The Branch of Nashville
Where Community Breaks Down Barriers
At St. Bartholomew, our Mission & Outreach (M&O) ministry understands that true transformation happens when barriers fall and authentic community rises. That vision comes alive powerfully through our partnership with The Branch of Nashville, located in the Antioch neighborhood where neighbors from over 20 different languages call home. The Branch recognizes a profound truth: people flourish in community, but our society is often fractured by social, financial, religious, political, and ethnic divisions. Their response is beautifully simple and revolutionary: create a place where everyone has a voice, acceptance, and welcome.
Nourishing Bodies, Minds, and Spirits
The Branch serves nearly 5,000 people each month through comprehensive programs that address immediate needs while building long-term empowerment. Their Food Pantry provides fresh, nutritious groceries to over 1,200 families monthly, sourcing high-quality meat and produce from partners like Amazon Fresh and Publix. But food is just the beginning of their holistic approach.
Their English as a Second Language program offers both online and in-person classes, helping adult learners gain the confidence to seek employment, support their children's education, and navigate daily life in their new homeland. Career conversation mentors work alongside more than 30 ELL students, providing personalized job assistance and pathways to sustainable employment. Through their Fresh Solutions program, trained volunteers walk with individuals and families as they define goals, access resources, and work toward holistic flourishing.
This is Galatians 3:28 in action: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Why This Matters to Us
The Branch embodies the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, creating space where cultural diversity becomes community strength rather than division. In Antioch, where Nashville's refugee and immigrant populations have found home, The Branch ensures that language barriers don't become barriers to thriving. Their vision extends beyond meeting immediate needs to expressing the love and presence of God throughout their community.
The Branch's Impact:
Nearly 5,000 people served monthly across comprehensive programs
Over 1,200 families receive nutritious food each month
200+ unique volunteers contributing 1,600+ hours monthly
Career mentoring for 30+ English language learners
850+ neighbors connected to resources annually
Bilingual services supporting speakers of 20+ languages
How St. B's Members Can Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Food Pantry Support: Join 200+ volunteers in sorting, packing, and distributing fresh groceries and produce
English Language Teaching: Several St. B's parishioners already serve as ESL instructors, helping adults gain confidence and skills
Career Conversation Mentoring: Guide ELL students in workforce development and job readiness
Neighbor Support: Greet visitors, help with check-in, and assist families in accessing resources
Bilingual Volunteers: Essential for welcoming neighbors who speak the 20+ languages represented
Financial Partnership
The Giving Tree: Join their monthly donor program, providing sustainable support for programming
One-Time Gifts: Support immediate needs and program expansion
ThriftSmart Partnership: Donate items through GiveSmart to ThriftSmart, generating gift cards for The Branch
Skills and Advocacy
Board Service: Opportunities for leadership and organizational development
Professional Skills: Share career expertise through mentoring and job assistance programs
See Their Work in Action
Click the video below to learn more about how The Branch of Nashville is building an authentic community that breaks down barriers and empowers neighbors to thrive.
