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Atmos Energy donated to Children of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching the truths of God’s Word and equipping kids for daily life.

Organizers say Children of Hope was built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and accountability. The organizations believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect, and is committed to using its resources in the most effective and efficient way possible.

It stated aims are teaching the truths of God’s Word and equipping children and youth for daily life. COH also strives to help the church reach at-risk youth in the community with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

COH Director and Founder Shelley Green thanked Atmos Energy for its support in helping with the organization’s mission.

“Children of Hope would like to thank Atmos Energy for their generous donation to fund our children and youth programs,” Green said. “Through companies like Atmos Energy, the tremendous work we do with our community’s youth continues to make a lasting and positive difference in hundreds of lives each year.”

COH was formed in 2001 after founders and directors Green and Jenny Reynolds-Rosenberger felt the call of God to reach out to the children and youth in the community.

The two women began holding Friday Night Bible Studies in a living room with 15 kids from the neighborhood.

In the following year the women named the organization Children of Hope. Three years later they purchased 12.95 acres of land to build a permanent home.

Although the organization is still working on getting a location built, it still continues its efforts through its several programs.

Its Groundbreakers program is designed for children preschool (4 years old) through third grade. The program aims to let God’s Word prepare their hearts and minds for the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

The program consists of foundational teachings to which all future Bible studies will be built.

The Seeds of Hope program is designed for youth fourth grade through 12th grade. It aims at “The depths of Man’s Sin,” “The Attributes of God,” “The Gospel” and “Assurance of Salvation.”

At the end of each teaching there is a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The organization hopes to plant “The Seed of the Gospel” in each child.

COH’s Disciples of Hope program is designed for youth who have made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. Within the program children learn the depths of God’s Word and how to worship in Spirit and in Truth.

The organization also hosts bible study every other Friday at Buffalo Baptist Church from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Our largest program occurs on Friday nights,” Green said. “We run up to two buses and serve approximately 75 -100 children and youth at each Friday event.

“If you were to take a peek into our Friday Night Program, what you would find is the kids and teachers having a wonderful time of building strong relationships. We always provide a healthy meal to our students.”

In addition to its Bible studies and small groups COH also supports a strong education through Summer Incentive Trips.

“Excellent attendance, good grades, and graduating from high school are priorities at Children of Hope and rewarded,” Green said.

COH is 100% volunteer-based and with 25 volunteers it is able to help hundreds of children each year.

If there are community members that would like to invest in mentoring young lives in Hamblen County, please visit COH’s website or call 423- 312-1983.