Welcome back to A Good Pour, where we celebrate the inspiring work being done in our community. Today’s guest is someone who embodies resilience, leadership, and compassion—Desnéige VanCleve, the founder and CEO of Grace Place Ministry.
Grace Place serves women and children experiencing homelessness in Sumner County. Their mission is clear: to empower single mothers and their children to develop healthy, safe, and independent lives. During our conversation, Desnéige shared how this work grew from her own calling to serve her community and her deep faith in God’s guidance.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Desnéige’s journey with Grace Place began during her time leading a benevolence ministry at a local church. She saw firsthand the heartbreaking stories of single mothers facing homelessness and realized the problem went far beyond just finding a place to stay. These women faced numerous barriers, including employment, transportation, and housing costs. It was clear to Desnéige that addressing these challenges required a holistic approach.
That vision became the foundation of Grace Place’s mission: eliminating barriers so families never have to face homelessness again. Through programs aimed at long-term solutions, Grace Place has made a lasting impact. Over nine years, 87% of the families they’ve served have maintained their independence—a testament to the organization’s comprehensive support system.
Breaking Ground on a Bigger Future
This year marks a turning point for Grace Place as they celebrated the groundbreaking of their new campus, Grace Place Amplified. With an expanded facility and a new name, this milestone represents growth and an amplified presence in the community.
Desnéige shared the challenges of finding the perfect site, navigating rezoning approvals, and keeping faith through setbacks. Yet, she stayed persistent, knowing this expansion would enable Grace Place to serve even more families. “It’s about doing what we’re already doing but on a bigger and better scale,” she explained.
Advocating for Affordable Housing
Desnéige’s passion for helping families doesn’t stop with Grace Place’s walls. She’s become an advocate for affordable rental housing, a key issue affecting many in the community. Desnéige highlighted the urgent need for more attainable housing options, especially for the middle and lower-income families Grace Place serves.
“Affordable housing is not just about homeownership,” she explained. “It’s about making sure families have access to safe, affordable rental options.”
Desnéige’s advocacy is reshaping mindsets and encouraging collaboration among community leaders. She believes the community is ready to embrace solutions that address the bigger picture, from economic impact to workforce stability.
Balancing Passion and Self-Care
Leading Grace Place and advocating for change requires energy and focus. For Desnéige, self-care is essential. From early morning quiet time and Bible study to disciplined routines, she prioritizes her well-being. “Knowing yourself and sticking to a routine is how I take care of myself,” she shared.
Desnéige’s dedication to her faith and fitness fuels her ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
A Message of Encouragement
As our conversation wrapped up, Desnéige left us with a powerful message: don’t shrink back. She urged women to stand confidently in their God-given strengths, emphasizing that glorifying God means stepping fully into who He created us to be.
“Your story, your gifts, your testimony—they all bring glory to Him,” she said.
Join the Movement
Grace Place Ministry is a beacon of hope, fueled by faith and a community of supporters. Desnéige’s story is one of perseverance, obedience, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.
If you’d like to support Grace Place or learn more about their work, visit their website or follow them on social media. Together, we can amplify the impact of good work in our community.