Our Mission

“God dwells wherever there is love, shown especially by courageous and compassionate care for the weak and the poor.” — Pope Francis

We provide the best health services possible to all who ask, at no charge and guided by two fundamental principles: one-on-one compassionate care, and respect for the dignity of every person, born and unborn. Relying entirely on the gifts of volunteers and benefactors, this ministry serves the poor under the auspices of the Rose Garden Home Mission of the Franciscan Daughters of Mary and in union with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Our Vision

All who come here in need of hope and healing will receive free professional help, regardless of race, age, sex, religion, or employment status.

Our Work

Welcome to the healing services of friendly professionals, free of charge at the Center for Hope and Healing. Please tell us how we can help!

What hurts? What's the problem? What's on your mind? Come on in, for hope of a brighter tomorrow.

Our state-licensed facility is the only free primary care clinic in Northern Kentucky serving uninsured and under-insured indigent men, women, and children. All receive professional healthcare here at no charge. We have helped thousands of families and individuals, all impoverished and primarily from racial and ethnic minorities. Medical translators are available.

Our Funding

Our services rely 100% on volunteers and donations, including grants from foundations concerned with the health and social betterment of underprivileged and marginalized individuals and groups. We are grateful for all those who support the well-being of this region's neediest individuals and families through our work.

Because of our commitment to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church without exception, we do not accept government funding and its restrictions. This frees us to support the life and the dignity of everyone we encounter, born and unborn, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or employment status. Nor do we deal with insurance companies, which allows us to practice "slow medicine," giving all the time needed to put patients at ease and ensure that everyone understands the issue, the best care plan, and the next steps going forward.

Despite our frugality, standard-of-care procedures carry costs that rise every year, so the benefactors who help fund our mission are life-savers. God bless you all!

2023 Overview

During 2023, more than 30 health professionals saw

• 285 medical patients at 771 appointments;
• 67 dental patients at 126 appointments;
• 439 individuals at 1,024 visits to the weekly health ministry station near the Mission's food pantry and family resource center.

See the Medical Clinic and Dental Clinic pages for details of services offered.

What Patients Say

Dental and medical patient surveys confirm high satisfaction with our facilities, staff, and services. A few quotes:

"You made me feel like a real person."

"I work but cannot afford insurance. This place is wonderful. It is the first time I have been able to see a doctor regularly in 3 years. Thank you to all of the people that work here."

"Thank you for being wonderful and caring. I love all of you and wish you all the best. Thank you for helping me get on track with my health. God bless all of you."

"The dentist was very kind and informative. No pain! I'm fortunate to be a patient! Thank you all very much."

"Super friendly and organized. Everything is just perfect. Keep doing the good work for humanity."

"They take time with each person and fully explain everything to you. They are caring, compassionate, and truly gifted. I cannot say enough about our clinic."

Affiliations, Accreditation & Recognitions

The Rose Garden Center for Hope and Healing received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2010. Our facility is state licensed for ambulatory primary care services. All professional staff members are fully credentialed; other volunteers must be enrolled with Virtus, the Catholic Diocese of Covington's protective program for minors and dependent adults.

The Center is a member of the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC). In 2021, 2022, and 2023 we earned the NAFC's Gold ranking, representing the highest achievement in administration, policies, and breadth and delivery of patient services.

Sheila Carroll, founder and Executive Director, was named one of ten Cincinnati Enquirer Women of the Year in 2019 for achieving her vision of bringing hope and healing to the poor here at the Rose Garden Home Mission — success for which she thanks God and all our benefactors.