A Milestone Gathering in Huntsville, Alabama

The True Charity Summit 2025        

by Cathy Larsen, Program Director

For the first time in its history, the True Charity Summit left its longtime home in Joplin, Missouri, and made its way to Huntsville, Alabama, marking a significant milestone for this national movement focused on effective, dignified poverty alleviation. Hosted at the First Baptist Church from April 9–11, the Summit brought together more than 270 attendees from across the country, making it the largest gathering to date for the True Charity Network.

A Collaborative Effort

Our ELM team was honored to serve on the advisory committee throughout the past year,

working alongside other local agencies and churches to help prepare for this landmark

event. The energy was high as the True Charity team arrived early, while we joined in

transforming the venue with van loads of equipment and a dedicated crew. From steaming

tablecloths and baking cookies to assembling displays and crafting show-stopping rocket

centerpieces, every detail was thoughtfully arranged to create a welcoming atmosphere for

participants.

Showcasing Local Impact

Attendees enjoyed guided tours of impactful local initiatives, including Lincoln Village and The Cornerstone Initiative, offering out-of-state guests a firsthand look at Huntsville’s commitment to community transformation.

Engaging Content and Dynamic Speakers

The Summit featured a robust lineup of mainstage speakers and over thirty breakout sessions across five key tracks: building new programs, refining existing efforts, fundraising and volunteerism, expanding influence, and strengthening organizational infrastructure. Notably, Dr. Brian Fikkert, co-author of When Helping Hurts, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of dignity, community, and purposeful work as foundational elements for human flourishing.

Breakout sessions covered a wide range of practical topics, from True Charity principles and local government policy to donor relationships and measuring outcomes. The Chalmers Institute also presented an intensive workshop on “Rethinking Poverty,” equipping attendees with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies.

Growing Attendance and Local Engagement

Having attended last year’s Summit, I was struck by both the increase in participation and the depth of resources available at this year’s event. Huntsville was well-represented, with 40 attendees from our city contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. Here’s what two of them had to say about the impact and insights gained from this transformative event:

Rosalyn Bridges, ARC of Huntsville - “… I had the comment made to me by one of the True Charity staff members that I was not “the usual demographic” that attends the conference. I agreed, since I work for an agency in which the people we serve will always need the assistance of paid staff to maintain their employment in the community. I commented, through attending the conference, that I have a deeper understanding of the need to help people take control of their decisions and their life…”

Wanda Wallace, Huntsville Utilities - “… I was excited to see some new Huntsville organizations and agencies there for the first time. As a community, we are starting to see the importance of building relationships, providing a form of sustainability based on individual needs, and tracking results for those we serve.  The most important takeaway I took with me was to take the time to get to know the individual(s) we are working with and listen to what they truly need, rather than assuming we know what they need…”

Looking Ahead

The decision to move the Summit to Huntsville reflects the growing reach of the True Charity Network and its commitment to making the event more accessible to members nationwide. As the Summit continues to expand, it remains a unique opportunity for practitioners, ministry leaders, and advocates to connect, learn, and collaborate in the pursuit of real, lasting change for those in need. Next year, the Summit will be held in Jacksonville, Florida. 

We are grateful for the privilege of helping to host such an inspiring event and look forward to seeing the ripple effects of this year’s Summit in our community and beyond.