Project Connect Nashville Winter 2020 Newsletter

WINTER â?„ 2020

Newsletter

Breaking the poverty cycle through relationship, resources, and education.

ProjectConnectNashville.org

I Predict 2020: Hope Happens Here I’m writing this newsletter on election day 2020. I will not know which candidate will win before I submit this to our editorial staff to meet printing deadlines. I know that today many of my friends are worried about the future and are holding out hope on this election. But no matter who wins, we need to remember that as humans, we are poor predictors of the future (see our list of historic 2020 prediction fails on the back of this newsletter). But here’s my best prediction, and I think this is one you can bank on: that despite us, our imperfect systems, our political differences and even idolatries, God will still be in control. Our outlook, as followers of Christ, is that we need to look more to what God has already made clear about Himself than what we don’t know about the future. What can we look forward to and predict in 2021? No matter what candidate or party wins we can be aware of this: Hope in the Gospel. May we put our trust in Him and not in systems.

Speaking of poor predictions—our board, administration, staff, and consultants completely missed the mark on our 2020 budgetary goals, our funding needs, and our growth expectation for 2020.

We had no idea that the world would become a difficult place for so

Help us reach our goal of

$125,000!

Give today to support families in PCN’s programming.

many. We did not know that PCN staff would be thrust into first responder mode of tornado relief (which we are still involved in.) We did not plan to provide COVID relief to the elderly, disabled and families with “at risk” children, serving over 45,000 hot meals in the North Nashville community since March. We did not predict the high rate of joblessness that would impact our city and the great need of financial assistance that many would find themselves in. The only correct prediction that we made was that we would grow our regular work of housing, employment, education and trauma-informed care at our Madison and Woodbine sites.

We had no idea we would have such a vital role in helping our churches and neighbors through such a difficult time in our history. But God did! He has provided through you without us even having to ask. What a blessing you are to us!

We continue to be grateful! God’s people showed up and gave us what we needed to serve in the ways that we needed to serve. In order to continue this good work that God has you and PCN partnering in, we have to be able to fund that mission. Just like the end of every year, we come to you, our partners, and ask you to step out in faith and fund the mission God has before us. This year, our campaign is to raise $125,000 by the end of 2020. We pray that you will consider how you can help us fund this Kingdom Building Work. Blessings to you!

PS. In 2020, our clients got jobs and kept them! To my knowledge all of them.

God is good!

—Alan Murdock

A New Counselor in Madison:

Dr. Frank Scott

| by Barb Smith

“Everybody has a story and everybody can benefit by telling their story and being heard,” says Dr. Frank Scott, a Licensed Professional Counselor who is volunteering his services twice a week at our Madison location. When referred by a connection manager, clients spend time with Dr. Scott, confidentially discussing their past hurts, current struggles and future goals. Basically, they are building a relationship with someone who cares and wants them to find healing and to know that they matter.

IMAGO DEI “IN HIS IMAGE”

I.D. Recovery | by Zach Bevill

For years, Project Connect Nashville has been walking alongside individuals in various stages of addiction recovery. As helpful as twelve-step recovery meetings can be, we also continued to see the need for a 12-step-based and Jesus-centered program that could be incorporated into PCN programming. This led to the recent development of ID Recovery by a committee that included staff members, PCN clients, licensed counselors, and church partners. ID Recovery stands for “Imago Dei” Recovery and is centered around recovering our lost identities as image bearers of God. Casundra, our Office & Outreach Coordinator, helps lead ID Recovery and has this to say about it:

“The need is great, and the diversity is exciting,” said Dr. Scott. “Adding client counseling to the ministry of PCN brings a deeper level of assistance that some people really need as they navigate the path to restoration. Sometimes through Trauma Healing or other PCN classes, a client may become aware of an area of their life that needs to be further explored and meeting with a counselor can be very helpful.”

“ID Recovery is a group of people looking for hope, sobriety, and healing found in Jesus, and is open to any individual looking for support, not just those with addictions.

We come from different social classes and have different struggles such as drugs, eating, sex, and gambling addictions, and also trauma and broken relationships that have led to isolation, shame, and lost identity. We meet weekly to share honestly about our experiences, and to listen to others share about theirs. While our experiences and struggles are different, we are united around the hope we have found in Jesus. PCN has created ID Recovery as a safe and sacred space for people to come and experience the freedom that comes from seeking Jesus Christ together.”

