Grove Christian Outreach Center

The team at Grove Christian Outreach Center serves families with passion and a clear drive for the mission of the organization. They have been adding value to the Greater Williamsburg community for more than twenty years and do so with great displays of love and grace. They clearly prioritize dignity for the families accessing services.

Grove Christian Outreach Center helps the community in so many uplifting ways! From providing healthy foods, providing holiday and social events, and connecting people to resources and education, they do it all! Thank you for the ways you humbly serve Grove and Greater Williamsburg!

The team at Grove Christian outreach refused to give me an appointment to apply for the Christmas shoe box program and had me submit email. Then claimed we did not apply. So my 2 year old granddaughter did not get her Christmas shoe box and to see Santa. The staff was rude and condescending towards me and bordering on abusive especially the executive director and to a lesser extent the business manager.

Today, 7/26/2021, was my first ever volunteer opportunity and let me tell you - WOW!
Great ministry, great people and awesome selection of resources for our communities.
I had the pleasure of meeting up with some great people - Heather, Sarah, Ruth, Fran, Dawn, Kathy, and others. Great group of people to volunteer with. I love the organization's mission and their mission is appropriately demonstrated in their attitudes and in how their operations work. The pantry is extremely clean, safe and organized.

Our church prepares and delivers meals on Thanksgiving for various of our neighbors in need. Two years ago, we contacted Grove about providing meals to residents there. The coordinator, Deena Walls, was enthusiastic about the idea and was extremely helpful in getting us names of people to serve. She helped to coordinate the distribution so that the entire operation went very smoothly and everyone enjoyed a hot and delicious meal. The experience was as much a blessing for those of us who took part in getting the meal together as it was for the people who received it. We enjoyed doing Thanksgiving with the people of Grove again this year and we definitely look forward to this event in years to come.

I worked with the GCOC on a few occasions during an internship with a nearby church. I was struck by the berth and quality of services they provide, most especially with their food giveaways. Not only do they help on this large scale, but they also worked to help with individual needs as well as prayer for all who requested it. I am very grateful for the work of the GCOC as they serve a much-needed area of Virginia while compassion and thoughtfulness.

I was introduced to the Outreach Center in 2001. almost the infancy of the ministry. They were having church services at the elementary school across the street. Look at me now...they are super huge in work and super humble in heart. All you have to do is stop by there one time and I personally guarantee that you will not leave out there the same. It is a pure love that can not be mistaken.

I was first introduced to Grove Christian Outreach Center when I first approached them about networking for a homecare agency I worked for. Then last year I was re-introduced when my daughter started volunteering for the center and I joined her. You can feel and see God's work in progress at this center. The director's are amazing and have the love and passion for the drive of this community. The hundreds of volunteers are the heartbeat-they all come from various walks of life but all come for the same purpose. I have had the pleasure of speaking to many of the clients of Grove and they are all so appreciative of what GCOC has done for them, many of which wouldn't be able to make it. Being an all volunteer community, it is amazing all the lives that they have impacted. Without the volunteers and the blessings of donations the center receives, they wouldn't be able to continue to help their clients.

I have been volunteering at the Grove Christian Outreach Center for seven years and have seen firsthand the help and love it has given to the residents of the Grove community. People in need are given food and clothing, plus backpacks filled with school supplies for their children. Thanksgiving baskets filled with a turkey and the necessary items to make a dinner are distributed. In the winter, coats are provided and shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts are distributed. As the need arises, and if funds are available, help with rent and utility bills is also given. The people who come to the Center are met with a cheerful greeting and their troubles are listened to with sympathy and often a prayer. This is truly a community where the people who come are not just clients, but they are considered friends.

When I volunteered at a back to school event, I was surprised at the number of young children that are at risk & in need in just this small community. Grove Christian Outreach Center offered these children, families & friends a free event with games, food, fun & laughter. GCOC also supplied all attending free school supplies & basic toiletries. Local businesses participated by donating items & a few companies set up booths for games or to handout goodies. I was overwhelmed with all the hard work it took to implement this annual event and realized this effort of tending to the needs of this community & others is a daily process.

