Founded in November 2022, Sharing God’s Goodness is a local giving circle benefitting the African American community. The giving circle supports the “small gems” of our community – ministries who are transforming lives on a shoestring budget, often operating with a team of volunteers and partial staff. The members of the Sharing God’s Goodness granted a total of $70,000 to eight local ministries in the 2024 Grant Cycle.
The leaders of the ministries receiving support this year either made their dreams happen on their own, sought the help of their pastor and church members, or are pastors themselves. They are well equipped with the skills to enter a variety of careers but instead have chosen to follow their passion to minister, serve, and support their community. All have encouraged others to join them to make their dreams reality. Common characteristics: determination, tenacity, and dependance on God the Father for the strength to get them through the challenges of starting and sustaining a ministry.
The eight 2024 recipient ministries were nominated by a member of the Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle, someone personally connected to them who knows their heart for and commitment to their work. Each of these ministries is African American led. The 2024 recipients are:
Alpha and Omega Outreach, Inc., Founder/Director: Wanda Officer
Established in 2000, Alpha and Omega is a dynamic ministry for kids and teens throughout the Chattanooga area that provides biblically-based mentorship and training.
Changing Direction for Success, Director: Gerry Davis
A faith-based ministry designed to be the hands and feet of Jesus in real life, Changing Direction for Success offers practical ways that deter area youth from taking a destructive life path.
Chattanooga Purpose Center of Orchard Park Seventh-day Adventist Church,
Director: Charlotte Brand; Pastor: Troy Brand
The mission of the Chattanooga Purpose Center is to empower the local community by demonstrating God’s Love and sharing the gospel through a variety of services and programs.
Got Her Covered, Founder: Jenny Vassell
Got Her Covered ministry is committed to increasing access to feminine hygiene care, through providing care packages, cultivating social initiatives, mobilizing helpers, and innovating sustainable resolutions that will shatter stigmas and limitations that are caused by period poverty among women and girls in need.
Hamilton County Marriage Initiative (HCMI), Leader: Pastor James E. Jones, Stoney Point Baptist Church
Organized in late 2022, Hamilton County Marriage Initiative (HCMI) is led by local ministry leaders, missionaries, pastors, community leaders, and media personalities to significantly reduce the divorce rate in churches in North Hamilton County by 2026.
Messiah’s Table at Washington Hills United Methodist Church: Pastor Terryl James
Messiah’s Table is an impactful outreach program offering training in the culinary arts to children who attend Washington Hills Methodist Church and the nearby Washington Hills Community Center.
R.E.S.T. of Chattanooga: Relief, Empower, Strength to Triumph, Founder: Wendy Sheppard
Established as a non-profit in 2023, R.E.S.T. was born out of a profound recognition of the need for sustainable resources to address the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Purpose Outreach Center - “UnPlug”, Executive Director: Mark Butler
The Purpose Outreach Center sponsors “UnPlug”, a program and curriculum developed by the center, that focuses on the critical need for social media “first aid” and harm reduction.
The Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle is hosted by The Generosity Trust, a local donor-directed foundation that empowers Christian generosity. For information on joining this local collaborative giving effort, Sharing God’s Goodness, contact The Generosity Trust at 423-266-5257 or email maria@thegenerositytrust.org. Together, we can make an impact throughout our community.