Local Boy Scout to Refurbish Matthew 25 Patio

Recently Matthew 25 was contacted by a local Boy Scout, Nathan Gafney, who is a junior at Pope John Paul II. Nathan was researching organizations for his Eagle Scout project and chose Matthew 25 as his beneficiary.

The purpose of an Eagle Scout project is to plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or the community. Nathan plans to pressure wash the patio, clean and scrub all handrails, and then personally build chairs, picnic tables, planter boxes and cornhole boards to place in the patio area. This project will be quite the transformation of this space!

“I chose Matthew 25 for my Eagle Scout Project because both of my parents and grandfathers are veterans,” said Nathan. “I really wanted to do something to support veterans in need. Veterans have done so much for us and our country so I think it's important to give back to those in our community that have made sacrifices.”

SUPPORT NATHAN: https://gofund.me/ae7269cc

We know that Nathan’s work will make our patio more enjoyable and functional for years to come, providing a space where our men can relax and socialize with others progressing through our housing programs. We are so thankful for Nathan who has been so proactive in supporting our work! We can’t wait to provide an update in the fall of his progress.

The existing Matthew 25 patio space.

The existing Matthew 25 patio space.

Matthew 25 Adds New Board Member

We are excited to announce that we have added a new member, Lisa Woodruff, to our Board of Directors! Lisa will help to strengthen and diversify our leadership team with her knowledge, passion and skillset. We know that she will be a fantastic addition to our organization as we look towards the future.

Lisa is a Vice President with Turner & Townsend, where she oversees their Central USA business and their Retail sector globally. Lisa is a University of Illinois graduate and a licensed Architect. She is married to her husband of 24 years, Mark, and has two children, Quentin (20), Walter (18). Lisa is passionate about helping young children and serving her communities. She is Turner & Townsend’s Corporate Responsibility Lead for the US business and serves on the YMCA of Middle Tennessee Property Committee and ACE National and Nashville Advisory Councils.

“I was motivated to join M25 because I believe in their work and mission,” said Lisa. “Several of my family members have served in the military and/or have struggled with substance abuse. The opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, and perhaps save one, is worth the effort. I was drawn in by a fellow board member and friend by his passion for Matthew 25’s work and mission. With my background in architecture, construction and business, combined with my passion for Corporate Responsibility, I hope to help Matthew 25 both achieve our goals for the short term and realize our vision for the future.”

Lisa Woodruff

Lisa Woodruff

Matthew 25 Raises $11,055 on The Big Payback!

Every May, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee hosts The Big Payback, a 24 hour online giving event that supports hundreds of local organizations.

Matthew 25 raised $11,055 through 50+ individual gifts! These dollars will go directly towards helping veterans and homeless men in Middle Tennessee chart a path out of homelessness, find work and permanent housing, and become fulfilled and productive members of society once again. We could not accomplish our mission without your support. Thank you to all who helped lift up our community!

Matthew 25 Partners with Local Churches for Communion Services

We are excited to announce that we have begun to partner with local churches to provide services of Holy Communion to the men we serve. Rev. Jed Hanes, Matthew 25’s Director of Operations, is a provisional deacon seeking ordination in the United Methodist Church. Jed will be leading this fruitfulness project as a part of his ordination process and is seeking to partner with various  faith leaders to reconnect M25 residents with the church. 

Our first Communion took place on Monday, April 26. We were blessed by the presence of Reverend Pat Freudenthal, who serves as District Superintendent of the Red River District for the United Methodist Church. Pat met and spoke with our men, giving a short sermon and serving Communion to all. 

“This is an ecumenical appeal to be able to extend the table of God’s grace and love to our residents, and to remind them that the love of God has not forgotten them,” mentioned Rev. Hanes. "Believing that faith formation, participation in the sacraments and connecting to a larger community of faith in particular, are integral components to reestablishing one’s place in reclaiming their life, we hope that this will aid our men in this vital part of their recovery. 

After just a few short days of asking, we already have more than five dates filled for pastors who have committed to preside at Communion services, a few of whom are making monthly commitments to do so."

Monday was a special evening for the men we serve, and we are anticipating many more like it! We are so thankful for Jed’s leadership and the support of local faith leaders, especially Reverend Pat who so willingly heeded our request. Please reach out to us if your church may have interest in partnering with Matthew 25. 

Matthew 25 Raises $2,618 through The Big Payback!

Every May, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee hosts The Big Payback, a 24 hour online giving event supporting hundreds of local organizations. This year, our incredible community came together and raised more than $4.3 million with 31,694 individual gifts.

Matthew 25 raised $2,618 through 28 individual gifts! These dollars will go directly towards helping veterans and homeless men in Middle Tennessee chart a path out of homelessness, find permanent housing, and become fulfilled and productive members of society once again. We could not accomplish our mission without your support. Thank you to all who helped lift up our community! We are so grateful.

VA Grant Awarded to Matthew 25

Awesome news! The VA is awarding $30 million to organizations to provide supportive services to veterans who were previously homeless or at risk of losing their housing. With this grant, we will be providing case management services to veterans for 6 months after they leave our program and begin adjusting to permanent housing.

We are honored to receive this grant and know it will make an impact on the men of Matthew 25 and ultimately our Nashville community.

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5307