Social media is perhaps the fastest, most effective way we can brag on our GRACE family (that’s you!) and expand our reach to the community. Our Facebook and Twitter pages relay the latest inspirational stories, photos, and real-time needs within each GRACE program. Be sure to tag your collection drives and special events with #GRACEGrapevine! It’s our earnest desire that our community take personal ownership of what we’ve achieved together as an agency; after all—we couldn’t serve families without you! When GRACE was established nearly thirty years ago before “buzzwords” were “trending”, it was the heart of GRACE to provide centralized care to families in distress. Now with an even bigger platform to honor that mission, the more engaged we are with our community, the greater our impact toward those in need. If you are reading our blog or received our GRACE E-News, chances are you’re pretty savvy when it

We are so proud to have a dedicated team of people who cultivate and tend to our Community Garden, which yields an astounding 3,000 pounds of organic produce for GRACE clients each year. The Community Garden is in need of funds and supplies to ensure clients receive the most nutritious fruits and vegetables possible. These loyal volunteers employee strategy, energy and sweat equity into making the most of the tools provided. They have put together a comprehensive list of needs to coincide with their regular planting dates (view full schedule here). The funds will go to purchase garden essentials, including fertilizer, new seedlings, fencing and potting soil. This month the garden will start planting peppers and tomatoes for the summer with the new addition of tomatillos. Last year produced an exciting addition of fruits including strawberries, raspberries, cantaloupe and watermelon—vibrant luxuries to a budget-conscious household. The garden harvest is packed

  There are only two things GRACE can boast about: God’s grace and the wonderful individuals He puts in our wake to carry out the GRACE mission. There are remarkable people in the community , including HEB Chamber Award nominees David Medina and Mike Collins, both nominated by GRACE. Collins was honored with the Bill Ridgeway Spirit of Enterprise Award. Medina received the Clyde Mooney Award, the Chamber’s most distinguished honor that highlights exceptional leadership and service to the community. Medina’s compassion for those in need is reflected in his vocation as the owner and Director of Forest Ridge Funeral Home. When he’s out in the community, he’s practically a walking billboard for GRACE resale in everything from the suits and ties to the piano he purchased for Forest Ridge. David is always willing to serve in any volunteer capacity and was instrumental in the opening of GRACEful Buys in

  Event Release: Drive Into the Night Glow Golf Tournament Benefiting GRACE Media Contact: Heather Ortner, GRACE Marketing & Communications Manager GRAPEVINE, TX -Whether you’re an avid golfer or play par to nine holes of putt-putt, this fan-favorite moonlight event generates one of GRACE’s largest event proceeds to help families in distress. The 2017 Drive Into the Night event is set to tee off on Friday, April 21 at the Grapevine Golf Course. All event revenue sustains GRACE children’s programs like Christmas Cottage, which provides 2,700 family members with new, unwrapped Christmas toys. Feed Our Kids provides an average of 38,000 meals to at-risk children during the summer months. The glow golf tournament is a fan favorite because lends itself to a unique experience company employees, friends or civic groups can enjoy,” says GRACE Executive Director Shonda Schaefer. “Along with sponsorship exposure, companies and groups know it’s a fun night out that allows for friendly competition that

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Heather Ortner, Marketing & Communications Manager 817-305-4652 ALBERTSONS IN COLLEYVILLE RECEIVES COMMUNITY AWARD FOR HUNGER RELIEF Grapevine, TX– Albertsons in Colleyville will be presented with the GRACE Outstanding Community Partner Award for their collaboration to meet the needs of those at risk for hunger in Greater Northeastern Tarrant Country through GRACE programs. A brief ceremony will be held to honor the recipients on February 3, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the GRACE Food Pantry, 837 E. Walnut Street in Grapevine. All media and area residents are invited to attend. The Outstanding Community Partner Award goes to a business that demonstrates benevolent initiative through employee volunteerism, philanthropy and community engagement. Albertsons in Colleyville has been instrumental to GRACE with their weekly supplemental food program, volunteer service and food campaign, Souper Bowl of Caring, which offers pre-filled bags for purchase on behalf of families in need. Since 2013,

Perhaps the official gift-giving season is over, but we are delighted to report that the spirit of giving continues on at GRACE! The community just completed 55 documented collection drives since the holiday season began in November, collecting coats, toiletries, canned goods, socks, and—of course—toys! The hardship local families face know no day or season, so we are incredibly grateful that the community meets the needs throughout the year. Here’s an idea that reminds us gathering essentials doesn’t always require a big production or campaign—take a cue from Lisa Washington, a BNSF employee who used her birthday party to collect donations in lieu of gifts. Regardless of age, we all hope to share another birthday celebration year after year, and what better than to know you are giving something that will outlast an ordinary gift? If every family utilized one birthday party to collect goods, imagine the needs we would