How is Martha’s Vineyard funded?

Initially, Dennis and I funded this house. We had very few 

donations.  We were not a 501 C-3 the first 4 years. We used all of the 

equity of the sold home and my entire IRA from my retirement to 

fund this home. 

In January, 2015, local charity foundation Christian Ministries 

came to us providing assistance with our 501 C-3 certificate and a 

monthly stipend that funds the day-to-day operations. Through other 

charitable donations, we have kept up with all of the repairs, etc. that 

this house has required.   

How do families/guests know about Martha’s Vineyard?

Primary source of information is nursing staffs and hospital 

chaplains, but word-of-mouth through the community is also growing

What has been the most rewarding part of your time at 

Martha’s Vineyard? 

 

Being a listener to those family members who stay with us. Dennis 

has coined this saying, “Love, love. Listen, listen.” It is in this “home-

like” atmosphere that people can open up and feel ok to share what, 

why, and how they are feeling. We cook a lot of homemade foods for 

these families. 

How has Martha’s Vineyard had an impact on the local 

community?

Dennis and I have seen a virtual change locally in the attitudes of 

how important this house is not just for our houseguests but for the 

community too. A sense of pride, community spirit, and unity that we 

are all in this together exists.  

How many guests/families have been helped? 

Since inception, we have assisted over 1030 family members. We 

have provided 16,622 nights of lodging at no cost, 33,726 meals, and 

7,811 loads of laundry so far. The Vineyard Family house is 2200 sq. 

feet.  

What does the future of the organization look like? 

We are currently looking at a larger home, a former bed and 

breakfast that could house 8 or more people. Our greatest challenge, 

presently, is having the funds needed to purchase a larger building.  

November 2018   |   45

We base the Vineyard Family House on John 15:5.  

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, 

you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

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