One of the little known local “gems” in Franklin Tennessee is Graceworks Ministry. Graceworks began in 1995 when local churches got together to help the poor in Williamson County. It is an ecumenical, nonprofit ministry funded primarily by Williamson County churches, individuals, businesses, civic group and the Graceworks Thrift Store. (Over 60% of total funding comes from store sales.) Graceworks provides physical, emotional, spiritual, material, and referral services to those in need while helping them break the cycle of dependency on government assistance. Others who benefit from this ministry are people that find themselves in unexpected circumstances such as the sudden death of a spouse, catastrophic illness, or a lingering disability. Graceworks is a haven for those who have no where else to turn.

One of the services that Graceworks provides is a RN visiting nurse service for citizens who are home bound. It’s called the Parish Nurse Program and I have been one of the volunteer nurses for the last 4 years! In that role I partner up with one or more clients and visit them on a regular basis. Most recently I have been visiting the same older couple now for over 2 years. I love my visits with them. Parish Nurses are not bound by Federal Home Health guidelines so we can go as often as we want and for as long as the relationship is good for everyone involved. I have found that it does as much for my heart as it does for the people I am visiting! We take vital signs, check medication compliance and check on their general status. Mostly, we just lend an ear to their concerns and worries. If they want to pray, we can do that with them too! I love being a Parish Nurse and encourage all my nursing friends to join up and experience what old time nursing was all about. Visit Graceworks at www.graceworksministries.net to learn more about this wonderful cooperative ministry we have in Franklin Tennessee. You may know someone who could benefit from our services. By all means, put them in touch with Graceworks!

Posted By: Charlene Kimmel

1 Response to “Graceworks Ministry in Franklin Tennessee”

1. Jane Allen Says:
   April 6th, 2009 at 09:49 AM Charlene- so well written and from the heart. Your couple benefits greatly from your visits- you are a true blessing!!

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