Inspiration and Vision (2004)
In the summer of 2004, 170 members of Calvary Baptist Church traveled to Arlington, Texas to serve with Mission Arlington, a faith-based nonprofit offering decentralized, community-centered care. Inspired by their model, Calvary members returned to Lexington with a vision to create something similar. As planning began, one critical need emerged: accessible dental care for those without insurance.

Founding Mission Lexington (2005)
At the same time, Faith Lutheran Church was exploring the idea of a free dental clinic. The two churches joined forces and officially incorporated Mission Lexington, Inc. in early 2005. A Board of Directors was formed with members from both congregations. That spring, Mission Lexington launched its first outreach program at Crystal Springs Apartments, offering groceries, clothing, ESL classes, and children’s Bible clubs. This program continued until 2008.

Opening the Dental Clinic (2006)

In June 2006, Mission Lexington opened its first dental clinic in a small building on Limestone Street. Staffed by a part-time coordinator and supported by volunteer dentists, the clinic provided much-needed care to those unable to afford treatment elsewhere.

Expanding through Partnerships (2006–2008)
That fall, Mission Lexington initiated a city-wide conversation by gathering all free clinics in Lexington to assess service gaps. These efforts led to a partnership with Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, whose Adult Free Clinic merged with Mission Lexington in 2008. Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church also joined, contributing significantly to the renovation of a future medical clinic on Trent Boulevard, which opened to patients later that year.

Growing Community Support (2011–2013)
First Presbyterian Church and South Elkhorn Christian Church joined the Board of Directors between 2011 and 2013, further expanding the organization’s community ties. In August 2012, Calvary Baptist Church purchased a new building at 230 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Following major renovations, the medical and dental clinics moved into this central, expanded space in 2013.

Doubling in Size (2013)
That same year, construction of the Newtown Pike Extension led to the demolition of the building that housed Nathaniel Mission’s free clinics. Mission Lexington absorbed Nathaniel’s patients, providers, and staff—doubling in size and transitioning from a part-time to a full-time operation virtually overnight.

Welcoming Faith Pharmacy (2015)
Faith Pharmacy, which had been providing free medication to low-income Kentuckians since 1999, joined Mission Lexington in early 2015 after their previous location was sold. They relocated into the Martin Luther King Blvd. building and officially became part of the organization.

Completing the Circle of Care (2016–2018)
Between 2016 and 2018, Immanuel Baptist Church and the Lexington Roman Catholic Deanery joined the Board. In August 2017, Mission Lexington launched its Vision Clinic in partnership with Stratton Eyes, completing a comprehensive model of care that includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy services.

A New Name for a Growing Mission (2019–Present)
In 2019, the organization officially became Mission Health Lexington to reflect its broad scope and growing impact. Today, Mission Health Lexington provides free, comprehensive healthcare to uninsured adults living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level in Fayette County. What started as a small, faith-driven vision has grown into a trusted healthcare safety net powered by volunteers and supported by a wide network of community partners, churches, and donors. Together, we’re building a healthier Lexington for everyone.