About AGAPE

Changing Lives
"Agape" is the Greek word for "unconditional love."
As a Christ-centered, faith-based agency, our work is all about providing life-changing answers, solutions, services and hope to anyone who comes to us in need.
Our goal is to impact those we serve in a positive way through the power of unconditional, "agape" love.

Since 1967, AGAPE has been changing the lives of children and families in Middle Tennessee. It all began in donated office space on music row in Nashville. Over the decades, AGAPE has grown to serve more than 30,000 children and families in multiple locations throughout Middle Tennessee. The impact of AGAPE's work and reputation extends far beyond the state of Tennessee. Thirteen similar agencies throughout the southeastern United States have roots that lead back to AGAPE.

The foundation of AGAPE's reputation and success is an unwavering commitment to quality combined with a clear sense of mission and purpose.

Our Commitment
To provide the highest quality services while exercising an equally high standard of stewardship. Whether you make a financial contribution or offer a needy child a home, our pledge is to use every dollar and resource to help others. And the result is that together, with God's blessing, we can change lives!

Our Mission
To meet the needs of families and children in middle Tennessee through adoption, foster care, maternity services, as well as counseling and psychological services with unconditional "agape"

Partnership Opportunities
If you would like to partner with AGAPE to make these services available for the future, there are several giving opportunities. Tax-deductible monetary and material gifts may be made by visiting AGAPE at www.agapenashville.org or by contacting Art Woods at 615-781-3000. You may wish to designate a Memorial or Living Honor gift. There are also many opportunities to volunteer your time and love as a foster parent.

Foster Care
Children need foster care for a variety of reasons. The stresses of society, poor choices by parents, the inability to provide medical care and attention, or the lack of family to turn to when hardships arise are just some of the reasons. Other children are victims of abuse or neglect. It is our strong belief that children will best experience the love and healing they need in a family setting. That's why each child is placed in a private Christian foster family where he becomes part of an existing family unit.

Adoption
With the belief and conviction that every child deserves a family, AGAPE provides homes for newborn infants as well as older children. A "forever family" is our goal for each of them. More than 85% of our adoptions each year are considered "special needs" adoptions. These are children who are older, have siblings, are of minority race, or are physically or mentally handicapped. For children who are part of a sibling group, our goal is to keep them together as a family when they are adopted.

Maternity Services
We provide a safe, caring place for an expectant mother to turn when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Counseling is provided to these women and their families at no charge. They are encouraged to recognize their options and the long-term effects their choices will have on them and their baby. Our staff works closely with each person, helping her make a life plan for her child, whether through parenting the child or choosing a plan of

Psychological Counseling
A wide range of counseling and psychological services are available at AGAPE. Our staff of licensed professionals is able to assist individual adults or children, as well as couples and families. Whether it's depression, anxiety, emotional or behavioral challenges with a child, or marital difficulties, our staff wants to help you on the path to healing. In many circumstances a sliding scale fee system or a client's health insurance may assist in paying for services.