The Ville Church is excited to announce the launch of its new community program, "Serving Hope," aimed at providing a hot meal and enrichment activities for children in the Shelbyville community.
Starting today, the program will run weekly from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Ville Church, 1115 St. Joseph St. in Shelbyville, offering a safe and welcoming environment for children up to 18 years of age.
“Serving Hope” was inspired by the experience of Pastor Max Southern, who previously served as Executive Pastor at Bluff First in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Southern’s vision is to create a space where no child in our community goes hungry and where they can build positive, healthy relationships.
While this is not an after-school care program, it is designed to address the immediate need of ensuring that every child has access to a hot, nutritious meal and a safe place to belong.
“We believe that no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Southern. “This program is about more than just food; it’s about creating a nurturing environment where kids can connect with each other and our community in meaningful ways.”
Each Thursday evening, children can enjoy a free meal, followed by an educational enrichment activity designed to promote learning and engagement. Parents are welcome to join their children for dinner for a nominal fee of $5, but it is not required for parents to attend.
The program is fully open to all children, whether or not they are accompanied by an adult.
Southern hopes to see the program grow from a once-a-week gathering to a five-day-a-week initiative, ensuring that children in Shelbyville have consistent access to nutritious meals and supportive community connections.
This meal program is just the beginning of an exciting transformation at The Ville. The church, which has seen exponential growth in the two years since its founding in Shelbyville, has recently purchased the building of Town and Country Church to expand its ministry.
Plans for the new facility include the development of a much-needed daycare center in this community, which has been identified as a daycare desert. Additionally, the current location of The Ville is envisioned to evolve into a vibrant community center serving the westside of Shelbyville.
“The need is great, and so is our commitment to meeting that need,” Southern added. “We are here to serve, and we’re just getting started.”
For more information about “Serving Hope” or to get involved, please visit http://www.villechurch.org.
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
Public testing of Lawrence County election equipment on October 20th
Illinois Wheat Development Board to hold district elections
Hunters can donate deer to help feed hungry Hoosiers
City of Lawrenceville issues statement on wastewater treatment plant
Fugitive Lawrence County man captured
Warrant now issued for Lawrence County fugitive
Bridgeport PD reemphasize safety concerns in search for man connected to stabbing incident
Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce announces new Director
State of Illinois takes legal action against city of Lawrenceville
Trial date set for Vincennes man charged in fatal fire case
Last day to ask your question for Indiana's next Secretary Of State
Lawrence County residents urged to get vaccinated
Young girl identified as victim of fatal southwestern Indiana crash
One killed in southwestern Indiana collision
Regional delivery network connects local farmers to grocery stores
Bridgeport Police looking into Friday disturbance