A weekly bread day, clothes closet, transportation, tutoring/ teaching, finding housing & home furnishings & other home goods are some of the ongoing functions of this Center. These are only a few of the tangible things; the nurturing, love, prayers, comfort & hope offered by the staff & volunteers is the really the mainstay. I truly believe GCOC is the heart, soul & spirit of this community.

I was introduced to the Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) through United Way when I contacted United Way to do volunteer work with an organization that provides food. I had not heard of the GCOC previously, but was wiling to see what they were all about. I have seen the impact they have made in the lives of those in the community and the homeless (from wherever they may be). But more than the clothes, food, vouchers, etc that they provide, what amazes me the most is the endless love that they give to whoever walks through their door. The staff works with little thanks other than the love that they receive in return. They are, indeed, amazing. I am blessed to see the change they make in the lives of their clients, whether they be new born or elder.

Have been assocated with Grove Christian Outreach Center from the very beginning. Helped to set it up and run the small outreach to the community. It has grown from nothing to the "little engine that could."
Under the leadership of the Lord, Grove Christian Outreach Center has grown into a mighty asset for the less fortunate. With all volunteers, it serves the Grove community with love and compassion, providing food, clothes, services, furniture, spiritual support, moral support, Christmas gifts for the children, back to school program furnishing backpacks to kids. All of this while maintaining the diginity of the individual. I could go on and on but this gives you some idea of what GCOC is all about.

I have been associated with and observed Grove Christian Outreach's positive effect and help to this community since 2006. It is amazing to me what God has helped them to accomplish with the vision that they have acted upon to help so many residents in the poorest section of James City County, Virginia. It has been very humbling to observe and participate throughout these years in seeing how they are able to coordinate the effort to help so many in need and discern those that are in need and be able to help them make progress to improve their situation in a comprehensive fashion. I applaud them for all they do and wish to continue to help them meet the continuing needs in this area.

Capable, professional & efficient co directors who are resourceful & persistent in getting volunteers & financial help to meet the physical, $$$, health & spiritual needs of the poor. I have seen persistaant progress over almost 10 years.

I volunteer to collect shoeboxes for Grove Christian Outreach Center's Christmas gift program. I collect the boxes year-round from various shoe stores in Williamburg. These boxes are then filled and wrapped at Christmas to give to the children serviced by GCOC. It is a wonderful program that meets significant needs in the Grove community. For some children, the shoebox is the only gift they will receive at Christmas. I also volunteer at the registration table at the annual Grove Christmas party. It brings joy to my heart to see children and adults alike enjoying the festivities and carrying home gifts and shoeboxes supplied by GCOC. This ministry is a huge part of Christmas in Grove because needs and wishes in the community are met in large part because of the generosity of GCOC. It is easy to volunteer because the program is so well run. Pat and Deena have the whole process of preparing and executing down to a science so that the program runs smoothly and effectively. GCOC has a treasured place in my heart, especially at Christmas.

Grove is an amazing oasis in a community with a lot of needs. I showed up there one day several years ago with a desire to help but limited time available. Deena and the other Grove managers huddled with me and figured out a way to maximize the contributions I could make. i knew someone with grant-writing experience and was related to someone with expertise in buying used cars..........and both avenues bore fruit for Grove. One of the great things about the Grove managers is their flexibility and their sincere interest in working with a wide range of volunteers to serve the needs in the Grove community.

I have been impressed by how Grove Christian Outreach Center serves so many people in such a small office space. The office I work in collected food for Grove Christian Outreach and they were so appreciative. I have also helped out in events held at GCOC. There is such a need in that community and what would take an army to accomplish is accomplished by a small group of volunteers. Everyone I talk to that volunteers gets so much pleasure out of helping GCOC.

I was first introduced to Grove Christian Outreach 5 years ago through a neighbor that volunteered there. Whenever I go to the center I am always amazed by not only the wonderful people who volunteer there but also the clients who radiate such tender loving warmth. You are struck by the word "Community".

