Our Mission, Values & History
We exist to show God’s love to the world by partnering with others to bring HOPE, HEALING, and RESTORATION to our community through medical care and community development.
We seek to live out this mission by employing and empowering a
staff and leadership dedicated to our core values:
Love
Motivated by Christ’s sacrificial love for us, we look for real life opportunities to share his love with our neighbors.
Service
Dedicated to use the skills God has given us, we work for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual healing of our patients.
Community
Located within the City of Rochester, we pursue health and economic equity for all people and the good of our neighborhoods.
Dignity
Committed to recognize the value of every person, we create a safe space to meet each individual’s needs as uniquely and specifically as possible.
OUR HISTORY
1978
Grace Family Medicine opens as a private practice on Arnett Blvd. in the 19th Ward. Pictured are our founders, Dr. Bill and Susan Morehouse
1980
His Branches, Inc. is established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and continues to develop roots in the community and grow over the next few decades.
2008
Expansion to the Beechwood neighborhood. Opening as Joy Family Medicine, our Beechwood Clinic was and still is located within the Gerhardt Neighborhood Outreach Center on the corner of Bay and Goodman.
2011
His Branches, Inc. begins operating as a New York State Community Health Center.
2012
His Branches, Inc. receives certification as a Patient Centered Medical Home.
2017
Janet Thirlby hired as the Executive Director role as Dr. Bill Morehouse transitions to retirement in 2018.
2018
His Branches, Inc. is designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A-Like.
2020
Addressing the needs of the community during the pandemic, His Branches opens a COVID-19 testing site at the Arnett location. COVID-19 efforts continue into 2021 with the addition of vaccination efforts.
2021
His Branches, Inc. launched an integrated Behavioral Health Program, providing mental health care and counseling to patients.
2021
Mike Weston is named the Executive Director following his term as Interm upon Jan Thirlby’s retirement in October 2020.
2022
Established partnership with Ibero American Action League, supported by FLPPS, to create access to mental health and medical care for the Spanish-speaking community.
