History & Mission

A Vision Born from Community Need

The story of Hands of Hope began in 1995 when Janet Turner, serving in a door-to-door food ministry in Stockbridge, encountered countless families without access to medical or dental care. Guided by her Christian faith and a deep sense of compassion, she imagined a place where neighbors in need could receive dignified, comprehensive care.

Janet brought together local churches, civic leaders, and healthcare professionals to build Henry County’s first charitable clinic — a place founded on compassion, service, and hope.
Her vision became reality in 2004, when Hands of Hope Clinic welcomed its first patient at McDonough Presbyterian Church. What began as a grassroots, volunteer-led effort quickly grew into a lifeline for hundreds of residents with nowhere else to turn.

In 2004, Janet’s dream was realized when Hands of Hope Clinic welcomed its first patient at McDonough Presbyterian Church. As the demand for services grew, so did the clinic. In 2015, through a transformative partnership with Piedmont Henry Hospital, the clinic expanded its capacity significantly, transitioning to a fully staffed, full-time clinic at its current location on the hospital campus.

Rooted in Compassion. Growing in Hope.

Hands of Hope Clinic was founded in 2004 with one purpose: to ensure every adult in Henry County has access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.
As the county’s only charitable medical, dental, and mental health provider, we serve uninsured residents ages 18–64 who fall outside Medicare, Medicaid, and VA coverage. Our mission is simple and unwavering — to promote community well-being by providing access to quality, compassionate healthcare to uninsured residents of Henry County.

Our vision reflects the heart of our work:
A community where every individual has equal access to healthcare.

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Growing to Meet the Need

In 2015, a transformative partnership with Piedmont Henry Hospital allowed Hands of Hope to expand into a fully staffed clinic on the hospital campus. This move increased access, stability, and capacity — enabling us to offer a wider range of services and reach more patients each year.

Today, we continue to provide holistic, wraparound healthcare, offering medical, dental, and mental health counseling under one roof. This model allows us to address the whole person — body, mind, and smile — and break down barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the care they need.

20 Years of Impact

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we reflect on the thousands of lives touched through compassionate care. Since opening our doors:

• 6,300+ patients have received care
• 30,000+ visits have been provided
• Countless individuals have found restored health, stability, and hope

Our work is made possible through the dedication of volunteer providers, community partners, generous donors, and a committed team of staff. Together, we extend hope to those who otherwise would have none.

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to the Future

Guided by our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, Hands of Hope Clinic is focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and building long-term sustainability so we can serve even more of our neighbors in need.
In the years ahead, we are committed to:

• Increasing the number of patients served
• Growing our medical, dental, and mental health programs
• Strengthening our volunteer and provider network
• Enhancing community awareness of available services
• Building a stronger, more diverse base of financial support
• Continuously improving the quality and reach of our care

Hands of Hope Clinic remains devoted to bringing healing, dignity, and hope to the uninsured residents of Henry County — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.