Their mission is very clear and one of excellence that alters the lives of not only the recipients but of the donors and volunteers themselves. One could write a book on all the marvelous outreach programs that Grove tackles for the physical and spiritual well being of the community it serves. One special ongoing mission which is a privilege to be involved in is continually keeping us informed of new needs as they arrive from specific individuals. This provides an individual voice for the needs. You know that what you are able to share is directly benefitting the person who need it and providing exactly what they need.

The past five years I have continually witnessed selfless dedication of the staff and services that are truly remarkable. You definitely feel and see the blessings of God in action all around you.

I am so thankful that we have an organization like Grove Christian Outreach Center in Williamsburg! The volunteers really show God's love in practical ways. They go beyond providing materials goods for people. For example, I volunteered for a Halloween alternative event this year. Grove volunteers put together an obstacle-course-type activity that highlighted Scripture and Biblical messages for children. They also hosted a band and gave away hot dogs and candy.

I have been volunteering for Grove for several months and have been very impressed by the love and dedication of all involved with Grove. The other volunteers, staff and community members have embraced me. I visit Grove weekly and always leave feeling inspired and grateful. They offer a vast array of services to the Grove community and really come together as a family to help serve the needs of all who seek help. I encourage residents of the surrounding communities to help this wonderful organization achieve their goals.

I discovered Grove Christian Outreach Center one day while driving past it and went on line to check it out. My purpose was to find somewhere our homeschool co-op could get involved in community service. Little did I know how life changing that would be for me personally. We showed up on a scheduled day to help any way we could, but we were the ones who were blessed! And I left there completely convicted that I needed to find a way to do more there. Now I am a regular volunteer and what a priviledge it is for me to work along side those that are there. What they manage to accomplish in the community is mind boggling!

I have watched the GCOC come to the rescue of hurricane victims; those whose homes were destroyed in tornados, and any emergency that has come along. I have watched as they coordinated with the local churches, business men and women to get a much needed job done or to provide for such emergencies. They have done wonders to help make our community aware of the need for assistance, whether emergency or the regular day to day needs.

Providing food, clothing, hygene products, school uniforms and supplies for local children, financial assistance, diabetic dietary needs, and community social outreach are just a few of the things I have seen at GCOC since coming aboard. They truly have a holistic approach to meeting the needs around us!

And as you can imagine from the things listed above, they have great need as well! Volunteers, supplies, finances and space are a constant challenge as the needs of our community grow during this diffucult economic period.

This past August God put the wheels in motion for me to be able to come down to Grove (for a wk) and put my skills to work for this wonderful community. My parents and a group from their church (columbus Ohio) had been doing this for years and spoke of the great things happening there. Well the Lords spirit had been working my heart to join in (never could get away, because of work, blah blah - funny how he (the Lord) can fix that for you) with faith and a push I was there /// what an amazing week it was, to see Gods love at work in real time humbles you and the staff just rides that daily giving with no hesitation and with pure hearts meeting the needs of those who feel lost and helpless. I am already excited about next August.

I have lived in the Grove area since 2005 and am very blessed for it! No other place I have lived has given my family and I such a wonder and warm welcome! When we go to the different events they offer we are always welcomed as children of the LORD and not loked down upon because we are in need. Grove Christian Outreach is what I feel is a true meaning of a christian organization, they do the work of the LORD in all ways. GOD BLESS THEM ALL! I wouldnt want to live anywhere else.

As one who has dealt with not only organizations very similar to GCOC in mission but also in serving/leading in helping similar clients, I can genuinely say that GCOC is one of the best. They are clear in vision, persistent in their mission and deep in compassion. They are effective on administrative levels while remaining people-centered in what they do. The beauty of this organization is that they seek excellence in every level. They move beyond the bare minimum and into making sure that each person that comes to them for help, finds it in some tangible way. They are tireless workers who seek to carry out their mission with faithfulness while spreading an authentic love for the neighbors through tangible acts of compassion and mercy. This is rare. But when it is found, it is a gift.

