We just started a brand-new year which means it’s time for a new ministry. After much prayer, Joyhelpers will be donating to Rooted By Grace for this quarter. Rooted By Grace is a ministry that supports new and expectant mothers in Walker, Catoosa, Dade, and Chattooga counties in Northwest Georgia.
Rooted By Grace is a ministry that connects young and expectant mothers to resources in the community. They also do what they can to help meet the needs of the mothers they are serving. They give out diapers, new or gently used strollers and car seats, new and gently used toys, clothes, and many other baby essentials.
Amber Casteel is the President and CEO of Rooted By Grace. She started this ministry in 2021. I was recently able to sit down and talk to Amber. It was truly a blessing to hear her passion and desire to reach these young mothers. She told me a little of her testimony and why God had burdened her heart with this ministry. She told me she was a young mother, but God allowed her to use the resources in the community to help get her to where she is today, and she felt the desire to give back to her community. At first, she thought she would just volunteer her time at other nonprofits and ministries, but God continued to open doors and put a burden on her heart until the day came when she stepped out on faith and started Rooted By Grace.
Currently, they have two main events throughout the year. In May, they host a Pack’n Play-a-thon. During this event, people can either donate money to help purchase Pack’n Plays or they can purchase Pack’n Plays to donate. Amber shared that Pack’n Plays may seem like a luxury item to some people, but for low-income mothers, it can be a necessary resource when a bed or crib is not available.
In September, they host a community baby shower. During this event, local businesses and resources in the community come together to offer a day where young and expectant mothers can attend and learn more about what resources are available to help them. Each mother will leave with many essential gifts to help her on her new journey in motherhood. They were able to help sixty mothers at the last baby shower in 2023.
Other times in the year, they help moms in need with everyday essentials. If someone has a need, they will do what they can to meet that need. They don’t just help a mother once; they encourage each mom to stay in contact and get involved in the community. Often, the young mothers they help will donate items back to the ministry to help another mother in need.
For Amber, this ministry is more than just meeting the needs of young mothers, it’s about pointing them to Christ. She wants them to know they are loved, and they are not alone. With each mother, she shares the importance of getting involved in church. Having a church family can be a huge resource. Often there are church ministries to help when needs arise, but more than that, having people you can call when you are feeling overwhelmed or down is truly priceless. To hear encouraging words from people who have been where you are is sometimes what helps you get through the day. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching.” God wants us to be involved in a local church. If you do not have a local church, I urge you to find one. Don’t just go anywhere. Research it. Pray about it. You need to find a God-fearing, bible believing church. A church that will tell you the truth. A church that loves God. If you aren’t sure where to go, contact us and we will be happy to help you find a church like this in your community.
There are many ways that you can help Rooted By Grace. To donate items or money directly to them, you can follow them on Facebook or check out their website:
You can also purchase a T-shirt from Joyhelpers. 25% of each t-shirt sold will be donated to Rooted By Grace. Click here to purchase with a purpose. Buy a T-shirt and help a wonderful ministry. Be a Joyhelper today!!
If you can’t donate or purchase a shirt, pray for them. Pray God would open doors for the ministry. Pray for the mothers they are helping. Pray for Amber and her family. They are doing a great work for the Lord.
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