We love people where they are, for life.

Our Heart

Greenhouse Project launched to help radically transform lives by the gospel in an area known for staggering crime rates, drug abuse, extreme poverty, and one of the state’s worst school districts – Chester, PA.

What started out as a dream with lots of prayer grew into a reality of shared vision, partnership, and support in a modest home church setting. Emily and I invited friends to join in prayer, worship, and fellowship as God opened doors to make a way. In faith, we bought a house in Chester asking God to use our lives, our family, and a home to reach families on the block. That was 2018.

The Backstory

After losing everything to drug addiction, John Clifford's life was forever changed in a jail cell when he had a personal interaction with Jesus in 2006. Upon release, a local rescue mission in Chester accepted John into a long-term recovery program. Through strong mentor relationships, he volunteered to help meet immediate and physical needs of those around him through food, shelter, clothing, and other generous donations.

But after 10 years of serving, John knew something was still missing: lasting transformation.

The same people came in over and over for aid or assistance, as if they were in no better position throughout the years. John’s heart broke for them.

John and his wife Emily connected over a shared vision to help provide access to true life transformation from the inside, out for those who are struggling or lack resources in Chester.

In 2018, John and Emily bought an abandoned house to begin planting Greenhouse Project, while at the same time growing their own family.

After a facelift and some radical faith, the once rundown house became home base of a ministry that has expanded into multiple locations and ministries. Thanks to the Lord’s faithful provision—and tireless love, support and gifts from partners, ministers, volunteers and donors—our team is honored to serve the city of Chester, PA.

A Note from John

Lasting transformation only happens in a community in which lives are shared.
My life is living proof of that.

I was given a second chance; people saw value in me while I had nothing to offer. Through God’s power and love from neighbors, I was challenged to give back and help the “next person.”

Many development programs meet urgent needs and aid those in crisis, but this alone does not create long-term healing and change. The heart of Greenhouse Project is to build relationships living with those who struggle in order to create a lasting impact.

Will you join us?

John Clifford
Pastor & President, Greenhouse Project

OUR DNA

  • We live life in the struggle with neighbors because every life is meant to flourish. We cultivate gospel-centered, long-term relationships and community support for those who are struggling in Chester, PA.

    Our ministry provides safe environments for life transformation through free recovery counseling, life coaching, food outreach, youth mentorship, and church fellowship.

  • Our focus is creating long-term relationships living side-by-side with those who are struggling in order to create a lasting impact. We believe that the best way to influence change is from within.

    Our commitment to families and the community itself is long-term as we seek to disciple neighbors into purpose-driven individuals and self-sustaining families. The decision to walk life out with others is made regardless of circumstances. 

    Our simple approach is to live with, assess, and navigate solutions to the entire spectrum of challenges in Chester, PA. Through this, we expect to see poverty cycles broken and generations of people transformed.

    Our intention is to glorify God in our lives and influence others to seek Him in theirs. This type of commitment changes families, blocks, cities, and a nation.

  • Our lifestyle revolves around these values:

    1. Gospel Centered – We believe God is seeking people through radical love, so we focus our lives on the teaching of Jesus and how he radically loves people. 

    2. Family Focused – We believe all humans are created to thrive inside families. So we seek to strengthen and restore families and invite those without families into our homes and lives.  

    3. Community Based – We make long-term commitments to local communities and people. We develop authentic relationships as we live in the areas we support and create an atmosphere of hope. 

    4. Long-Term Minded – We seek out long-term solutions to a plethora of challenges. By identifying the big target, we can help focus on the small steps to reach the goal and long-term outcomes.