Our Stories
The Branch of Nashville serves thousands of people each year, but it’s not the numbers we care about. It’s the people. Watch the videos or read their stories to learn more.
Everyone who comes to The Branch is an individual with their own challenges to face, paths to forge, and goals to achieve. We hope to help everyone who comes through our doors find greater well-being, whatever that looks like for them. We are honored to share our neighbors’ stories and celebrate their successes.
Hear Our Neighbors’ Stories
Gaby
When Gaby first came to The Branch, newly-arrived from Venezuela, and in need of food assistance. Fast-forward several years, and she’s full of joy and able to give back to her community. [Spanish]
Jim and Veronica
Jim and Veronica have been coming to The Branch since 2018. They continue to work hard to build a wonderful life for their family, and are grateful for the supportive community they’ve found at The Branch. [English]
Afifa
Afifa first came to The Branch for English classes in 2019. After three years in our program, she graduated and became our Pantry Manager. [English]
Read More Stories of Hope
Arporn
“Social Security put the money back in my account yesterday! Thank God, and thank you for helping me!”
___
Arporn is 82 years old and can run circles around most of us! She works with us every week as a regular volunteer and is a member of our dedicated older adult community. When she realized she was being charged her Medicare premium earlier in 2024, she immediately sought help from her friends at The Branch.
Because she’s on a fixed income, like most seniors, a new and unexpected deduction is incredibly difficult and causes financial hardship. She worked with our comprehensive care team at The Branch who was able to advocate for Arpon with Social Security and Medicare. She got her premiums reimbursed and covered for the rest of the year.
Arpon is a beautiful example of humility and service. She loves volunteering at The Branch and was willing to ask for help when faced with a new and difficult challenge.
Zeravan
“These people here have helped me so much. I wouldn’t know how to read if it were not for The Branch.”
___
Zeravan and his family first came to The Branch in 2014. His father had worked for the U.S. military in Kurdistan, and moved his family to Tennessee when Kurdistan became unsafe. When Zeravan was struggling in school, his family discovered he was illiterate in his native language and needed to start from the basics.
Over the next 4 years, The Branch of Nashville helped Zeravan to receive the tutoring he needed to learn to read. Now an adult with a good job and a bright future, Zeravan recently came by The Branch to say hello and give out hugs before heading to work, telling everyone how much The Branch means to him. We feel deeply privileged to be part of his story.