Today we’d like to introduce you to Tennyson Smith II.
Hi Tennyson, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Vital 2 Life Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in response to a deeply personal tragedy. After his daughter was assaulted in Houston, Tennyson witnessed firsthand the overwhelming need for accessible, faith-based counseling for survivors of trauma.
During one of the family’s most difficult seasons, a compassionate member of their local church generously offered to counsel his daughter at no cost, for as long as she needed. Through that experience, God placed a calling on Tennyson’s heart to establish a counseling ministry dedicated to making Christ-centered mental health care more accessible and affordable while helping break the stigma surrounding mental health within the body of Christ.
Guided by that vision, Tennyson and his wife founded Vital 2 Life Ministries in partnership with the National Christian Counselors Association to serve individuals and families who feel unseen, unheard, or unable to afford counseling. He credits every success of the ministry first and foremost to Jesus Christ, acknowledging that none of this work would be possible without His guidance and grace. He is also deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support of his family, whose encouragement continues to strengthen him each day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the journey has been far from easy, but it has been deeply rewarding and unquestionably worth it.
From the beginning, we faced significant challenges, including finding a suitable location, building our client base, raising awareness in the community, and connecting with partners who shared our vision. Then the COVID-19 pandemic brought an entirely new set of obstacles that tested our faith, resilience, and commitment to the mission.
One of the greatest challenges has been carrying the emotional weight of walking alongside people during some of the darkest moments of their lives. There have been countless times when we wished we could do even more. We have poured ourselves into connecting clients with community resources, praying with and for them, and creating a safe space where they can process their pain and begin to heal. While our desire is to meet every need, we have also learned the humbling reality that our capacity is limited, and ultimately, God is the One who brings lasting healing and transformation.
Through every challenge, God has taught us what it truly means to “chase after the one”—to love people sacrificially, serve with compassion, and remain faithful even when the work is difficult. Every obstacle has strengthened our ministry, deepened our faith, and reaffirmed that pursuing God’s heart for His people is always worthwhile.
Today, one of our greatest ongoing challenges is financial sustainability. As our ministry has grown, so have the needs of the individuals and families we serve. Yet, since opening our doors in 2019, we have intentionally chosen not to increase our counseling fees because we believe cost should never be a barrier to receiving quality, Christ-centered care. During that same period, consumer prices have increased by nearly 25%, placing additional strain on our operating budget.
As a nonprofit ministry, we depend on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, and community partners to help bridge that gap. Our annual fall fundraiser plays a vital role in helping us meet our yearly budget so we can continue providing accessible, affordable counseling and support to those who need it most. Every gift directly impacts lives by making hope and healing available to people who might otherwise go without care.
We’ve been impressed with Vital 2 Life, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Vital 2 Life Ministries, everything we do is rooted in service and guided by God’s heart for His people. More than a decade ago, Tennyson left a successful career in Corporate America after answering God’s call to full-time ministry. Today, he provides Christ-centered counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups, helping people experience hope, healing, and restoration through biblical truth and compassionate care.
We are most proud of what God has accomplished through a ministry that was built from the ground up. One of our greatest milestones was becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization during the height of the global pandemic, when many government offices were closed.
Every client we serve, every program we develop, every life transformed, and every soul drawn closer to Christ is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and to the incredible people He has brought alongside us to help fulfill this mission.
What sets Vital 2 Life Ministries apart is that we serve as unto the Lord. We meet people exactly where they are, extending grace, compassion, and hope while helping them discover their God-given identity and take meaningful steps toward healing, freedom, and lasting transformation. We believe true restoration comes through the power of Christ, and we are committed to walking alongside those we serve through every stage of their journey.
At our core, we are servants. Our mission is not driven by recognition or personal achievement, but by faith, love, and a steadfast commitment to God’s calling. It is our privilege to reflect His love by serving others with humility, excellence, and unwavering compassion.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Tennyson attributes every success first and foremost to Jesus Christ, recognizing that none of this work would be possible without His guidance, provision, and grace. He is also deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support of his family, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout this journey.
His wife is an invaluable partner in both life and ministry. She holds a master’s degree from Liberty University and serves as a hospice nurse, author, and counselor specializing in trauma recovery for women. Together, they share a deep commitment to helping individuals and families experience healing, hope, and restoration through Christ-centered care. United by their faith and compassion for others, they remain dedicated to fulfilling God’s calling on their lives and advancing the mission of Vital 2 Life Ministries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vital2life.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onechasers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chasingafterthe1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOClm0ZPgWPl3S25QL5cuog
