With tax season underway, volunteers are still needed as critical liaisons to assist qualifying families through the tax process. No tax experience is required, and non-finance roles are needed to greet the incoming clients. GRACE has teamed up with the City of Fort Worth and United Way to facilitate free-onsite tax services to families with a combined income of $54,000 or less. This service is especially important to families, likely living paycheck to paycheck, by rightfully getting a refund that might have been left undiscovered if not for a costly tax service. The tax refunds make for a healthy local economy, and GRACE is also dedicated to offering resources to invest these funds to support the family long term. Many continued education resources are offered to clients, along with job coaching, financial coaching, budgeting, and ESL classes. The ultimate goal of this program is to equip families with the tools

Regardless of where you live, there is a universal marvel and appreciation for an incredible furniture deal! That’s why we are hosting our first-ever secret sale exclusively to our loyal GRACE Family with an extra day of 30% off all furniture at both GRACEful Buys locations! The sale officially run through Friday, but tried and true supporters can simply show their GRACE E-News all day Saturday to enjoy bigger savings this weekend! GRACEful Buys is one the best-kept secrets in our community, with savings anywhere from housewares to clothing, books and toys. Some furniture looks new and ready to be showcased, while other pieces make for a perfect weekend DIY project! Shoppers can find us at 418 E. Northwest Hwy in Grapevine (across from Whataburger) or at 700 W. Euless Blvd in the heart of Euless. Stores open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00

Thanks to the tiny future leaders of the Canyon Creek Day School Pre-K class and staff for providing shoes and outfits for dozens of families in need this season! Prior to the collection drive the class recounted all the seemingly-trivial items they relied on that day. The staff was conscientious about using this project as a teaching moment that not every child is guaranteed things we all take for granted, such as toiletry items, clothing, and a full pantry of snacks. When these young hearts understood that some children are in need, they took to asking family members and friends for new and gently used clothing. The staff didn’t want to discount them for being young and challenged them to speak up and conduct themselves graciously. Before they knew it these Pre-K students filled the classroom bin! This collection left a positive mark on these children and their families, who together

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the 2016 Leadership Grapevine class as part of their Health and Human Sciences Tour. The daytrip made stops to JPS Health Network, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine and the GRACE Community Clinic. Leadership Grapevine is designed to equip participants with a broader awareness of the city’s strengths and resources through educational experiences and projects. The process shares feasible ways the graduates can utilize their expertise to make our community a better place to live. It isn’t hard to guess that the community’s leaders are made up of some of the most generous people in Grapevine. Last year the 2015 class spent some time away from the ‘classroom’ to clean, restore and beautify the property for Transitional Housing. Leadership Grapevine has also volunteered ample time to our Community Garden initiative and tended to improve our other programs with personal volunteer hours. This

Each year dozens of teams tee off under the glistening navy sky to feel like a kid again and bring critical funds to support children’s programs at GRACE. Participating in Drive Into the Night is not only a memorable way to spend a Friday night, it’s the ideal venue to increase business exposure, treat your staff with a night out and invest in a cause that makes a lasting impact on children and their families. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 22 at the Grapevine Golf Course. Teams will be treated with a classic bar-b-que dinner and craft ale from Grapevine Craft Brewery. Players can also go head to head in our Putting, Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive contests. There are also some unique raffle and auction prizes up our polo sleeves that are sure to impress. Drive Into the Night raises funds for seasonal programs

GRACE is privileged to announce Ashley and Andy Cunningham as the 2016 GRACE Gala Chairs. The Gala Chairs play an instrumental role in the oversight of GRACE’s single most important fund raising event of the year to ensure all the moving parts function seamlessly for a memorable and purposeful event. This year’s gala will take place on October 22, 2016 at the Irving Convention Center. Andy received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University, and currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for Coastal Plains, a diversified old field services company. Also a graduate of Texas A&M University, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas. As a former teacher and child life specialist, her specialization in children with special needs led her to partner with Camp Jon

“This is just the ‘CliffsNotes’ version—I really encourage you to read the WHOLE book!” This was GRACE Intake Coordinator Vicki Yarnell’s earnest plea after sharing quotes reflecting GRACE Core Values. The “book” she recommended reading in its entirety was the Bible, and the “quotes” were scriptures. Like a doctor refers to the Gray’s Anatomy, Vicki’s second nature is to turn to the Bible in all situations– including her role as lead receptionist. Vicki has been nominated for the 2016 Receptionist Award for Fort Worth’s Admin Awards on behalf of GRACE for her warmth, professionalism and effervesces inside and outside the workforce. Oftentimes, clients may understandably feel a sense of vulnerability asking for help in an unfamiliar environment. Her cheerfulness and genuine concern leave a lasting impression on those in distress, reflecting each of the GRACE core values in the highest regard. Not only does she direct incoming calls throughout the agency,

For the month of February Dr. Sue’s Chocolates in downtown Grapevine will be offering $2 chocolate bars designed specifically for GRACE. All of the month’s proceeds will be donated to support GRACE programs. This would be an excellent choice for those last-minute gifts to your loved one, or chance to stock up on employee gifts for the following week! Those curious about the name will be delighted to know that Dr. Sue is actually a doctor who has made spreading the health benefits of all-natural dark chocolate her calling. These decadent confections can be purchased today until 8 p.m. and during the weekend (hours and location here).