How did E.L.I.’s House get started? 

My passion for E.L.I.’s House came through a couple of refining fires. The biggest one was watching my oldest son (who was from a previous relationship) struggle through several adverse childhood experiences starting at the young age of two and continuing to this day.  Also, three years ago we adopted our youngest daughter, GiGi. These experiences and several encounters with Jesus have left me at war with trauma and the effects that it can have on children and adults.  My middle son Luca inspires me as well . . . his heart for the Lord is pure. He loves people well and has been such a pleasure to raise.

What does E.L.I.’s House stand for?

The name has two meanings. First, I believe we are in a Malachi 4:5-6 moment. “I will send the prophet Elijah, he will turn the hearts of the parents back towards the children and the hearts of the children back to the parents.” 

Also, the first three letters of Elijah’s name represent each one of my children . . .

E– Eli                       L–Luca                       I–Isabella

What is your Mission? 

To equip women and their children to thrive after trauma.

What makes E.L.I.’s House unique from other ministries in Nashville with similar, desirable outcomes?

We are a faith based program who focuses not only on the rehabilitation of women but also their children. We believe they will heal best, if they heal together.  We want to evoke a feeling of family for these women and children.  We are on a farm setting where we will incorporate gardening, goat & chicken care, as well as equine therapy into our programing 

What are the requirements for women to come to E.L.I.’s House?

Women have to have parental rights of at least one child.  Their children must be 9 or younger.  We will accept women and  their children who are homeless, displaced, or at risk because of trauma from domestic violence, sex trafficking, addictions, or other atrocities.

Where are you finding these women from?

The need is astronomical.  The women will come from various referrals. We will find out about women through rehab facilities, court appointed officials, pediatricians, and other networking relationships we have built within the community. 

How many women and children can live at this residential home and for how long?

Our initial capacity at our interim home is 5-6 women plus their children. Once we build out our permanent location in Lewisburg, we will be able to take 16 women plus their children.  The first 18 months will be our core program followed by our second 18 months, which will be our independent living on our property.

How will women and children be selected to live at E.L.I.’s House? 

Women will fill out an application on our website and then have a phone interview, followed by an in person interview. 

How will you help these women find employment?

We will partner with Uprise Nashville who will teach the women about professionalism and budgeting and help them become certified in job skills and gain employment.

How much money will be needed, annually, to support this ministry?

Our operations budget is roughly 650k annually. And we are 100% supported by personal donations.