Local Ministries

The Blood Connection

More than 4.5 million lives are saved each year by a single, selfless act—donating blood. In fact, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives. Every minute of every day, someone will need blood. Because of your support, The Blood Connection is able to make vital connections that save lives in our communities. http://thebloodconnection.org/

Boys and Girls Club

The Liaison between Grace Lutheran Church and the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County reports to Social Ministry on the activities of the Club and how the Church and Social Ministry may be of assistance to the mission of the Club. The duties include writing an article once a year for the church newsletter, organizing a work project for the Club with the Servant Saturday project supervisor and coordinating with the Club on implementation and reporting to the Committee the highlights of the activities of the Club. The liaison for the Club should also be a spokesman for increasing financial support from the church for the Club’s programs. http://www.bgchendersonco.org/

Grace Liaison: Chuck Clay

Henderson County Council on Aging

The Council on Aging for Henderson County was formed by a group of concerned local community members who wanted to ensure that an agency existed that focused solely on the safety and well-being of the older adults in the Henderson County community. For more than 45 years, the Council on Aging has focused on making Henderson County a better place for the older adults in our community. The Henderson County Council on Ageing is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency providing and coordinating services to keep older adults living independently. It has a paid staff of 23, and over 400 volunteers. Several programs are supported: Meals on Wheels, delivering 215 hot meals to individuals 5 days a week: The Sammy Williams Center provides socialization through meals and activities: A case management program assists elderly residents in maintaining their ability to remain in their homes. Two thrift stores are operated to provide some funding. http://coahc.org/http://coahc.org/

ELCA World Hunger

Working with and through our congregations, in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran churches overseas and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty. https://www.elca.org/hunger

FISH of Henderson County, Inc.

FISH is a volunteer organization that transports those who have no means of transportation for doctor’s appointments, dental appointments and therapy in Henderson County only. Call at least 48 hours ahead of appointment. Provider is a registered non-profit. https://agingprojectsinc.org

The Free Clinics (TFC)

The Free Clinics (TFC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that quality healthcare is available for those who may otherwise fall through the cracks. They serve low-income residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare but who cannot afford medical insurance. This is accomplished through an amazing pool of over 270 volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, interpreters, and everyday workers, in addition to a small paid staff. In Henderson and Polk counties, one in every five residents fits this category and is eligible for their services. More help is always needed and appreciated.
‍www.thefreeclinics.org

Henderson County Habitat for Humanity

Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem―decent housing for all. Since 1976, Habitat has helped 6.8 million people find strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter. Henderson County Habitat for Humanity, a Christian based organization, builds quality affordable homes, creates strong communities, and changes lives by partnering with committed volunteers, professional staff, and eligible families living in inadequate housing. These homes are sold by Habitat to the family at no profit, and financed with a no-interest loan from Habitat. Partner families contribute 400 hours of sweat equity before moving into their new home.
http://www.habitat-hvl.org/

Hendersonville Rescue Mission

Since 1981 the Hendersonville Rescue Mission (HRM) has provided food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and programs that impact the lives of the less-fortunate in our community. Located at 639 Maple Street, the Rescue Mission has served 1,342,297 meals and provided shelter to 26,704 individuals over the past 25 years. As a resident an individual is given a comfortable bed, access to hot showers, and clothing as needed. The Good Samaritan Clinic, Behavioral Health Clinic and the Welcome Center are located at 628 7th Avenue East, under the sign “Hendersonville Christian Outreach Ministries”. Blue Ridge Health professionals provide free services in the Good Samaritan Clinic and Behavioral Health Clinic. The Welcome Center provides access to telephones, restrooms, showers and counseling.  An 8-month addiction/recovery Turning Point program is offered to individuals who are in the bondage of addiction. Each participant is held accountable to change in both behavior and attitude. Anger management, money management and parenting classes are also offered to residents. A Clothing Closet provides good-quality clothing that adds dignity and increases employment opportunities. The Hendersonville Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered ministry simply believing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has power to transform lives by transforming the hearts of men and women. The Rescue Mission receives no federal, state or local government funding and relies totally on the financial support of the local community. http://www.hendersonvillerescuemission.com/

Housing Assistance Corporation

The Housing Assistance Corporation is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing safe and affordable housing for persons of limited income living in Henderson County and surrounding areas, because we believe every human being deserves the opportunity to live in a decent home.  http://housing-assistance.com/

Living Waters Lutheran Church

Since 2018 Grace Lutheran Church has partnered with Living Waters Lutheran Church in Cherokee, NC. In that relationship we have held biannual food drives and financially supported Living Waters’ efforts in providing food and clothing to approximately 1000 individuals on a monthly basis through their Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Adult and youth volunteers from Grace have also assisted with various construction and painting projects on site at Living Waters. It is a blessing to be able to partner with Living Waters in their mission to serve and support the whole community.

Lutheran Services Carolinas

With the help of thousands of volunteers, donors, and faith partners, LSC helps veterans and others transition from homelessness to dignity; protects children at risk of abuse and neglect with foster care; improves the lives of those battling severe and persistent mental illness through innovative programs; encourages growth and independence for those with developmental disabilities; places children in loving adoptive homes; provides warmth and welcome to refugees seeking sanctuary; and enables many men and women with varying life challenges or disabilities live proudly and independently with residential or supportive services. LSC also provides a comprehensive array of residential options and support services to North Carolina seniors including vibrant retirement communities, quality rehabilitation and skilled care nursing services, assisted living residences, at home care, geriatric care management, and caregiver support. http://www.lscarolinas.net/

Pisgah Legal Services

Pisgah Legal Services seeks to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs and improve their lives. Pisgah Legal Services is an innovative nonprofit founded in 1978 that helps more than 16,000 of the most vulnerable people in our communities annually to meet urgent needs such as: housing, safety from abuse, health care and income. Pisgah Legal partners with dozens of other agencies to make sustainable change for people in crisis. The Hendersonville office is located at 440 S Church Street, Hendersonville, NC. https://www.pisgahlegal.org/free-legal-services/

Servant Saturday Events

Since 1994 Grace Lutheran Church has held an annual Servant Saturday event. Involving more than 100 Grace Lutheran volunteers, work parties go throughout Hendersonville and surrounding communities to provide assistance to agencies and individuals in need. Volunteers assist with projects at the Boys and Girls Club, Four Seasons Compassion for Life, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Safelight, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Lutheridge, Trinity View, Children and Family Resource Center and Thrive. Many projects include painting, landscaping, gardening, mulching, window washing, cleaning, quilting, sandwich making, and other odd jobs. Most projects are completed in 4 to 5 hours, and project organizers have estimated that Grace members contribute more than 500 volunteer hours during a Servant Saturday event.

The Thrive Clubhouse

The Thrive Clubhouse is a psychosocial rehabilitation day program for adults with mental illness. The members strive to become more productive and self-sufficient citizens of the community. The Clubhouse assists members get back on their feet, helping them learn coping, social, independent living, and vocational skills. The Social Ministry Committee hosts the annual picnic and Christmas dinner. Through these events we give them a chance to enjoy each other’s company and meet Grace members. Most people with a mental illness have a sense of “not fitting in”, of isolation and rejection. This is why the annual picnic and Christmas dinner are so important and meaningful to them. These events give them the opportunity to interact with Grace members, feel their own self-worth, acceptance and God’s love.
http://thrive4health.org/