I recently joined the board at GCOC...I felt God's tug to get involved with this very special organization. What a blessing! The work being done by this all volunteer non-profit is nothing short of amazing. From food to fellowship ... from clothing to comfort...the tender hand of God is continuously extended to an almost invisible community that sits in our own backyard. Take time to visit, get involved, make a gift to our building fund...and you'll be making a difference to an organization that makes a difference to everyday.

I have donated as a business owner and individual, as well as volunteered and I love Grove Christian Outreach ! They are so motivated and focused on the needs of the people of Grove. This small staff does incredable things daily to serve and love this community. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for being God's hands and feet and showing Grove what the love of Jesus looks like !

I have been a volunteer driver for The Grove Christian Outreach Center for the past 8 years. Every Wednesday of the year I go and pick up food at local grocery stores that would have been discarded and bring it to the center for their food distribution day. The beauty in the Groves food day is that the clients come and get to choose the food items they need and want. They can select from meats, produce, bread and baked goods. And to look out and see all the tables full of food that would have been thrown away. Every Wednesday the volunteers endure the elements, rain, cold, heat of summer to get this food to those who truly need it. It is an amazing ministry to be part of. In addition, working out of double wide trailer, the Grove maintains a clothes closet, food pantry, school supplies, financial support and emotional support to their clients. For me, I get to witness the shepherds of the Lord doing his work just as we are supposed to. It is an amazing, truly blessed ministry that I am so proud to be a part of.

I have been a volunteer with Grove Christian Outreach Center for 5 years and my time there has been richly blessed. The hands which reach out to the Grove Community come in all shapes and sizes, as do the hands which receive what God has abundantly provided. The clients who enter our doors are so appreciative. Over the years, these dear people have become more than friends. They are family. The simple words, "Thank you!" and ""God bless you!" come from deep inside of their hearts. The hugs are tight and the smiles are awesome. Christ is in motion at Grove Christian Outreach Center. It is an incredible privilege to serve Him in that place! Mary Enright

I have volunteered on many occasions, and know first hand the true heart and spirit of God that this center has for the local community. They unfailingly work to assist those who come to them for help, and they seek to improve the lives of all of their clientele. The staff treats those in need with respect, dignity and kindness. Grove Christian Outreach Center is a true blessing to all who come through their doors.

I toured this facility and was amazed at the depth and breadth to which the clients are served. Certainly basics like food and clothing are provided, but the caring volunteers really try to make the clients' visits to the shelter an enjoyable and uplifting experience. The focus at GCOC is the whole person, not just their physical needs. Keep up the great work!

I hope to be part of this ministry and together with my children too. It's so important to minister to other people less able, and a good teachable Bible lesson that we should love others enough to care for them and help them. GCOC is a great ministry - looking to get plugged in - as early as Saturday!

GCOC is an exceptional ministry rooted in God's love and shines His heart into our community. Over the past ten years GCOC has blossomed into a beautiful flower the community calls family. I am honored to serve on teh Board and volunteer full time at the center to help meet the communities needs.

Grove Christian Outreach is an organization that reaches out to those individuals in the community that tend to be invisible. Those people who keep trying to keep their heads above the ever closer drowning waters of life and are not acutely visible to the rest of the world because they are not sitting at the side of the road begging and they are not in shelters. They are living day by day, hour by hour trying to keep roof over the heads of their children and scratch out a living on minimum wage or less. Grove comes alongside these people...they understand the challenges they are facing because many of the volunteers at Grove have been in similar circumstances or recognize they may be one paycheck away from being in the same circumstances. The role of Grove Outreach is to be "God with skin on" to people who may otherwise never know or realize God exists or that He even cares about them. They are encouraged, fed, clothed, counseled and loved. If it were not for Grove Christian Outreach there would be children who wouldn't have school clothes or the supplies they need to start school and might not have a Christmas. The love of Christ reaches through Grove to the hurting people of an area of Virginia that might otherwise be perceived as affluent without any in need. When in reality, like anywhere else...there are always those in need and Grove valiantly stands in the gap. It's a priviledge to support this organization.