In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, host Adam Whitescarver welcomes Jenny Stripling, Development Officer at Northside Neighborhood House (NNH), to explore the rich history, impactful programs, and current initiatives of this 100-year-old nonprofit serving Chattanooga’s northside community. Jenny shares her journey to Chattanooga, her passion for community service, and the many ways NNH empowers neighbors through education, stability programs, and unique resources like thrift stores and the Coffee Collective.

Together, they discuss the challenges facing local families, the organization’s innovative afterschool programs, and the importance of sustainable community engagement. From teaching life skills to providing rental assistance, NNH ensures neighbors not only survive but thrive.

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Timestamps for Key Discussion Points

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and mission by Adam Whitescarver
00:25 - Welcoming guest Jenny Stripling and introduction to Northside Neighborhood House (NNH)
01:07 - Jenny’s role as Chief Development Officer: fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination
01:50 - Jenny’s personal story and journey to Chattanooga
04:10 - What drew Jenny to NNH and transitioning from a national nonprofit to a local one
05:18 - Celebrating 100 years of NNH: Origins and early programs
07:43 - Growth and evolution: Responding to community needs over the decades
09:39 - Launching the Community Schools program and embedding staff in schools
11:20 - Afterschool programs: Clubs, mentorship, and skill-building activities
13:40 - Expanding NNH’s reach: Addressing poverty north of the river
16:19 - Resource deserts and innovative solutions: Coffee Community Collective
18:47 - Addressing housing insecurity: Good Tenants Workshop and practical solutions
24:58 - Increasing need for rental assistance: Shifting focus since the pandemic
27:02 - Why supporting vetted nonprofits like NNH ensures impactful giving
29:13 - Building relationships with staff and the community: A story of success at Red Bank High
31:37 - Empowerment programs: Cooking and computer skills for self-sufficiency
33:53 - NNH thrift stores: A critical resource generating operational funds
38:17 - Volunteer opportunities: Schools, thrift stores, and committees
42:16 - Using white papers and community insights to guide programming
44:50 - Prayer requests: Supporting students and families facing summer challenges
46:44 - Vision for Chattanooga’s northside: Building a thriving, stable community

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Prayer Requests

Pray for students and families facing food insecurity and challenges during the summer months.

Pray for continued provision and support for NNH’s stability programs, especially housing and financial assistance.

Pray for the success of NNH’s outreach efforts to build meaningful community partnerships and foster long-term relationships with neighbors.

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Resources Mentioned

Northside Neighborhood House: https://www.nnhouse.org

Coffee Collective in Soddy-Daisy: A hub for resources and community building

NNH Thrift Stores: Supporting the mission through donated goods

Good Tenants Workshop: Educating renters on housing rights and responsibilities

Get Involved:

Visit https://www.nnhouse.org to sign up for the newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or support NNH’s thrift stores.

Stay Connected:

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on future episodes and community initiatives.