In the heart of Cumming, GA, families are quietly facing some of life’s toughest challenges. The causes of poverty are complex—ranging from job loss and underemployment to health crises and housing instability—but the response doesn’t have to be. Ministries of Grace is stepping into these needs with a powerful, faith-driven approach that offers more than just short-term help. We offer hope.
Grounded in Faith, Focused on People
As a faith-based organization, we believe every person has God-given dignity and worth. That truth shapes everything we do—from how we distribute food to how we train job-seekers. Our work is rooted in James 2:15–16, which asks, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
This scripture is a call to action—and in Cumming, we’ve answered that call.
A Wholistic Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Our strategy goes beyond relief. We focus on restoration. At Ministries of Grace, we take a wholistic approach to poverty relief. That means addressing the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of individuals and families through:
- Ending Hunger: Our Meals by Grace program delivers healthy, fresh food directly to families in need.
- Job Training: We help individuals build marketable skills and confidence through coaching and mentorship.
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting, debt management, and financial planning workshops equip families to take control of their future.
- Workforce Readiness: Practical training in time management, communication skills, job readiness, and family dynamics gives individuals a foundation for long-term success.
We meet people where they are, but we don’t leave them there.
Why Faith Makes the Difference
What makes our model unique is the foundation of faith that undergirds every program. Our volunteers pray with families. Our staff serves with humility. And our supporters give with the belief that their generosity is an act of worship.
We don’t just provide services. We build relationships. We speak life into difficult situations. And we remind families that they are not forgotten—by us or by God.
Stories That Remind Us Why This Work Matters
One of the many families we’ve had the privilege to serve in Cumming is the Rogers family. Katie and Daniel, both full-time working parents, have always done everything they could to provide for their four children—Riley, Landon, Steven, and Cooper. For over five years, they rented a modest home and kept their heads above water.
But in May of 2023, their landlord abruptly sold the home, giving them just 30 days to find a new place to live. With rising rent prices and no savings for a new deposit, the family moved into a single room at the local Motel 6, expecting it to be a short-term solution. Over a year later, they’re still there.
Living in one room as a family of six has been incredibly difficult. The children sleep on air mattresses, their clothes stay in suitcases, and Katie and Daniel juggle multiple jobs just to cover the higher cost of motel living. Preparing meals in a tiny kitchenette for six people? Nearly impossible.
Their turning point came when Landon, just six years old, kept falling asleep in class. One day, when asked what was wrong, he told his teacher, “I can’t do work when I’m this hungry.” That moment led the school social worker to refer the family to Meals by Grace.
Now, thanks to the consistent food support we provide, the Rogers children are eating well, and the family is able to redirect grocery money toward saving for a new home.
And they’re not alone. The growing need in our community is staggering. Recent storms and economic hardship have displaced even more families into extended-stay motels, with nowhere else to go. Last week alone, 213 families came to us in a single day seeking food and basic necessities. That’s over 850 people needing meals—17,892 meals per week just for pantry-serviced families. Monthly, that’s more than 71,000 meals.
These numbers are big, but they represent real people—real children—who need real help. And we’re committed to showing up with both compassion and consistency.
Impact That Echoes Into the Future
Faith-based poverty relief isn’t just about filling a need in the moment. It’s about building stability for the long term. When we help a parent secure a job or teach someone how to manage their finances, we’re doing more than checking a box. We’re helping rewrite someone’s story.
Our long-term goal is not just to help people survive—but to empower them to thrive.
Be Part of the Story
Ministries of Grace is one of the most active Christian nonprofits in Cumming, GA. If you’ve been looking for faith-based volunteer opportunities or a place to give where your generosity truly changes lives, we’d love to have you join us.
🙏 Serve With Us: Volunteer your time and talents in meaningful ways—from food packing to mentoring.
👉 Join our volunteer team »
💝 Give With Purpose: Make a one-time or monthly gift to support faith-based poverty relief in your community.
👉 Donate now »
Together, we can help build a stronger, more hope-filled future for the people of Cumming.
See how we’re transforming lives in Dawson County too
Read: How Ministries of Grace Is Transforming Lives in Dawson County »
