Renewal House

Grateful for Federal Support

Renewal House is thrilled to receive its first direct federal grant. Through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Renewal House has been awarded a Family Connection Grant to expand services to meet the needs of a client population of addicted mothers that has become increasingly younger and more likely to have a co-occurring mental health challenge. Specifically, the funds will make it possible to have an on-site psychiatric nurse practitioner, family therapist, and dialectical behavior therapist. Over the three-year grant term, an independent evaluation will generate data critical for Renewal House to secure the future funding needed to sustain these new services.

A Women's Thanksgiving

The crisp fall air brought about the change of season and also the excitement of the 10^th Annual “A Women’s Thanksgiving” honoring the women and families at Renewal House. The event recognizes residents, former residents and clients, and extends a world of thanks to all of the donors who have graciously given their time and money to make this event such a success.

The festivities began with a Patron Party hosted by Susan and James Myers and the Hanley Family Foundation on October 15 at the Terrazzo in the Gulch. Attended by many committee members, board members, advisory board members and new supporters, the event was a tremendous success. Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of the Patron party co-chairs, Jessica Averbuch and Mechel Frost, we were delighted to have a “taste of the Gulch.” Patrons enjoyed delicious eatables from RuSans, Cantina Laredo, Urban Flats and topped it off with decadent cupcakes from Dolce Desserts. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on spectacular silent auction items such as a week at a Santa Rosa Beach house, a weekend retreat in Monteagle, a weekend in Beersheba, basketball mentoring by Hillsboro High School and Auburn University stand-out Rachel Bell, an antique chair from Antiques at the Factory, tickets to the Nashville Symphony, and getaways at some of Nashville’s favorite hotels. Renewal House is grateful to have the continued community and volunteer support.

The event continued in a beautiful setting with an abundant Thanksgiving feast on Sunday, November 1 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel for the 10^th Annual “A Women’s Thanksgiving.” The evening hosted by Honorary Chairs Beth Fortune and the mother and daughter duo, Micki Francis and Vicki Jones, offered a unique experience in fellowship and gratitude. The mission of Renewal House is to foster healing, resiliency and continued recovery. There is no greater way to witness the success of our mission other than to hear a story of recovery from our graduates. Thanks to our speakers Toietta Lattimore and Michelle Brinkley. Their stories of courage and strength bring life to our purpose here at Renewal House. The celebration continued with inspirational songs from Grammy-award winning artist Ashley Cleveland. Ashley’s hope and inspiration moved the crowd as she sang many songs from her gospel collective works.

Since it was a special year for our event, Renewal House decided to change things up a bit. We have created the first ever “Voice Auction.”

With the rise in popularity of “talking cards,” we thought it would be fun to have a well-known personality record a voice message on the greeting card.

The cards were up for auction at the event. Bidders battled to see who received this unique birthday or holiday card. A special thanks to our celebrity voices including: Ashley Cleveland, Charlie Daniels, Pat Summit, Bruce Pearl, Ralph and Karen Weatherly, Gerry House, Lady Antebellum, Mike Keith, George Plaster, Hot Chel Rae, Janis Ian, Jacqueline Fellows, Sponge Bob Square Pants, Santa Claus and even the Tooth Fairy. The proceeds from the auction items will further the proceeds made available to fund the many programs Renewal House brings to its residents.

A Women’s Thanksgiving would not be possible without the generous gifts of our corporate sponsors:

Allegra Print and Imaging in

Brentwood

AT&T

BancCard

Burr + Forman

Caterpillar Financial

Crosland

First Farmers & Merchants Bank

A Good Works Studio – Alcott Whitney

The Law firm of H3GM: Harwell, Howard, Hyne, Gabbert and Manner.

HCA

HG Hill Realty

Dr. Randy Howard

J&A

KPMG

Dr. Kelli Turner Molette

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Publix Super Market Charities

Renasant Bank

R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

Rogers Group

SunTrust Bank

Trickett Honda

Vanderbilt University

Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis

And last but certainly not least, the event was made possible by the dedicated chairs and their committee. A very special thank you to our event chair, Shay Howard, and co-chair Emily Richard for their dedication to Renewal House and the families.

Ester Nicholson, gospel artist and inspirational speaker was the featured entertainer at the 2008 event.

Past storytellers include:

2000 - Lorraine Johnson-Coleman
2001 - Jeanne Ray and Ann Patchett
2002 - Susan L. Taylor
2003 - Marcia Reynolds
2004 - Devon O'Day and Kim McLean
2005 - Marshall Chapman
2006 - T. Graham Brown
2007 - Kathy Mattea
2008 - Ester Nicholson
2009 - Ashley Cleveland

Annual Fund
At Renewal House, we experience the rebirth and renewal of springtime everyday – the laughter of children, the excitement of a mother starting a new job, the relief of finally having a safe place to live. Help us celebrate this time of new beginnings with a gift to the Renewal House annual fund. You may want to make your gift in honor or memory of a special person, such as your mother or someone else important to you.

Click here for an annual fund donation form.

Playground Renovation

Thanks to visionary board members and wide community support, Renewal House completely renovated its playground area in spring of 2008. Aging and limited play equipment has been replaced with a brand new swingset, a play fort, soft surface areas for toddlers and shaded seating areas for mothers. The new playground is an essential tool in helping mothers re-engage with their children while at Renewal House. Special thanks to the Shmerling family for their vision and support of this project.

Freda's Story
"I called Renewal House and told them I needed help in the worst way. About a week later one of the case managers of Renewal House called me back and said come on. Cedric, Kendall, and myself walked from the shelter on Eighth Ave., a place we were calling home now, because of the eviction, and this was only our seventh home in a year. When we got to Renewal house I remember feeling such a relief." Click on the Donations page to read more of Freda'’s story.
---Freda, Renewal House graduate