During this pandemic, the overall demand for counseling has been on the rise but many professionals are limited to telehealth options. At PCN, safety measures are taken to protect clients, staff and volunteers as they visit the office for in-person meetings. Dr. Scott agrees that this one-onone experience is a blessing.

As with all of our programs, volunteers from the church are essential. If you would like to come join ID Recovery to share your experience, strength, and hope in Jesus, we would love to have you!

Dr. Scott was grateful to discover this new opportunity for ministry in his hometown. His favorite scripture verse is Romans 8:28 because he knows that God is always involved and always taking care of us, and sometimes he works through us as we help others.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

– Proverbs 27:17

“I find every story intriguing and my strength as a counselor is to help people find their strengths and learn to use them,” said Dr. Scott, who was born and raised in Madison. As a retired professor from Lipscomb University who has spent over 40 years in ministry, Dr. Scott is excited to be volunteering at a Christian ministry like PCN because during counseling, conversations naturally become discussions of faith and opportunities for prayer which most clients welcome. He said his first two months of working with PCN clients have been so rewarding. He hopes that other licensed counselors would consider volunteering so that clients can be seen at all PCN locations.

SHARE THE HOPE!

Give to our “Hope Happens Here” campaign today @ ProjectConnectNashville.org!

Madison

James:

Succeeding through Community

| by Angel Pyrz

“You led me in the right direction, and I’m okay.” When James graduated from Work Life in October, he thanked his friend Austin Finney for telling him about PCN almost a year ago. To say that this year has been a difficult one for James would be an understatement, but he is full of thankfulness for the way that the community of PCN has walked beside him as he has fought through it.

Despite his difficult journey this year, the staff of PCN describes James as joyful, charismatic, and strong. He came to PCN just before the tornado destroyed his house in March because he knew that he needed to make some positive changes in his life.

But at PCN, he found support through more difficulties than any of us could have anticipated.

Shortly after the tornado, his wife Kimberly was diagnosed with cancer when she was hospitalized for a head injury after a debilitating fall. Along with their two children, ages 5 and 9, the family began fighting this battle as well.

It was difficult, but James kept leaning into his new friends at PCN and reaching out for support. He also found respite in helping others. “I did what God put on my heart to do,” James said. By reaching out to fellow North Nashville neighbors during the tornado aftermath, James saw many people who also needed to experience a community of encouragement and support, and he was able to look beyond his own problems and help others. It has helped him cope.

This summer, James’ “better half” lost her battle with cancer and he has deeply missed her as he has continued to meet his goals including graduation from Work Life and getting back to work. Although he often smiles, he says, “It’s not the smile that I wanna give,” because Kimberly is not by his side to celebrate these achievements.

Through the Work Life class, James received resume and interview assistance, and he got a job with Justice Industries. He picks up glass for recycling and loves that he gets to ride and talk with co-workers.

James appreciates that his new employers are understanding and they want to work with him and help him to succeed. We also know that Justice Industries appreciates PCN Work Life graduates because they have hired several of them.

James says, “I’m thankful that I’m not the person that I used to be. I want to give back if I can. I can tell you that God’s got you.” But he also admits that he gets depressed and irritated easily because he is still grieving the loss of his wife. He is working hard at being content but he knows that the holidays will be hard.

Despite his difficult year, and maybe because of it, when you ask him about PCN, he says, “It’s a gift from heaven. It’s a beautiful thing. I never thought that I could find an organization that could be so caring.” He is grateful to be here, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to walk beside him through this year. His strength is an encouragement to our community!

Madison

Woodbine

North Nashville

1996 MEALS SERVED

345 MEALS SERVED

45,000

143 PEOPLE IN

40 PEOPLE IN

CLASSES

CLASSES

73 FAMILIES ASSISTED WITH HOUSING

50 FAMILIES ASSISTED WITH HOUSING

45 FAMILIES ASSISTED

6 FAMILIES ASSISTED

WITH COVID RELIEF

WITH COVID RELIEF

275 FOOD BOXES DISTRIBUTED

100 FOOD BOXES DISTRIBUTED

HOT MEALS SERVED

1,000 PRODUCE BOXES DISTRIBUTED 2,200 NON-PERISHABLE FOOD BOXES DISTRIBUTED

| by Stephanie Law

Disaster and tragedy hit when the tornado made its way to Miss Anne’s North Nashville neighborhood in March.

