In 2021, Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention (LCSAP) Coalition embarked on a journey launching a project that you now know of as Grace House.

As a 501c3 non-profit director, it is always exciting to see the success come from lots of hard work in a project your team initiated.

I am amazed at how God orchestrated Grace House from a idea to its own stand-alone 501c3 non-profit that is serving children and families across our county and region. 

We at LCSAP Coalition fully support the work of Grace House and look forward to many years of collaborative work ahead making Lawrence County and Tennessee safe, healthy, and drug-free.

Grace House has provided vital support to children and the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) workers who serve them. Recognizing the urgent need for a safe and nurturing environment for children facing crisis situations, the coalition took the initiative to develop this essential resource by mobilizing community support. The result is a well-established, highly respected organization that fills a crucial gap in services.

The importance of Grace House extends beyond Lawrence County. Without this facility, there would be a significant void in meeting the needs of these vulnerable children and providing critical assistance to DCS social workers. The support provided by Grace House ensures that children have a stable and comforting space during times of transition, alleviating some of the stress and trauma they experience.

Grace House has been the answer to the prayers of so many. On a surface level, Grace House has literally put a roof over the heads of otherwise homeless children. But more importantly, Grace House offers children a listening ear, and supportive community. In a world where support can vary, Grace House ensures consistency- in care and services. These children have been provided family style meals, a bed of their own to sleep in, proper shelter and safety, clothing and hygiene products, and an opportunity to continue their education.

Grace House has been a game changer for its over 200 visitors, not only in the moment, but also moving forward in their lives. Particularly for one of my clients, who has been disrupted from her adoptive home, but who found mentors, and a home, through time with a volunteer.

This is more than just a bag…. It’s Grace, Hope, and Love.  Life changes in the blink of an eye.  One minute I was running on the treadmill and the next I was in a DCS office with tons of paperwork to help keep my extended family together.  After the first phone call, I immediately reached out to Nicole Miller directly.  I told her what was happening, and she didn’t hesitate.  She said, “Grace House has you”.  Within an hour, she had a bag full of things to get me thru the night and next day.  I truly don’t know what I would have done if not for Grace House.

One of the biggest questions for youth in foster care can be where am I going to go? Kids and Case managers enter the door of Grace house and immediately are shown love, compassion, and grace. While Grace House has many unique traits one of the most meaningful is their family meal. Grace volunteers understand the importance of connections for the children they serve. Grace House ensures each evening all children and case managers can connect at the family table with a hot meal together.