Community Ministry Grants – 2025-2026
Vine Street Christian Church’s Community Ministry Grant program continues to support a wide range of local nonprofit organizations committed to compassion, justice, and the flourishing of our neighbors. This year’s awards total $35,200 across 20 organizations, spanning ministries that address housing insecurity, food access, education, mental health, violence recovery, literacy, maternal support, and re-entry services. The diversity of missions represented demonstrates our congregation’s commitment to caring for the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and community.
Summary of Fund Use by Organization
Alameda Christian Church (DoC) – $1,000
Supporting a community program that provides essential food and relational support for neighbors in need.
GraceWorks – $1,200
Helps fund dental health services for community members who lack access to affordable oral care.
Rest Stop Ministries – $1,500
Supports survivors of human trafficking through wellness programming and therapeutic care.
Open Table Nashville – $1,500
Used to purchase warm winter items for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Nashville Adult Literacy Council – $1,500
General operating support for literacy programs that empower adults with foundational reading and writing skills.
The Mary Parrish Center – $1,500
Funds interpersonal-violence recovery services, including trauma-informed programming and safe housing.
Better Decisions – $1,500
Supports mentor training for women navigating incarceration and re-entry.
Book’em – $1,500
Provides books and literacy support to economically disadvantaged children.
Harvest Hands CDC – $1,500
Funds after-school and youth development programs serving children and teens in South Nashville.
Pathways Kitchen – $1,500
Supports expenses for the community kitchen and meal program.
Ella’s House – $1,500
Supports mothers in crisis pregnancies with stable housing, education support, and wraparound resources.
Pawster Nashville – $1,500
Provides temporary foster pet care for people in crisis, preventing unnecessary pet surrender.
The Branch of Nashville – $1,500
Supports the food pantry and nutrition programming to reduce food insecurity for immigrant and refugee families.
Justice Industries – $1,500
Purchases uniforms and safety equipment for individuals transitioning out of homelessness into employment.
Westminster Home Connection – $8,000
Provides home repairs, accessibility modifications, and safety upgrades for seniors and adults with disabilities, enabling safe, healthy, independent living.
Senior Renaissance Center – $1,500
Funding will strengthen and expand free enrichment programs for older adults—adding weekly arts classes, supporting fair instructor pay, and purchasing tech devices for digital literacy. It will also help launch new intergenerational activities like shared art, tech tutoring, and storytelling programs.
Community Life Bridge – $1,000
Funds will support ongoing maintenance and operating costs for the organization’s wheelchair-accessible van—ensuring safe, affordable transportation for riders who use wheelchairs and helping expand this service to more individuals who can no longer drive.
Urban Housing Solutions – $1,500
Funding will support the Age to Perfection program by covering meals, medical needs, transportation, supplies, and guest facilitators—ensuring more than 50 senior residents can access programming that promotes health, well-being, and community connection.
Insight Counseling – $2,000
Insight Counseling Centers provides affordable, compassionate therapy in Tennessee. Guided by our mission and grounded in respect for each client’s beliefs, we walk alongside individuals, couples, and families through life’s most difficult seasons.
Vanderbilt University Disciples Divinity House - $1,000
The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt is a partner with Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Overall Themes of Fund Use
Across all organizations, funds are being used to:
Strengthen families and children through education, literacy, and mentoring
Address hunger and basic needs including food access, warm clothing, and essential supplies
Support survivors of violence, trafficking, and crisis situations
Advance housing stability and independence for seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from homelessness
Promote holistic well-being through mental health support, trauma recovery, and community wraparound care
Build pathways out of poverty through employment support, skill-building, mentorship, and practical resources