History

 Christian Community Services, Inc. (CCSI) began in 1997 as a partnership between Schrader Lane Church of Christ and Woodmont Hills Family of God Church of Christ. The predominately African American congregation, under the leadership of Dr. David Jones, Jr. and predominately Caucasian congregation, under the direction of Dr. Rubel Shelly, sought to impact the issue of race within the faith community, and to address economic barriers that often crippled those trying to move from government dependence to self-sufficiency. In its 25 years of operation, CCSI has evolved from a church ministry partnership to a fully operational 501c3 non-profit organization under the leadership of a Board of Directors, with an annual budget of $294,000+.

In the beginning, the founders created CCSI programming in support of the Metro Housing Hope VI initiative and focused on the Vine Hill community. CCSI became a key partner and contributor within the Vine Hill Community Center where our office was and continues to be housed. While the CCSI initial target audience were those living in the Vine Hill and Preston Taylor Hope VI Housing Developments, CCSI has expanded its services to accommodate families from the broader Metro Davidson county area.

CCSI provides education and other resources, tools and encouragement to empower families to move from government dependency to well being and self-sufficiency. CCSI has three financial literacy programs: Mentoring Towards Independence (MTI), Basic Financial Training (BFT) workshops, and THDA Home Buyer Education (HBE) workshops. Additionally, MTI participants are eligible to open an Individual Development Account (IDA), a matched savings program in which the participant uses the funds to acquire an asset of home ownership, micro-business startup or to pursue higher education.

Since 2000, over 180 CCSI families have moved from government dependency to self-sufficiency saving taxpayers an estimated over $3 million dollars in government subsidies. One hundred and fifty-five of them have become first-time homeowners. CCSI graduates have collectively contributed over $20 million dollars to the local economy in home sales and annual property taxes! At CCSI, together with our volunteers, faithful supporters, dedicated staff and determined participants, we are CHANGING LIVES and BUILDING LEGACIES!