Residents found themselves among piles of debris, damaged roofs, shattered windows, and broken hearts. Miss Anne’s first experience with PCN was very memorable: “One thing I can say about them is they were always willing and wanted to see what you needed and supply your need,” she said. She was in disbelief by how many volunteers arrived from different cities to help clean up, and how dedicated everyone was to ensure the aftermath of the tornado was as pain-free as possible for those affected. The undertaking of the unexpected challenges that arose in front of her eyes was inspiring and ignited Miss Anne’s yearning to participate with PCN and contribute to their mission.

“She’s an old warrior,” says dear friend and neighbor Ollie McCaskill. “And there ain’t too many around. I respect my elders, and I appreciate them very much.” Ollie says Miss Anne is well known around their North Nashville neighborhood as a kindhearted, genuine, and sincere soul -- a special kind of individual who dedicates her time to helping others in need.

Miss Anne has not missed a beat since her move to the neighborhood 40 years ago. She enjoyed the bond with her two sons, Darryl and Marcus, so much that she then adopted four girls, Agnes, Mary Jordan, Evelyn and Latrelle, all of whom she met at Church. Because after all, family, faith, and close relationships play a part in who she is today.

Miss Anne’s aligned path with Project Connect Nashville was no coincidence, and she has made tremendous efforts to help the organization out, one caring step at a time!

Thanks to the aid of PCN, Miss Anne was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel after the tornado, and most importantly, keep her energy sustained in helping people, because that is just in her nature. Her experience with PCN has been hopeful, and she believes in inspiring and encouraging others who are considering getting involved. “I would tell them to go ahead and join them! That it’s a good organization because they are helping people…you cross the street to see how the others live.”

After 88 years around the sun, Miss Anne continues to leave her mark and shine her bright, positive light around her North Nashville neighborhood. She finds comfort in her busy schedule, whether it’s Bible Study, going to Church, or fixing and delivering lunches. “If I could help somebody, then my living’s not in vain.”

“It would be nice if there were more people like Miss Anne,” said Ollie. At PCN, we wholeheartedly agree!

Woodbine

North Nashville

Miss Anne

Honored to Grow a Community Together in Christ | by Emma Raasch

“Our PCN brothers and sisters are showing us how to be authentic, transparent, and honest with ourselves and one another on Sunday mornings,” said Doug Jones, Campus Minister for The Church at Woodbine. Since many PCN clients have started attending Sunday morning services, singing in the choir, and even moving toward membership it has brought significance and joy to the congregation. Doug said, “It’s a HUGE honor for the Woodbine congregation to be able to partner with PCN.” Darby is one of those clients seeking membership at Woodbine. You might recognize his name because he is in his 2nd year of PCN programming!

Darby has been actively pursuing a relationship with God for years and has joyfully taken advantage of all the opportunities that PCN has to offer. He is now thankful to call The Church at Woodbine part of his community as well. “It is evident that God has been putting people in my life to pretty consistently draw me out and challenge me in my faith,” says Darby, who is taking a class at Woodbine called “The Holiness of God” and is learning about all the aspects of God: His grace, His love, and His forgiveness. He says, “I am continuously learning what it means to have a relationship with Jesus and proclaim Him as my Savior!”

At PCN, we are so thankful for the way that The Church at Woodbine has welcomed our clients into their community and is encouraging them in their walk with Christ. That is what Project Connect is all about! Watching PCN clients explore ways of becoming members, participating in small groups, and creating friendships is a constant reminder of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. We consider it a blessing to watch as a community is being formed between PCN clients and the Woodbine congregation.

GET CONNECTED! Sign up to deliver meals to North Nashville or provide food for our Madison or Woodbine site.

Steve Guthrie

Connecting through Serving One Saturday morning I prayed, “Lord, please give me opportunities to serve my local community.”

The following Monday morning, I was skimming through a weekly email from my employer, Belmont University, that included an invitation to faculty and staff to help deliver meals. An organization called Project Connect Nashville was providing food and essential supplies for families in North Nashville affected by the recent tornadoes. It was just one item on a list of announcements, and I ordinarily would have continued scrolling down the page. I have a deep-seated aversion to knocking on strangers’ doors (a reluctance which meant I nearly flunked out of an Evangelism course I was required to take in seminary); so the prospect of going house-to-house in an unfamiliar part of town didn’t necessarily awaken a powerful sense of call within me. But as I moved on to the next news item, I remembered the prayer I had prayed a few days before. “Didn’t you ask for opportunities to serve?” Yes – I guess I had, so I signed up for one of the volunteer slots.

