Our City: Local Partners
When we begin to understand what God’s unmerited kindness means for us personally, the result is a powerful hope in the face of our struggles and failures. But the gospel message doesn’t stop there: This personal renewal leads to a change in the way we live our lives and relate to the people and city around us.
A natural result of living in light of the promises of the gospel is a growing desire to see peace and healing come to brokenness of our city. Grace Downtown works with partner organizations throughout the District that are working to see God’s love, justice and mercy renew the District spiritually, culturally and socially. We encourage you to read about our partner ministries and get involved through your Community Group.
There are so many wonderful organizations already in Washington DC, we are constantly amazed, and hope to be constantly learning from them. We encourage you to explore and get to know whatever ministries are in your neighborhood, and within you particular areas of interest. The below organizations are ones with which the Grace Downtown community as a whole has developed a strong and growing relationship, which we have made a special commitment to support and learn from.
Partnerships with organizations that are primarily focused on issues of mercy and justice are overseen by our diaconate. Partnerships with organizations that are primarily focused on helping others deepen their understanding of who God is and what Jesus’ work means for their lives are overseen by our elders and pastors.
Our Partner Ministries:
Anacostia Gracious Arts Program
Anacostia Gracious Arts Program (AGAP), a registered non-profit since 1999, consists of the After-School Visual and Performing Arts School working in conjunction with Young Life, a non-denominational, Christian organization committed to impacting kids’ lives and preparing them for the future. This is a beautiful opportunity to help expose kids to dance, theater, photography, music, studio art, and so much more. Interested in teaching or assisting at an after school arts program in Anacostia? Any talents and skill levels can be useful.
Grace Downtown liaison: Mark Polston.
Find AGAP on Facebook >>
Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center
CHPC is a Christian, non-profit agency offering compassionate support and assistance to anyone facing a pregnancy or experiencing post-abortion stress. This assistance includes ongoing pregnancy support, prenatal and parenting classes, maternity and baby clothing and supplies, post-abortion peer support and Bible studies, referrals for medical, legal and adoption services.
Grace Downtown liaison: Hudson Hollister.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Counselors – training provided
- Doctors
- Mentors
- Babysitters
- Abstinence program presenters
- Administrative assistants
- Physical Labor – including sorting and folding baby supplies and clothes, packaging diapers, yard work, painting and building rehab, etc
- Administrative Work – such as filing, client information data entry, video and book inventory
(Click Here to go directly to CHPC’s volunteer webpage.)
Little Lights Urban Ministries
Little Lights works with kids from the Potomac Gardens project in SE, DC to help them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. If you are interested in volunteering in any way, whether through after-school programs or Saturday one-day missions trips, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mijin Paik.
Grace Downtwon liaison: Stephen Saunders
Volunteer opportunities:
- Tutoring/Mentoring children and adults in academics and life skills
- Senior Caregiver – responsibility can be shared among small group
- Activities Coordinator
- Clerical Assistant
- Professionals such as counselors, doctors, nurses, dentists or dental hygienists and lawyers
- Food Service or Preparation – includes time to interact with guests
- Professionals such as counselors, doctors, nurses, dentists or dental hygienists and lawyers
(Click here to go directly to Little Light’s volunteer page; or click here specifically for group opportunities)
N Street Village
N street village is a caring community that provides a spectrum of services to meet the needs of homeless and extremely low-income women as they move towards stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. Every day N Street provide food, clothing, showers, transitional and permanent housing, mental and physical health care, and support to re-enter the workforce. N Street Village presently serves over six-hundred women and has a plethora of volunteer opportunities big and small.
Grace Downtown liaison: Nancy Doyle.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Server
- Administrative Support
- Craft Room Volunteer
- Overnight Volunteer
- Wellness Volunteer (provide professional services)
- Facility Maintenance
- Same as above
- Prepare and deliver a meal
(Click here to go directly to N Street’s volunteer webpage)
The Porch
The Porch presents Christ’s love to Washington, DC’s youth. Teens from diverse backgrounds are provided a safe, welcoming space to know, receive and respond to God’s love, hope and healing. Through large group dinners, Bible study, small group discussion and one-on-one mentorship, The Porch equips students from 23 schools (spanning 5 of the 8 DC Wards, northern VA, and Prince George’s County) to lead whole, meaningful, and productive lives, invested in their community and confident in Jesus Christ’s love for them.
Grace Downtown liaison: Office.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Making and serving dinner
- One-on-One mentorship
- Hosting and leading small group discussions
Urban Bridge Builders
Urban Bridge Builders is an urban community development nonprofit that revitalizes impoverished neighborhoods and builds healthy communities by collaboratively bridging the academic and socioeconomic gaps.
Contact: Joe Kaufmann
Click here for their vision statement >>
Join the Urban Bride Builders Group on Facebook >>
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