October Neighbor Story

Eight years ago, Louise* walked through the front door of GraceWorks, not knowing that first step would change her life. 

She had just been released from the county jail with only the clothes on her back with no idea of what to do next. 

 A GraceWorks staffer listened to her story and gave her food and a voucher to the GraceWorks Thrift Store for more clothing. After the conversation, they prayed together for Louise to receive comfort, strength and faith that she could make needed changes in her actions. 

Something clicked in her heart. 

She returned to GraceWorks a few weeks ago with good news and a small request for additional help. She has been living at Oak Cottage, which is a Christ-centered residential home to help formerly incarcerated women re-enter society as productive citizens. 

Louise is working and receiving SSI payments. She will graduate from a sober living program in October and will move to an individualized recovery program in Goodlettsville. She volunteers at GraceWorks full-time. Her volunteer service will increase her SSI payments. 

She needed just a little more help in the meantime. Her hours at her job were cut, and she did not have enough money to pay the next two weeks. She was hesitant to ask for two weeks support, but since GraceWorks provides one month rental support a year for eligible families, she was given enough for four weeks. 

“I am in awe of this full-circle moment, and so thankful for what God has done in my life,” Louise said. “I love and live for Him every day.” 

*To protect our Neighbors’ confidentiality, GraceWorks does not give actual names.