Church of the City (COTC), a rapidly growing church in Franklin, TN, has recently announced the construction of The Village, a new community center that aims to provide space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, connect and engage with each other. The new facility will include a gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, classrooms, and meeting spaces.
Church of the City desires to see our state flourish by serving the needs they see are immediate in our area, and The Village will be a space where they can support a broad range of social programs to help with the following key issues they’ve identified:
- Mental health & suicide prevention
- Reliable transportation for single moms
- Space for kids awaiting foster placement
- Foster family support
- Kids aging out of the system
One of the main goals of COTC’s The Village is to provide a network of support for foster families. Foster parents often face numerous challenges, including emotional stress, financial strain, and a lack of resources. The Village will offer space for the training and support programs to help foster parents navigate these challenges and provide the best care possible for the children in their care. In addition to providing support for foster families, The Village will also offer services to the children in foster care. The program includes a mentoring program, educational support and extracurricular activities. These services are designed to help children in foster care feel valued, supported, and empowered. One of the most significant aspects of these programs is the emphasis on building a sense of community and offers opportunities for foster families to connect with one another, share their experiences, and support each other through the challenges each of them face.
Additionally, Church of the City is an active participant in helping foster kids who are aging out of the system. The church has launched several initiatives that provide resources and support to these young adults, helping them navigate the challenges of independent living. One of the most significant challenges that foster kids aging out of the system face is a lack of resources and support. These young adults often have no family to rely on, and they may struggle to find a stable job, housing, and access to education. One of the most impactful initiatives launched by Church of the City is called the Foster Care Closet — This program provides clothing, shoes, household items, and other necessities to foster kids aging out of the system and is run by volunteers and relies on donations from the community. Another initiative launched by COTC that will be supported by the new facilities, is the Life Support program. This program provides support and resources to young adults aging out of the foster care system and offers a range of services including job training, financial literacy education, and mental health counseling. The program also provides mentorship opportunities, allowing young adults to connect with positive role models who can offer guidance and support.
The Village will also support COTC’s mission to provide aid and support to those in need, both locally and internationally. The center will be used to coordinate a range of outreach programs, including food drives, charity events, and mission trips.
We couldn’t be more excited to help Church of the City by constructing their new state-of-the-art community center that will allow them to facilitate their programs and create a positive impact on our community for generations to come. They are a shining example of a community that is dedicated to helping those in need and with the announcement of The Village, they are helping to create a brighter future for all.