How a serve901 Trip Inspired a Move to Memphis

"Memphis is a city where if you love her, she will love you back. By coming on a Serve901 trip, you will not only make a positive impact but also enrich your own life in ways you can’t imagine." -Ava Conley

When Ava Conley signed up to do a service trip with Serve901 in 2016, she had no idea it would change the trajectory of her life. Ava’s leadership in Memphis since that time has made a true impact through foster care, service, and a deep love for the people in the city. All of it began with Serve901. 

From Serve901 to Full-Time Residents

"Originally from Oklahoma, I have called Memphis home for the past eight years and have grown to love this city. My admiration for Memphis started from afar, and now I feel incredibly fortunate to live here," Ava explains. After years of being involved with non-profits and foster care, Ava and her husband Joshua now lead two impactful organizations—Isaiah 117 House and Foster Village Memphis. "Both my husband and I have backgrounds in education, community development, and non-profit work, and we have been foster parents for over ten years."

Their love for service led them to Memphis, and it was a Serve901 trip that first connected them to this city. "While living in Montgomery, Alabama, my husband led a group of high school student leaders from an under-resourced community in our city. One of their dreams was to travel outside their neighborhood and serve others, and they chose Memphis! Through some Google searches, we discovered Serve901 and connected with Jeff Riddle and the Serve901 team."

Their initial service trip to Memphis was eye-opening. "We had the opportunity to serve with New Hope Christian Academy (where I later coincidentally worked for 5 years) and Mount Moriah East Baptist Church. It was an incredible experience for our students, who were able to see beyond their immediate environment and make an impact in a new community."

"Joshua and I moved to Memphis the summer after our Serve901 trip. Although it was bittersweet to leave our deep roots in Montgomery, Alabama, we were thrilled to join the Memphis Teacher Residency cohort."  Memphis Teacher Residency is a partner of Teach901 and Give901. Through their work with Teach901, teachers are recruited to Memphis and trained to work in underserved communities. "It’s been an incredible journey!" Ava claims.

The Grit and Heart of Memphis

“What I love most about Memphis is the people—unsung heroes who wake up every day determined to fight for the well-being of others in our city,” Ava says. 

A core part of Serve901's mission is to shift the narrative by highlighting the positive stories that showcase the incredible work happening in Memphis. It's about shining a light on our city's achievements and helping to reshape how Memphis is viewed across the country.

"I promise you there's far more good than bad," she emphasizes. "The true heart of Memphis lies in the individuals who have made it their life's mission to be part of the change. I believe this is why Memphis is known as the Grit and Grind City. The people here possess a unique blend of grit and determination found nowhere else." 

Supporting Serve901 Means Supporting Memphis

"Memphis is filled with people who don’t just point out the gaps in our city but also step up to bridge them, making our community stronger and more connected," Ava says. Organizations like Serve901 play a key role in amplifying Memphis’s spirit of service, connecting volunteers to the city’s needs and building a strong commitment to our community. 

"You need more Memphis in your life—the people here are what make the city truly great."