Inspiritus Offers Enrichment Programs in Nashville, Tenn Area

By now, we hope you have heard that Inspiritus is serving individuals and families in middle Tennessee, following Lutheran Services of Georgia and Lutheran Services in Tennessee joining forces and changing names to Inspiritus in January.

With social service programs like MyCanvas Youth Art Workshops, Healthy Gardens and Building Healthy Families, Inspiritus’ Middle Tennessee Region serves hundreds of individuals and families in Nashville and the surrounding area each year. 

“In middle Tennessee, our programs are focused on enriching the lives of children, individuals and families who are economically disadvantaged,” says Janet Arning, Regional Director – Middle Tennessee. “Like the programs offered in Inspiritus’ Georgia regions, our mission is to empower those we serve to find their own strength and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling life and allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

Our Tennessee Programs:

My Canvas

MyCanvas is a mobile youth art enrichment program serving low-income children in the middle Tennessee region. 

MyCanvas was designed to help children in economically challenged communities learn to cope with daily stress and frustrations.  The program works to nurture self-esteem and self-confidence of the participants through artistic creation and expression.  MyCanvas encourages children and youth to explore and develop their talents, find their voice, and tell their stories with confidence. 

MyCanvas programs are conveniently offered in local neighborhoods and offered free of charge.  

On March 22, MyCanvas is hosting an art show and reception to celebrate and showcase new work created by MyCanvas Youth Artists.  The art show will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the Community Room at Cheatam Place.  (1564 9th Ave N, Nashville).

Healthy Gardens

Inspiritus’ Healthy Gardens equips low-income communities with the knowledge and tools they need to grow their own garden.  Inspiritus provides everything needed for a family or individual to start their own garden, including raised-bed garden kits, soil, seeds, plants, watering cans and more. Education is offered before the season begins and continues throughout the growing season.

Through Healthy Gardens, families and individuals have easy and free access to fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals as well as a healthy outlet for relieving stress and staying active.  Gardeners often experience immense satisfaction and empowerment through growing their own food right outside their door.

The Healthy Gardens program began in 2011 with 12 gardens in the Cheatham Place Community in North Nashville. Those 12 gardens grew to 158 gardens in three counties in Middle Tennessee in 2018.

Building Healthy Families

Building Healthy Families offers an educational support group for women living in poverty focused on encouraging healthy family skills.  Participants gather weekly for a class, meal, and the opportunity to choose personal or household items from the Caring Closet. As it says in the Building Healthy Families Community statement, it is “a time for multi-generational therapeutic sisterhood to learn, grow, and become more powerfully whole.”