director.
From the moment she joined Grace, Dr. Brooks became more than a physician—she became a tireless advocate, mentor, and champion for our patients. Guided by compassion, rooted in faith, and driven by excellence, she helped shape Grace into Central Florida’s trusted medical home for those without insurance.
Caring With Grace: Meet Dr. Kathleen Dixon
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kathleen Dixon to the Grace family as our newest Family Medicine staff physician! Dr. Dixon brings not only clinical excellence but also a heartfelt passion for whole-person care. With her rich experience in community health outreach, she is dedicated to helping our patients thrive--body, mind, and spirit.
Eatonville hosts community health event to promote health living and wellness
Click the button below to see Beatriz Oliveira’s story that aired July 23, 2025 on WFTV.
Health, Heart, and Hope in Eatonville
Thank you to everyone who joined us and the Central Florida Black Nurses Association, Inc. in Eatonville this month for our Community Health Talk! And a special thanks to the Winter Park Health Foundation for making this event possible.
Awakened By Grace
For a long time, Mabel faced her health battles alone. Struggling with kidney problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes, she lived each day with uncertainty. Without regular care, her condition worsened. She eventually lost vision in her left eye and found herself relying on emergency room visits at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital just to get by.
8 Summer Foods to Add to Your Diet
8 Summer Foods to Add to Your Diet
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer produce--fresh, delicious, and packed with nutrients to keep you energized and health all season. Including these seasonal foods in your summer meals can help you stay energized, nourished, and feeling your best--just remember to hydrate and keep meals balanced.
Finding His Calling
When Nathan Webb first heard about the Orlando Heart of the City Fellows Program, he didn’t think it was for him. A recent graduate from UNC Chapel Hill with a passion for public health, Nathan was looking for more than just a job—he was searching for purpose.
"I didn’t think there was an intersection between my faith and my education,” Nathan shared. “I thought I had to choose one or the other.”
On Par with Purpose: 12th Spa Invitational Drives Impact for Grace
The 12th Annual Spa Invitational, presented by Orlando Health Women’s Institute, brought together a remarkable community of supporters for a day dedicated to rest, connection, and purpose. This beloved event has become a cornerstone of support for Grace Medical Home’s mission to provide exceptional, whole-person care to uninsured individuals and families in Central Florida.
Welcome, Mary Helen O'Connor, Philanthropy Manager
Please join us in welcoming Mary Helen O’Connor, PhD, as the Philanthropy Manager at Grace Medical Home. Mary Helen O'Connor, PhD, was a teacher and researcher with a focus on uplifting marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by forced migration at Georgia State University for 20 years. Her work in Clarkston, Georgia – known as "the most diverse square mile in America" – led her to a career supporting individuals facing significant disparities in education, income, health, and housing.
Let's Celebrate Grace: A Night of Reflection and Gratitude
On April 24, Grace Medical Home marked a significant milestone—15 years of transforming the health and lives of the uninsured in Central Florida. Hosted under a welcoming tent at Grace, Let’s Celebrate Grace brought together board members, donors, volunteers, patients, and community supporters for an evening filled with joy, gratitude, and inspiration.
A Young Advocate's Gift
Ellie is no stranger to Grace Medical Home. In fact, her recent decision to donate to Grace after winning a school competition is rooted in a deep and personal connection that began years ago.
Ellie has always known about Grace Medical Home. Her mom, Scarlett Stewart Broughton, was the first director of development. From a young age, Ellie was surrounded by the mission and message of Grace, a place where compassionate care and the love of Christ come together to serve those in need. Her connection to Grace goes back to fourth grade, when she organized a popsicle stand and donated the proceeds to Grace. That same year, she also led the morning devotion at the clinic, demonstrating her heart for service even then.
Grace Medical Home In The News
Spectrum News 13 stopped by our recent Community Heath Talk, in partnership with the Central Florida Black Nurses Association and the Winter Park Health Foundation, in Eatonville. Click on the photo above to see the full story.
