Brooks House residents ready for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, Brooks House is helping those who are hungry – hungry for food and hungry for something more.

“We try to help those who have fallen through the cracks, but those who are hungry to get on their feet,” said Liz Reese, director of Brooks House in Lebanon.

Since 2006, Brooks House has been providing food, shelter, educational assistance and more to Wilson County women and children who need a bit of help until they can make it on their own.

“Our ladies come from every walk of life,” said Reese.

For this Thanksgiving, the residents of Brooks House offered their own show of thanks to the board and supporters of Brooks House.

Residents, Brooks House board members and supporters shared a “Southern soul Thanksgiving dinner” – prepared entirely by the residents – Tuesday.

Previous residents joined the gathering to share some of their success stories and show what a critical role Brooks House had played in their lives.

On Thursday, the Brooks House residents will be treated to their own Thanksgiving feast by Lee Duckwilder, of Premier Catering.

“That night, when we get through eating, we will pack up whatever is left to take to people who are homeless,” said Reese. “People break bread with us, and we’re going to break bread with other people.”

Brooks House is currently home to five women, two teenagers, six children and two infants, according to Reese. The average length of stay is four to six months.

Reese said that she hopes community members will stop by Brooks House to learn more about it.

“Our doors are always open,” said Reese. “I want people to see what we do here.”

For more information, call 615-547-9132 or visit Brooks House at 219 Virginia Ave.

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson may be reached at 615-444-3952, ext 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.