What We Do

Granny’s House is a safe, nurturing place where public housing kids can come each day after school (from 3-6 pm) to see values, manners and God’s love in action. We provide loving arms, a safe place to play or do homework and an atmosphere of hope and calm in an all-too-often chaotic world.

We have a vision at Granny’s House to reach the children of Columbia’s inner city before their lives are shaped by destructive behaviors or become entangled in the legal system. We truly believe there is a “window of opportunity” now to make a permanent and very real change in their lives.

We try to provide the things a grandmother might provide: nourishing food, a listening ear, guidance when needed, prayer, time to read a book together or to watch someone do a cartwheel. It’s a comforting place where there is always someone “home” when the kids get home from school. It’s orderly but fun; there are rules but hugs, too.

Granny’s House is not a “drop in” center. A parent must enroll their child in order for them to attend. We love getting to know these children and have great respect for their families. Granny’s House is not an agency or a social service program. We are a Christ-centered outreach to children living in public housing. Our mission is to nurture the children in an intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Like St. Augustine, we want to “Preach the gospel everywhere…and when necessary, use words.”

A Typical Day at Granny’s House On a typical day at Granny’s House, the kids are knocking at the door at 3 p.m. telling us they are hungry! From 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., volunteers serve a nutritious snack, help kids with homework, and hear about their day at school. Some of our most important, life-giving conversations happen in the “homework room”.

The kids love to be outside to play with volunteers (blowing bubbles, throwing around a ball, playing on the playground) or participate in one of our programs.

Throughout the day we hear a lot of “Hey! Watch me do this!” And there is always somebody available to “watch.” Often, the children just want someone to listen, read a book, play a game or color with them in our craft room. This invaluable “face time” helps build trusting, loving relationships betweens the children and the volunteers.