Grove Christian Outreach Center

What Grove Christian Outreach Center does

Grove Christian Outreach Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization headquartered at 8800 Pocahontas Trail in Williamsburg, Virginia, that provides free food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation support, and community programs to vulnerable families in the Greater Williamsburg area. Founded in 2004, the organization originally served only the Grove community and has since expanded its catchment to the broader Williamsburg region. Services are delivered through a 6,000 square-foot custom-built facility that houses The Gathering Place (a free choice-based grocery market launched in November 2024), a Clothing Closet for children from newborn through middle school, the Rob Till Community Garden, financial counseling and assistance appointments, and seasonal programs including Summer Lunch, Back to School, Holiday, and Prom Boutique initiatives. All services are provided at no cost to eligible residents based on residency and demonstrated need.

The organization operates with a small paid staff of 1-10 supplemented by more than 100 active volunteers and a 9-member board of directors, and is led by Executive Director Katie Patrick (appointed October 2019, formerly of the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula). Its technology stack is intentionally minimal — there is no proprietary software platform; operations rely on standard nonprofit tools, the Network for Good donation portal, an event calendar plugin on its WordPress website, and organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). In 2025 the organization reported serving 1,067 unique households through The Gathering Place, totaling 10,400 service instances and 40,880 visits.

Grove Christian Outreach Center is funded entirely through donations rather than earned revenue: individual contributions via Network for Good, corporate and foundation grants (notably the Williamsburg Community Foundation and Williamsburg Health Foundation), in-kind food and goods from retail partners (Food Lion, Trader Joe's, Publix, Target, Chick-fil-A, Bombas), and proceeds from fundraising events such as the Roaring Twenties Gala (which raised over $74,000 in one night), the Grove Trotter 5K/10K, and the inaugural Grove Gobbler Pickleball Tournament. Go-to-market is community-led: word-of-mouth referrals, partnerships with local churches, schools, and civic organizations, and PR coverage on outlets such as The Hampton Roads Show. The center received formal recognition from the Virginia General Assembly in 2025 (Senate Resolution No. 241) for two decades of service.

Name

Grove Christian Outreach Center

Legal name

Grove Christian Outreach Center

Website

https://groveoutreach.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Grove Christian Outreach Center is a Williamsburg, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, and seasonal programs to vulnerable families across the Greater Williamsburg community, operating The Gathering Place free grocery market and supported by 100+ volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Social Services and Community Assistance

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Community food assistance
• Free grocery market
• Nonprofit social services
• Clothing assistance programs
• Financial assistance outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Williamsburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Monetary donations from individuals, families, and community members supporting the mission. Donations can be made through Network for Good platform.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Support from foundations such as Williamsburg Community Foundation and corporate sponsors for events and programs.
3. In-Kind Donations: Food, clothing, and essential items donated by community partners, retailers, and individuals to support food pantry and clothing closet operations.
4. Event Fundraising: Revenue from fundraising events including galas, races, and tournaments. Roaring Twenties Gala raised over $74,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Grove Christian Outreach Center provides free food, clothing, financial assistance, and supportive programs to vulnerable families in the Greater Williamsburg, Virginia community. Its core offerings include The Gathering Place free grocery market, the Clothing Closet, financial assistance with rent and utilities, the Rob Till Community Garden, transportation services, and seasonal programs such as Summer Lunch, Back to School, and Holiday Programs. All services are provided at no cost to eligible residents based on residency and demonstrated need.

Product overview

Grove Christian Outreach Center operates as a nonprofit social services organization offering a coordinated portfolio of programs focused on alleviating food insecurity, providing clothing, and offering financial assistance to vulnerable families in the Greater Williamsburg community. The core offerings include The Gathering Place (a free grocery market), a Clothing Closet, Financial Assistance, Transportation Services, and the Rob Till Community Garden. These are complemented by seasonal programs including Summer Lunch, Holiday Programs, Back to School, and Senior/Social Programs. The organization also hosts fundraising events like the Grove Trotter 5K/10K and Grove Gobbler Pickleball Tournament, and operates the Grove Trotter Box community donation drive program. All services are provided free of charge to eligible residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Gathering Place: Williamsburg's First Free Grocery Market - a welcoming, dignified grocery market where local families can choose fresh foods, pantry staples and household items they need most.
• The Rob Till Community Garden
• Clothing Closet
• Connie's Corner

