Local nonprofit organization Flourishing Families is celebrating eight years of service to the Clarksville-Montgomery County community.
Flourishing Families began in 2010 when sisters Canadra Jenkins and Calendra Blanks, co-founders of the organization, stepped up and felt the need to do more to help homeless, low income individuals and families with shelter, child care counseling, financial advice and career assistance.
The organization is proud of its mission, which is to help create second chances for the homeless and low-income community by empowering them with the skills and resources that they need to survive.
“We are here to help the community; to help those who cannot get any assistance or get any help. We really love what we do and we love seeing the success stories of people we have helped,” Jenkins said.
When it comes to new projects, Jenkins said the organization is working with the Office of Housing and Community Development in Clarksville and plans to buy houses that people can rent. They are also developing programs to support youth in the community.
The Flourishing Families Community Garden on Beech St. in Clarksville is another project for the organization. Volunteers tend the garden each season and the food is donated to other nonprofit groups like Manna Café. Food baskets are also passed out to local churches for those in need.
One of the group’s largest and most popular events is the annual Christmas in Clarksville, which is held each December just before the holiday. The event includes a free meal, warm clothing and gifts for the children along with a visit from Santa Claus.
To find out more about Flourishing Families, to make a donation, become a sponsor or to volunteer, go to www.flourishingfamilies.org. You can also email flourishingfamilies@hotmail.com or call 931-221-2992.