I’ve never asked anyone what the “connect” in Project Connect Nashville refers to officially. In my case, delivering meals meant a much more immediate connection to a part of town that I hadn’t known very well before – following my GPS from street to street with a cardboard box of hot meals in the back seat. It meant being connected to a natural disaster that hadn’t really touched

my own neighborhood, even though I only lived 15 minutes or so away from North Nashville. It meant being connected, even if in only a small way, to some of what God was doing to meet the needs of my neighbors.

I was getting a front row seat to the church’s work in my city.

But the couple of hours each week I spent delivering meals were a “connection” in another sense as well. Through those little bits of volunteering, I learned about the many other services and opportunities offered by PCN. In the subsequent months, I’ve attended potlucks, served as an “ally” in two Work Life classes, and attended graduation services for Work Life graduates. My son, Noah, helped with a construction day, and over the last few weeks, I’ve joined Belmont students in leading Sunday evening worship services in Madison.

This trail of new opportunities and further experiences has been an encouragement to me as I’ve reflected on these last few months.

The various activities, relationships, and interactions I’ve enjoyed through Project Connect have arisen, not by being perfectly suited for one particular service opportunity (“meal delivery driver”), but just by being available. Connection happens by being there, in a place where God’s people are already at work in various ways, meeting the needs of others.

PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICAMCINTOSH.NET >

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

PCN: Growing Through Caring | by Adrianne Gott

Nashville has often been described as the booming “it” city, however many families are unable to successfully manage the cost of living in this flourishing area.

Covid-19 has only made this worse, but PCN is continuing to grow in the ways that we serve throughout this crisis.

The virus has impacted some communities more than others.

According to the Sycamore Institute, many of the front-line, at-risk jobs are also those that pay lower-thanaverage wages. In fact, they typically pay “40% less than average.” Recent surveys affirm that COVID-related job cuts have hit black Tennesseans and the youngest workers disproportionately hard.

That is where PCN is meeting those in need. With the help of a grant from Metro Cares, we have

assisted 30 families with rent and/or utilities and have given out over $72,000 to families impacted by COVID. As we are caring for these individuals, we are inviting them to join us as we look to Christ for hope during this time of crisis.

—Steve Guthrie

VOLUNTEER TODAY! Find opportunities on our volunteer site, ProjectConnectNashville.GalaxyDigital.com

PCN bids “a bientôt” to the Anderson family The Board, Staff, and the families PCN serves would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Joel Anderson for his years of service as Board President and to his wife, Patty, for her constant support and dedication to our mission. Joel and Patty (who is originally from France) have been a tourde-force for PCN, bringing their expertise and passion for those in generational poverty to further PCN’s mission. As our first Board chair, Joel has been steadfast in his guidance as PCN experienced tremendous growth in the number of people we serve and employ.

The Anderson family’s love for the PCN mission has been unwavering as they have guided us in looking for new opportunities to serve the marginalized in our community.

While serving PCN, Joel and Patty also grew their awardwinning design firm, Anderson Design Group. Team ADG has produced over 1,700 designs, including poster art for

each of the National Parks and an exclusive poster to honor the volunteers who served after the Nashville tornado of March 2020. How they do all they do between running a successful design studio and sharing their gifts through generous community involvement, we’ll never know! We are so very grateful for Joel and Patty’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for PCN, our staff and our clients. We look forward to many more years of relationship with Joel and Patty as volunteers and advisors.

So, while we say farewell, or “a bientôt,” we don’t say “au revoir!” We expect to see both Joel and Patty around PCN for many years to come. And, if you would like to check out Anderson Design Group, here’s a link to their site: AndersonDesignGroupStore.com

Tell them PCN said hi! | by Vicki Hunter Askew

2020

Prediction Fails

“ Everyone will own a personal helicopter.”

— POPULAR MECHANICS, 1951 Physicist Herman Kahn and futurist Anthony Winer predicted that everyone would only be working 27 hours a week by 2020. This was in 1968 when the average work week was 37 hours. Some things never change.

But wait, by 2020 no one will actually have to work, predicted Time Magazine in 1966. They said that machines would do all of the work, making everyone independently wealthy.

Beach or waterfront view? Can’t decide? How about both? Arthur C. Clarke believed houses would fly or would automatically teleport by 2020.

In 1937, Tesla predicted no one would desire coffee or tea.

In 1911, a prominent surgeon and educator believed that we would evolve into a one-toed species by 2020 (because who needs that little piggy to go “wee, wee, wee” all the way home?)

Project Connect Nashville PO Box 295 Madison, TN 37116

SHARE THE HOPE! Give to our “Hope Happens Here” Campaign today at ProjectConnectNashville.org!