Products and services

• The Gathering Place Free Grocery Market Williamsburg's first free grocery market offering nonperishable dry and canned goods, fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and breads. Operates as a welcoming, dignified grocery market where eligible Greater Williamsburg families can choose the foods, pantry staples, and household items they need most. Seniors 55+ have a dedicated shopping hour.
• Clothing Closet Free clothing distribution program focused on clothing for infants to middle school age children, including underwear, socks, and seasonal outerwear. Adults may be referred to partner organizations. Appointment availability on Wednesdays.
• Financial Assistance Program By-appointment financial counseling and assistance with rent or life-sustaining utilities (power, water, natural gas), along with one-on-one financial coaching including budget planning, savings, and financial literacy for eligible Greater Williamsburg residents.
• Rob Till Community Garden A shared garden space at 8901 Pocahontas Trail where neighbors grow fresh produce. The garden produces fruits and vegetables that support local households and The Gathering Place market. Rededication ceremony held in September 2025.
• Transportation Services Provides bus tickets for medical and employment appointments, and refers clients to the Bicycle Co-op of Williamsburg for free bike vouchers to help clients with transportation needs access food and services.
• Summer Lunch Program Delivers healthy meals to school-aged children in Grove neighborhoods during summer months (June through August), with both home delivery and pickup options.
• Holiday Programs Includes a Thanksgiving Market and Christmas programs where families can select toys and gifts for children, ensuring each child has gifts during the holidays.
• Back to School Program School Readiness Academy (two-week refresher program for rising 2nd-5th graders), plus supplies, backpacks, new shoes, and uniforms for children attending James River Elementary.
• Social Programs Includes Senior Bingo (third Wednesday monthly for ages 55+) and monthly ESL Family Night for families of Hispanic Heritage.
• Connie's Corner A book program memorializing volunteer Connie Schaub, where children can take, bring, or trade books to encourage reading. Accepts donations of new or gently used books in English and Spanish.
• Prom Boutique Annual spring program where juniors and seniors in the Williamsburg/James City County School System can shop for prom attire, including gowns and men's clothing.
• Grove Trotter 5K/10K Bridge Run Annual bridge run/walk event held each fall at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, supporting Grove Christian Outreach Center's mission. A Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event with awards for various age groups.
• Grove Gobbler Invitational Pickleball Tournament Inaugural pickleball tournament held at The Picklr in Williamsburg, designed to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief and outreach programs.
• Grove Trotter Box Program Community collection drive program allowing businesses, churches, schools, and organizations to host themed donation drives. Grove provides promotional flyers and will pick up donations totaling 500 pounds or more.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, supporting and minor.

• Virginia Peninsula FoodbankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Primary food bank partner providing food supplies for distribution through The Gathering Place free grocery market. Essential partner in the food supply chain for hunger relief operations.
• Food LionmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor food retailer donating food items to support food pantry operations and The Gathering Place market.
• Trader Joe'smajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood retailer donating products to support community food assistance programs.
• PublixmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrocery chain donating food items to support food pantry operations.
• TargetsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner donating products for community outreach programs.
• Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater WilliamsburgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual co-host of 'Sleigh Hunger: Christmas in July' drive-thru food drive collecting thousands of pounds of food.
• Williamsburg-James City County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership for Summer Lunch Program and Back to School programs including School Readiness Academy for second to fifth graders.
• Bicycle Co-Op of WilliamsburgsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides vouchers for free bikes to help clients with transportation needs access food and services.
• Bruton Parish Episcopal ChurchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChurch partner providing support for community outreach and food assistance programs.
• Williamsburg Community ChapelsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChurch partner supporting community outreach initiatives.
• Rotary ClubssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerService organization partners supporting community programs and initiatives.
• Kiwanis Club of WilliamsburgsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerService organization partner supporting community programs.
• Literacy for LifesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiteracy organization partner providing educational support services.
• Williamsburg Regional LibrarysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary partner supporting educational programs and resources.
• Heritage Humane SocietyminorOthersHumane society partner for community events and support.
• KelRae FarmsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal farm providing fresh produce for The Gathering Place market.
• Williamsburg Community GrowerssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal growers association supporting community garden and fresh food initiatives.
• James City County Parks and RecreationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting community programs and events.
• BombassupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSock and underwear manufacturer donating products for those in need.
• Papa John's PizzasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPizza chain running promotional campaign where code GROVE at checkout donates 20% to Grove Christian Outreach.
• The PicklrsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue host for Grove Gobbler Invitational Pickleball Tournament in November 2025.
• The Arc of Greater WilliamsburgsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing volunteers for food distribution preparation.
• Greater Williamsburg Outreach MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner; Executive Director Katie Patrick serves on Board of Directors.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia: Faith-rooted multi-service nonprofit providing food, rent/utility assistance, and family services across Eastern Virginia. Overlapping service lines and similar donor constituencies as Grove.
• Feeding America (network): National hunger-relief umbrella whose regional affiliates include partners and competitors of Grove. Provides the broader network context and best-practice benchmarks for food-distribution nonprofits.
• Salvation Army of Williamsburg: National faith-based social services organization providing emergency food, clothing, and financial assistance. Broader portfolio than Grove, but overlapping programs and funding pools.
• United Way of the Virginia Peninsula: Regional funder and convener of community services in the same geography. Both compete for workplace-giving dollars and corporate sponsorships from the same Williamsburg employers.

Direct peers

• Virginia Peninsula Foodbank: Listed as Grove's primary food supply partner, providing food for The Gathering Place. Operates a nearly identical hunger-relief mission in the same region and competes for the same donor and grant dollars.
• Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula: Regional foodbank serving the Virginia Peninsula including Williamsburg. Directly comparable food-distribution mission and operates the same geographic footprint; former employer of Grove's Executive Director, indicating tight ecosystem overlap.
• Meals on Wheels of Greater Williamsburg: Provides home-delivered meals and senior services in the same geography; directly comparable to Grove's home-delivery program for homebound seniors and food-insecure elderly.
• Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission: Coalition partner in Greater Williamsburg where Grove's Executive Director sits on the Board of Directors. Closely aligned faith-rooted social services mission and identical service geography.

Others

• Network Peninsula: Capacity-building nonprofit serving Greater Williamsburg nonprofits; awarded Grove's Executive Director for collaboration. Acts as an ecosystem enabler and shared service provider rather than direct service competitor.

Regional players

• Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg: Annual co-host of Grove's 'Sleigh Hunger' food drive. Faith-affiliated housing and family-stability nonprofit operating in the same Williamsburg geography with overlapping donor base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GroveChristianOutreachCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grove-outreach
• Instagraminstagram.com/grovechristianoutreach

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Grove Christian Outreach Center