In 1971, Christ United Methodist Church in Ashland Kentucky developed a vision for dealing with the almost-daily requests they were receiving from the poor in Ashland. Realizing that the Christian community can accomplish much more together than separately, the congregation joined forces with several other local United Methodist Churches to form Hillcrest-Bruce United Methodist Ministries. The name came from two large, low-income housing complexes, Hillcrest Apartments and Bruce Apartments, which become home for many of those in need from all over Eastern Kentucky. Banding together, the churches sought to provide not only physical necessities, but also to share the love of Jesus Christ.

With assistance from the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church and the General Board of Global Ministries, the ministry found a home in a donated apartment in the Bruce complex. A Church and Community Worker (domestic missionary) and a number of volunteers provided Sunday School classes and activities for children, teens and women and provided food, clothing and other physical needs. As the residents’ needs and awareness of the mission grew, the Board of Directors realized the necessity of moving to a larger facility.

In 1984 a new 4,000 square foot facility was completed and the ministry first became known as Hillcrest-Bruce Mission. A state-licensed preschool and adult education classes were added to the mission’s offerings, as well as the area’s only low-cost dental clinics. In 2005 the mission was able to purchase, through grant funds, the house adjacent to the mission property and the preschool was moved into that facility, freeing up space for a youth room and adult computer lab. Through the years our programs and staff have grown as more needs are identified. In addition to paid staff, over 80 volunteers contribute their time.