On February 14, 2025, Nicole Miller, the Founder and Coordinator of Grace House, made a significant appearance at the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club. Grace House, often referred to as GH, originated as an initiative of the Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (LCSAP) but has since evolved into an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to support children entering the foster care system, as well as their Department of Children’s Services (DCS) caseworkers and foster families.
Miller highlighted a pressing issue during her presentation: Lawrence County currently has the highest number of children in foster care compared to any other county in southern South-Central Tennessee. Many of these children arrive in the system with little more than the clothes they are wearing. In response to this urgent need, Grace House offers a temporary refuge and essential items such as clothing, toothbrushes, and other comforting personal belongings for children referred to DCS.
The organization is run entirely by volunteers and has made a remarkable impact in the community. To date, Grace House has welcomed 120 visitors, served 2,600 individual dinners, and assisted 800 children and families through its Grace House Closet. The facility can accommodate up to six individuals at a time, and efforts are underway to raise funds for a larger home to better serve the community’s needs.
For those interested in learning more about Grace House, a video showcasing its mission and activities is available for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1157180385301931. The program was introduced by Rotarian Olivia White, who emphasized the importance of community support for this vital initiative.