Our Mission, Values & History


We exist to show God’s love to the world to bring HOPE, HEALING, and RESTORATION to our community through medical care and community development by providing quality, whole-person care that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, practical, and spiritual needs of each patient.


 We seek to live out this mission by employing and empowering a
staff and leadership dedicated to our core values:

 
Our Icons-10.png
 

Love

Motivated by Christ’s sacrificial love for us, we look for real life opportunities to share his love with our neighbors.

 
 
Our Icons-11.png
 

Service

Dedicated to use the skills God has given us, we work for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual healing of our patients.

 
 
Our Icons-12.png
 

Community

Located within the City of Rochester, we pursue health and economic equity for all people and the good of our neighborhoods.

 
 
Our Icons-09.png
 

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.

Woman Painting Love Your Neighbor Mural
 

OUR HISTORY

1978

Two women standing outside a storefront with brown awning and large window display, in an urban area.

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

Black and white photo of five people standing outside on an urban sidewalk, in front of a building with large windows and an awning.

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

Street view of a brick building with a grand opening banner and colorful pennants, with two parked cars in front.

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

Street view of a brick building with a sign that reads "His Branches," surrounded by trees with leafy branches shading the sidewalk. The building has large windows, some with glass display cases, and a sidewalk with a curb and parked cars passing by.

His Branches, Inc. begins operating as a New York State Community Health Center.

2012

Recognition badge for NCQA, indicating recognition as a patient-centered medical home.

His Branches, Inc. receives certification as a Patient Centered Medical Home.


2017

An elderly man and woman smiling outdoors, with tents and other people in the background.

Janet Thirlby hired as the Executive Director role as Dr. Bill Morehouse transitions to retirement in 2018.

2018

A brick building with a sidewalk, blooming tree, and a window display with colorful balloons and streamers.

His Branches, Inc. is designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-A-Like.

2020

Healthcare worker in protective gear administers a COVID-19 test to a person in a car at a drive-thru testing site, with a sign displaying safety instructions including staying in the car, wearing masks, and following directions.

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

A woman sitting on a tan leather couch, wearing a white sweater, black pants, gold hoop earrings, and a black face mask. She is smiling and talking to another person who is partially in the frame. The background has a teal wall with two framed prints, one reading 'Smile on the things' and the other 'Love Mercy.' There is a green potted plant on the floor nearby.

His Branches, Inc. launched an integrated Behavioral Health Program, providing mental health care and counseling to patients.

2021

Man with glasses, smiling, wearing a dark blue polka dot shirt, standing outdoors in front of a brick wall with green ivy, and partially visible text in the background.

Mike Weston is named the Executive Director following his term as Interm upon Jan Thirlby’s retirement in October 2020.


2022

Group of ten people standing outdoors on a colorful patterned sidewalk with a historic church in the background, some wearing masks, on a sunny day.

Established partnership with Ibero American Action League, supported by FLPPS, to create access to mental health and medical care for the Spanish-speaking community.

Side-by-side comparison of a vintage black-and-white photo from 1978 with a modern group photo from 2023 at a community health center celebrating 45 years, featuring diverse people in outdoor setting.

2023

Celebrated 45 years!