One of the most impactful moments in the GRACE calendar is the welcome a new Transitional Client receives when she first enters her new apartment. After several years of blessing homes over Zoom, old traditions were restored, and GRACE staff and volunteers piled into the small efficiency to wish clients well. This week, GRACE was blessed to embrace two wonderful ladies into their new homes. Representatives from Abiding Grace Lutheran Church in Southlake and White’s Chapel United Methodist Church were in attendance as well. Members of the congregation volunteer their time and expertise to fully renovate each apartment as one family moves on and another comes in. From the moment a client enters the program, all the furniture used in the space is theirs to take with them. This not only allows for less daunting expenses when a client graduates and finds a new home, it also provides a blank

GRACE would like to introduce our  Fabulous Client Services Manager, Eliza Marentes. Growing up in San Jose, California, Eli has always been the one to help people. She is motivated by joy, teamwork, and her deep compassion for others, and that is why she is an awesome fit for her position. Before joining GRACE, Eli worked as an Advocate for protective caregivers and neglected children at the Alliance for Children. Working there, Eli says that she became more accustomed to nonprofits and fell deeply in love with motivating clients. Here at GRACE, Eli has already made an amazing impact on the GRACE staff and more importantly our clients. She is always giving advice and encouraging clients to “ focus on the day-to-day goals first, and once those goals are completed consistently,  you will know that you are going in the right direction.” In the office, Eli is known for her

GRACE volunteers are amazing in so many ways. Their dedication is incredible, their motive is to give, and their ideas are impressive. Last weekend our Transitional Housing clients were given a big surprise from one of our volunteers. Cynthia Day, attended the 2nd annual GRACE Designer Bags & Bingo Benefiting Transitional Housing event in May, on behalf of her company, Trusted Results Reality being the Title sponsor for the event. While participating in the event, Cynthia was reminded that all of the benefits and donations would go right into GRACE’s Transitional Housing program. After the event, she reached out to Transitional Housing Manager, Martisha Smith, and talked about more ways that she could give back to the families in Transitional Housing. They finally came out up with the idea of having a birthday party for the families. Transitional Housing decided to celebrate all birthdays that have passed this year, which

This year’s Southlake Chamber Awards was spectacular in all kinds of ways. It was funny, entertaining, and had great live music, that would make anyone want to dance. Most of all, this Chamber Awards celebration highlighted the impact of many individuals and organizations in the community that strives to serve the community in so many ways. Hosted at the Marq Southlake by Mayor John Huffman and President and CEO of the Southlake Chamber, Mark Guilbert, this special evening was an evening that you couldn’t miss out on. The theme was SouthStone, a parody of the iconic television show Yellowstone. Ryan Davis from Ryan Davis Media provided an excellent short film, which had many cheering and having a good time. The event also had a live longhorn, mini Line Dancing Lessons, a trick roper, and a silent auction. a wine/whiskey pull and a delicious dinner catered by Scratch Kitchen. Below are

While participating in Eagle Scouts, scouts are usually given time to complete a specific project, that culminates with every lesson that is learned throughout the year. These special projects are usually tasks designed to help a community or help an individual in need. This year GRACE was chosen to be where one scout wanted to do his project. Nick Ferrara, is an ambitious 15-year-old, who loves to be a part of his Eagle Scout Troup. His experience in Eagle Scouts has shown him, that “your hard work will always pay off”, which is advice that he says he will take throughout any difficult challenge he may face. As the Scout Master announced their project details, Nick couldn’t help but think, about GRACE. A former Scout and friend of Nick’s recently did a project at GRACE. Nick and his family have also volunteered in different GRACE programs in the past, and

As planning season for the 2022 GRACE Gala is ramping up, our Gala Committee is following suit! This coming Wednesday at 3:00 pm, a tour of GRACE sites and facilities is taking place, and it will be followed by a group happy hour at Sloan & Williams Winery. Both are open to anyone interested in joining this year’s Gala Committee, or even just for those interested in the workings and locations of GRACE in general! GRACE operations cover numerous sites, programs, services, and opportunities for our clients so taking time to see our facilities really helps to put it all into perspective. Our tour covers not only our history but we also walk through the facilities themselves and introduce the people who operate them. “Touring our facilities is maybe the best way to really see how GRACE operates,” said Christina Cates, GRACE Director of Community Engagement. “It’s always exciting to

GRACE would like to reintroduce our incredibly awesome Client Services Caseworker, Jamé Scott. Born in San Fransisco California, Jamé has always had a passion for traveling to new places. Her experiences include trips to Europe, Cuba, and a Mediterranean cruise where she got the chance to sail through Greece. About three years ago, Jamé was a part of the GRACE staff working as our Transitional Housing Manager. During her time here, she set a goal to build relationships with our clients, and that she did. Her advice and wisdom on being the best version of oneself touched so many of our clients daily, inspiring them to go out and follow their dreams. During her first run here at GRACE, Jamé received the opportunity to be the director of a senior living facility, which she took. During that time, Jamé opened her new business and became a successful businesswoman. Several months

We are a little under five months away from the 19th annual GRACE Gala, and with the newest addition to the Gala Committee team, this year’s Gala is looking to be the best one yet. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet this year’s Auction Chair, Kay Allen. Kay has been one of GRACE’s biggest supporters for a little over 10 years now. Every time she gives to GRACE, whether it’s monetary, volunteerism, or promoting GRACE’s works throughout the community, she is always reminded that her support means so much to GRACE staff and most importantly, GRACE clients. Kay is the founder of Allen Wealth Advisors,  a company designed to help individuals and families reach their financial goals while building strong relationships with each client they meet. Kay is also heavily involved in many organizations throughout the community, where she shows true leadership. She is an active member of the DFW Finacial

The GRACE Community Clinic has been serving the community for over two decades. The primary goal of the clinic is to provide medical care for individuals and families who may be uninsured and do not have traditional healthcare. Most clients also suffer from various illnesses that go undiagnosed for years. To continue to serve our clients, the Community Clinic is looking for some help. We are always on the lookout for volunteers to come and serve in our clinic. In the clinic, volunteer opportunities are almost endless. Opportunities include but are not limited to: 1. Front Office Assistants 2. Spanish Interpreters/Translators 3. RNs 4. Pharmacists 5. Registered Dieticians, Diabetic Educators 6. Clinic ILicensed Counselors 7. Providers (Family Practice/Internal Medicine; GI Specialists, Urologists/Nephrologists, Neurologists, Cardiologists, Chiropractors, Endocrinologists) We also accept high school seniors who are wanting to learn more about the medical field.   In addition, the clinic needs over-the counter

Last week, GRACE made a call for support in a time of need. Without hesitation, you answered that call. We have seen an influx of donations to our Food Pantry in the past few days, and we cannot express how grateful we are or what an impact you have made. For all those who donated, thank you! With that being said, an update on the status of our Pantry shelves is in order: May 31st marked the end of the fiscal Third Quarter for GRACE. Just like the grim economic predictions facing our country, the Final Quarter of FY22 at GRACE begins with some worrisome trends. Some continue to be COVID-related. Prior to March 2020, and dating back to FY13, GRACE averaged 5,000 new, unduplicated clients per year. In the COVID year, we saw a jump to 11,000. After this initial massive inflow of new clients caused by the mandated