JOHN WINE led a group of teens on a mission trip in the sweltering heat of a Louisiana summer, working on a house without power. As sweat trickled down their faces, the reality of the need struck him hard. This wasn’t a problem unique to Baton Rouge — the same struggles existed right in his own backyard in Franklin County, Tennessee. He couldn’t shake the question: Why were they driving 600 miles to do work that was desperately needed at home? That moment of realization and a modest inheritance birthed a unique community-oriented organization.
As he drove home, exhausted and reflective, John called his wife, Faith.
“We should do something at home,” John told his family.
Shortly after this realization, John’s father passed away, leaving them a modest inheritance. Instead of using it for themselves, John and Faith saw it as a seed to plant in their community. Thus, 931Cares was born — a nonprofit that serves to meet the needs of its local community in any way it can.
John and Faith, with their four boys — John Wesley, Jackson, Jace, and Jonah — were always driven to give back. But starting a nonprofit was a leap into the unknown. Instead of focusing on the challenges, they decided to embrace a simple philosophy: “What if we just don’t say no?” They trusted in God and believed that the resources would followAnd follow they did.
931Cares kicked off with a bang, serving a massive Thanksgiving meal to about 900 people in their first year.
“We’ve learned a lot since then,” John admitted as he reflected on how their understanding of community needs has deepened over time. The organization started with minor home repairs, helping older people and widows with tasks ranging from building handicap ramps to patching roofs.
Even when the projects seemed too grand, they scaled them to a manageable level, always making sure they did something to help.
One of their most impactful initiatives came this past summer when they, along with the youth pastor, Jason Woodall, with Winchester First United Methodist Church, hosted 50 teenagers at their church for a week-long service project. Generous community members sent the teens meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they worked eight-hour days on four separate community projects.
“We put tools in those kids’ hands and taught them the value of giving back to their own community,” John said.
931Cares is a community in itself. John and Faith have ensured the organization is interdenominational, welcoming volunteers from various local churches and backgrounds. Even though Winchester First United Methodist Church members primarily organize their initiatives, they deliberately set up 931Cares as its own 501(c)(3) to ensure inclusivity.
“I didn’t want to tie this directly to one church so that anybody would feel welcome,” John explained.
Faith is the glue that holds everything together. She manages the social media, coordinates with volunteers, and communicates with the families they serve.
“Everybody loves Miss Faith,” John said.
Faith also handles the logistics for their Thanksgiving dinners, taking care of everything from decorations to community outreach. But beyond these tasks, Faith provides the essential balance that keeps 931Cares grounded.
One day, John took on a project 45 minutes away from their base. Faith was skeptical — asking volunteers to drive that far seemed unrealistic. But after visiting the family in need, she was moved by their situation.
“After I left that house, I said, ‘We’re gonna do whatever it takes to get this done,’” she recalled.
That motivation to see projects through, no matter the initial doubts, is a hallmark of 931Cares.
John and Faith have countless memorable moments from their time with 931Cares, but one that stands out involves a volunteer donation that left John speechless.
“I posted on Facebook that we were looking for a trailer to store our tools. The very next day, there was a brand new trailer sitting in our driveway,” John recalled. “One of our volunteers just graciously decided to make the donation. It’s moments like these that remind me how much trust people place in us to do the right thing, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Jonah and Jace are also integral to the organization’s work. Jonah, the youngest at 8 years old, proudly declares that he owns 931Cares.
Jace, their 10-year-old, is already a budding engineer, especially when it comes to building accessible ramps. He takes pride in making sure everything is done correctly.
Jackson and John Wesley are the hands and feet of the organization and work behind the scenes on projects.
Faith described how their boys and other young volunteers are actively involved in the work. When it comes to weeding flower beds, pressure washing, or building ramps, the kids are learning the value of service early.
“It’s just really cool to see all ages come together,” Faith said.
Through 931Cares, they have created a space where no need is too small and no project too daunting. With every ramp they build, every roof they patch, and every meal they serve, they are living out their belief that saying “yes” can change lives. And in doing so, they are helping their neighbors and inspiring the youth to carry the torch of community service forward.
As long as there are needs in the 931 area code, John, Faith, and their family will say “yes” and be ready to lend a hand. GN
