The Strength of a Mother Is Magnified When a Community Shows Up

Mother and child sharing a warm moment together in a safe, supportive transitional housing home
Mothers carry an extraordinary responsibility every day. They nurture, protect, and provide, often while navigating challenges that remain hidden from others. But no mother should have to carry life’s burdens alone. Her strength is magnified when she is surrounded by a community ready to walk alongside her. Through safe housing, supportive relationships, and faithful generosity, we can create an environment where families start a hopeful new chapter together.

Mothers Carry More Than Most People See

Behind many stories of housing instability are mothers doing everything in their power to protect their children. Financial hardship, job loss, or medical crises can quickly place a family in a vulnerable position. Even in the middle of a storm, these mothers continue showing up. They maintain routines to comfort anxious hearts and search tirelessly for solutions that offer a sense of safety, belonging, and stability.

Their strength is often demonstrated in quiet ways through perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. Yet strength does not mean someone should have to navigate hardship alone. Grace Place recognizes that mothers thrive when they are supported through relationships, practical resources, and compassionate community care. 

The Power of a Community That Shows Up

Every transformed life at Grace Place is connected to people who chose to show up. Donors provide resources that help create safe housing and sustainable programming. Volunteers prepare meals, organize donations, mentor families, and support community events. Churches and local partners contribute time, encouragement, and practical assistance that strengthen the program’s impact. 

These acts of service may seem simple, yet they create a powerful support system for mothers and children as they rebuild their lives. Community support communicates something deeply important to families experiencing instability: you are seen, valued, and worthy of care.

Stability Begins with Safe and Supportive Housing

A safe environment allows a family to move beyond immediate survival and start focusing on the future. When a home is stable, children benefit from the emotional security of a consistent routine. Mothers finally have the breathing room to pursue employment goals, sharpen life skills, and rebuild their confidence without the constant fear of displacement. This foundation of safety is where healing and lasting transformation begin.

We saw this transformation firsthand when a mother shared that, for the first time in months, her children slept through the night without fear. That peace wasn’t just about a roof over their heads; it was about the safety of a place they could finally call home.

Volunteers Help Create a Nurturing Environment

Volunteers play a vital role in the daily activities at Grace Place. Their involvement fosters a welcoming environment where families can find encouragement and connection. Meal teams provide nourishment and a chance for mothers to take a break while managing their responsibilities. Donation volunteers help organize clothing, household items, and essential supplies that support families as they work towards rebuilding their stability. Mentors and community partners offer guidance and encouragement throughout this journey.

These acts of service help reduce isolation and remind families that people genuinely care about their well-being. Children also experience the impact of community involvement. Positive interactions with caring adults foster trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Faith-Based Support Rooted in Compassion

Grace Place’s mission is shaped by a Christ-centered foundation that values dignity, restoration, and compassionate care. Our work is shaped by compassion, prayer, and a deep belief in the dignity and worth of every woman and child. 

Volunteers, donors, and community partners often view their involvement as an opportunity to live out their faith through practical acts of service and encouragement. Faith-based support extends beyond material assistance. It creates a culture where hope is nurtured, relationships are strengthened, and families are reminded that they are not alone. Participation in spiritual activities remains encouraged but never required, ensuring families feel respected and welcomed throughout their journey.

Every Contribution You Make Matters at Grace Place

Supporting a mother means investing in the well-being of her children, her future, and the generations that follow. It creates opportunities for families to move from crisis toward confidence and long-term independence. Many people wonder how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families experiencing housing instability. A financial gift can help provide stable housing and essential services. Volunteering time can create moments of encouragement and connection. Community partnerships can expand access to opportunities and resources that strengthen families. Each contribution becomes part of a larger story of restoration and hope.

At Grace Place, we create a supportive community for mothers, believing in their potential and walking alongside them as they work to rebuild stability. With donor support, volunteer service, and faith-based compassion, families are given opportunities to heal, grow, and achieve lasting independence. 

Are you ready to walk alongside a mother and change a family’s story? Visit our Ways to Give page today. Your support is the bridge from crisis to an independent future.

Your Generosity Opens the Door to New Beginnings. 

Ryann VanCleve

Campus Assistant

Ryann serves as Grace Place’s Campus Assistant, where she helps create a welcoming, supportive environment for the families we serve each day. She enjoys assisting with campus operations, preparing spaces for families and children, and jumping in wherever an extra set of hands is needed.
Having grown up alongside Grace Place since its earliest days, Ryann has watched the ministry grow from an idea in her mother’s heart into a community that empowers single mothers and their children toward healthy, safe, and independent lives. Today, she considers it a privilege to be part of that mission herself.
Ryann’s favorite part of her role is building relationships with our families and children. Her compassionate heart, joyful spirit, and genuine excitement for every milestone make her a valued member of the Grace Place team. She is especially passionate about helping ensure that every family who walks through our doors feels seen, welcomed, and loved.

jonica Farmer

Executive Assistant

Jonica joined Grace Place in July 2026 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She manages all aspects in the office that keep things running behind the scenes. She has many years of previous executive assistant and management experience, with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn. She is actually a former Grace Place mom that successfully graduated from the program in 2023, going on to purchase her own home in 2025. This provides her with even more of an eagerness to thrive in her role to help mothers and children in similar situations she experienced. Jonica spends her down time with her four children and two grandchildren. She also loves leading worship and small group in Celebrate Recovery.

Linda Lundstrom

Campus Coordinator

Married to college sweetheart 3 children, 2 dogs, 1 bearded dragon and 1 axolotl Graduate Indiana University of Pennsylvania Degrees in Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education Enjoys cooking, reading, and shopping Started with Grace Place in 2025 as a part time staff member, promoted to Campus Coordinator.

Martie Burnett 

Martie’s real estate journey began in 2004 when she joined her husband Matt to lead the residential sales division, and she hasn’t looked back since. Over the past two decades, she has built a reputation as one of the top brokers in Middle Tennessee, earning the trust of countless clients through her unwavering commitment to exceptional service and her ability to represent every client and property with the utmost care and professionalism.

 

Together, Martie and Matt have grown what started as a real estate practice into a thriving family of businesses spanning real estate, roofing, and construction, a testament to their shared drive, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their integrated approach means clients benefit from a rare depth of expertise across every stage of buying, selling, and building a home.

 

Outside of the office, Martie is a proud mother of three and a devoted wife whose warmth and enthusiasm for life are impossible to miss. When she finally steals a moment away, you’ll find her surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the water and everything that comes with a good meal and great company.

Matt Denney

Advisory

A native of Hendersonville, Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Tennessee before returning in 2005 to begin his career as a CPA in Nashville.   He honed his skills serving privately held businesses for national and regional firms until January 2021 when he joined Davis, Brown & Company PLLC as a partner.  He has a broad range of experience serving clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, retail, non-profit, and real estate industries.

 

Matt has always been passionate about serving and contributing to the success of nonprofits that cater to the needs of families.  During his career he has served on the boards of or volunteered for organizations focused on foster care, family welfare, and homeless youth.  In addition to shifting focus to the business needs of Sumner County it was also his intent to find local organizations that are benefitting his home community.  He is enthusiastic about dedicating his skills and passion to help further the mission of Grace Place and make a meaningful impact in this area.

 

Matt resides in Gallatin with his wife (Lindsay) and three children (Caroline, Andrew, and Luke).