Our Founder

 Nancy Atchley began an active outreach to prison families and at-risk families in the Folsom community in l986. As her ministry opportunities grew, God made it very clear to her that this special population didn’t feel that they fit into the regular church setting, yet they needed a safe place to meet and grow spiritually.

As a result, in 1992 she founded Powerhouse Ministries, a non-profit organization, to better meet the needs of the poor and needy. Powerhouse serves hundreds of people each year from its facility on Wales Drive in Folsom. Nancy was ordained as Pastor of Powerhouse Ministries in 1995.

Along with her depth of spiritual maturity, she has demonstrated a strong record of success at mobilizing community awareness to the needs of the poor, raising funds and recruiting volunteers to address those needs. She has an exceptional ability to motivate others and to successfully network with many diverse organizations such as Churches, Probation, Police, School Districts, City Government, Community Service groups.

The Community of Folsom has recognized her for her outstanding contribution. She received the Soroptomist “Making a Difference Award for Women” in 1997. The following year she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. In 2003 she received the Spirit of the Heart Award from Sacramento Consolidated Charities.

Nancy is an active member of the Twin Lakes Ministerial Association, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and Folsom Kiwanis. She has also served on the Executive Advisory Team for Serve Partnership Unlimited (Division of Youth for Christ), Board of Directors for local Prison Fellowship, Folsom Family Clinic Advisory Board, Mercy Housing Advisory Board, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Board, and Folsom Family Services Collaboration.

Nancy, who was widowed in 1997 has three grown sons. In 1999 she married
Richard Atchley, Field Director for Prison Fellowship.

Pastor Nancy Atchley, a woman of prayer, is a gifted preacher and a compassionate counselor who loves serving the people of this community. By providing a safe haven for at risk families, where they can learn more about God and His love,
Powerhouse Ministries has become a Spiritual Lighthouse for the
Folsom community and surrounding areas.