About the Nonprofit
Visit Our Website
Cottage Cove has been serving at-risk children in Nashville for 25 years (founded in 1994 by Tom and Kim Shumate, incorporated in 1995). Directed by Brent and Angie MacDonald since 2002, Cottage Cove is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian, tax-exempt 501(c)3 ministry outreach with special emphasis on at-risk children and youth. Operating year round in the inner-city Vine Hill and Madison districts of Nashville, TN, we serve an average 70 children daily. Our daily children's program is free of charge to all participants and their families. Our properties are paid for and Cottage Cove runs on funds provided by donations. We are governed by a diverse, independent, board of directors. Our primary service is an out-of-school program for children and youth (kindergarten through high school graduation). Further, we have an expanded daily summer program. Staff maintains involvement with the local school, the children's teachers, and their parents. Programming and curriculum are developed by Cottage Cove's staff. These programs include: daily snacks, a reward store where children earn "points" through their attendance, participation, and behavior enabling them to save and purchase things they need and want – learning that things of value come with work. Each location has a playground and recreation area. Students earn field trip "stars" through their homework, academic achievements, and reading. These field trips include sports events, visiting businesses and nature reserves, educational events, and more. Daily and summer programs include coding and STEM electives, Bible study and elective Bible memorization. Tutoring, homework help, reading, computer academic classes, and an internal testing program are part of our regular educational programs. Arts classes include general music, guitar, percussion, voice, choir, and piano. Other classes and activities include: crafts, visual arts, dance, science, gymnastics, jewelry making, plus life skills classes such as cooking, sewing, knitting, and public speaking.
