Hendersonville, Tennessee – Grace Place Ministry, a compassionate nonprofit dedicated to helping single mothers and children experiencing homelessness, is embarking on a significant expansion project. Set on a 4.5-acre campus, this expansion in Sumner County is a response to the ever-growing need for shelter and comprehensive services for vulnerable populations.
Officials in Hendersonville have recently given the green light to an amended expansion plan for Grace Place Ministry. The plan is ambitious, encompassing 43 cottage homes in well-designed pocket neighborhoods, a spacious 4,500-square-foot education and office facility, sports courts, playgrounds, and communal areas. This new development will be located on New Shackle Island Rd, poised to become a haven of support and growth for those it serves.
Currently, the nonprofit assists between 12 to 15 women and children annually. However, with the completion of this expansion, they will be able to extend their helping hand to over 70 individuals each year. “The impact will be huge compared to what we’re able to do now,” expressed Desneige VanCleve, the founder and CEO of Grace Place Ministry. This expansion is particularly significant, considering the increasing number of calls for assistance the organization has received. Before 2022, Grace Place handled 150–200 calls a year from single mothers in need. This year, that number has more than doubled, illustrating the urgent necessity of the expansion.
VanCleve shared insights into the changing demographics of the women and children they assist. The organization is seeing a broader spectrum of economic and educational backgrounds among those it helps. “It’s not just our generational poverty families,” VanCleve noted. The rise in housing costs has pushed even those who previously had stable housing into precarious situations. This diversity highlights the evolving challenges faced by single mothers and underscores the vital role of organizations like Grace Place Ministry.
With the expansion, not only will Grace Place double its current program capacity, but it will also introduce a new initiative involving transitional living homes. In these homes, families can reside for two to four years, acquiring essential skills and knowledge to maintain independence post-graduation. Whether it’s learning a trade, saving for a home, or pursuing higher education, the aim is to equip these individuals with lasting assets. “The point is when they leave, they will have a real asset that they can carry with them to leave with their children and their children’s children,” VanCleve emphasized.
Grace Place Ministry aims to commence this groundbreaking project by the summer of 2024. To achieve this, the organization is calling for what VanCleve describes as “radical generosity” from the public. This call to action is not just about financial support; it’s an invitation to be part of a transformative journey that will positively impact lives for generations. For those interested in contributing to this noble cause, more information can be found on their website or by contacting Grace Place Ministry directly at 615-881-3976. This expansion represents a beacon of hope and a step towards a brighter future for many families in need.