A Light in the Darkness
Welcome New Board Members, Tim Cook and Tony Jenkins
Grace Medical Home recently welcomed two new members to their Board of Directors: Tim Cook, senior vice president and chief mission integration officer for AdventHealth and Tony Jenkins, Market President, Central Florida Region, for Florida Blue.
Tim Cook, senior vice president and chief mission integration officer for AdventHealth, has over 30 years of leadership experience in church, community, and health care settings, including 25 years with AdventHealth. Previously, he served as CEO of AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and led the launch of The Hope & Healing Center in 2021 to support those struggling with opioid addiction. His leadership spans multiple AdventHealth facilities, including overseeing the construction of AdventHealth Apopka’s new campus. Before health care, he was a pastor and a United Way executive director. Cook holds a master’s in humanities and religion from Andrews University and a bachelor’s in theology from Pacific Union College. He and his wife, Vivian, live in Longwood, Florida, and enjoy making music with their family.
Tony Jenkins is the Market President for Florida Blue’s Central Florida region, where he provides strategic oversight to drive business growth, enhance brand visibility, and foster employee engagement. With a background in Human Resources and Public Relations at CSX Corporation and 20 years in leadership roles at Walt Disney World, he brings extensive experience in hospitality and corporate management. Tony is deeply involved in the Orlando community, serving on multiple boards, including Grace Medical Home and the UCF College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. Recognized for his leadership, he has received numerous accolades, including the Orlando Business Journal’s CEO of the Year and Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Tim’s extensive experience in health care, mission integration, and community service will enrich our work and strengthen our commitment to whole-person care, said Grace’s CEO, Stephanie Nelson Garris. “Tony’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise in business strategy, community engagement, and healthcare innovation will be invaluable. We are honored to have Tim and Tony serve on our board to advance Grace’s mission and expand our impact in Central Florida.”
A Mother and Daughter's Journey of Services
Dr. Neha Doshi never imagined that volunteering at Grace Medical Home would become more than just an extension of her career—it would become a bridge between generations.
After 20 years in medical practice, Neha felt a calling to give back in a new way. “I grew up volunteering and realized I needed to go back to my roots,” she reflects. Finding Grace Medical Home was like coming full circle. Every Thursday, she traded the familiar rush of private practice for the quiet, unwavering mission of Grace—serving those who might otherwise go unseen. “Doctors get to help people every day, but at Grace, I am really making a difference—I feel it in my soul.”
Hope Renewed: A Morning of Prayer and Praise at Grace
Grace Medical Home recently hosted our annual Patient Worship Service, offering an uplifting time of worship, prayer, and encouragement for our community. The event was a beautiful reminder that Jesus cares for every patient, family, and individual who walks through our doors.
The service opened with a heartfelt prayer from Dr. Sherry Brooks, setting the tone for a morning of reflection and hope. The Grace Worship Team led the congregation in powerful songs, including He Calls Me Friend and I Run to the Father, filling the space with melodies of faith and reassurance.
Pastor Omar Cardona delivered an inspiring message, reminding all in attendance of God’s deep love and care. He also extended an invitation to receive prayer, a moment that many embraced, finding comfort and support from our dedicated prayer team members.
A highlight of the service was patient testimonials led by Dr. Marvin Hardy, offering firsthand stories of perseverance, healing, and the impact of compassionate care. These testimonies deeply resonated with those in attendance, reinforcing Grace’s mission.
The event concluded with words of gratitude and a closing prayer from Kirsten Carter, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of faith and encouragement.
We hope that those in attendance left Grace with more than just a program in their hands; they carried with them the peace and promise that Jesus cares for them and that they are not alone.
Grace Wellness Home Recognized by National Community Development Association with 2025 Audrey Nelson Award
The National Community Development Association (NCDA) named the Grace Wellness Home as the recipient of the 2025 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award, which was presented at their Winter/Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 7th. City of Orlando staff accepted the award and delivered a presentation on the partnership and project.
