Financial stability is a very important part in becoming self-sufficient. Here at GRACE, we are always trying to find new ways to guide our clients on their journey into self-sufficiency, and our community helps us do this in so many special ways. Transitional Housing Manager, Martisha Smith, and Certified Public Accountant, Monica Huber, had a great idea of having our clients take a class on financial stability. The Chalmers Faith Based Center is the host curriculum for this course. Monica participated in this course and loved it so much she went on to become a certified instructor. Towards the end of March, our Transitional Housing clients began the nine week course and have already been putting what they’ve learned into action. “The course is designed to help people manage their finances while understanding what God says about finances,” said Monica. “The women are about six weeks in, and are continuing

Volunteers play such an important part in the GRACE family. They help with out with events, assist in many of our programs plus, much more. This year, Volunteer Appreciation week was a success. The week was full of fun activities, games, food and more. The GRACE staff surely does love our volunteers, and we want to show them how much we appreciate them. The Volunteer appreciation luncheon was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Community, and was catered by Loveria Caffé. This year’s theme was the Academy Awards, and was hosted by GRACE’s Chief Executive Officer, Shonda Schaefer and Volunteer Manager, Ryan Jackson. Over 6,000 volunteers served with GRACE over the past year, and we continue to see new faces at each of our semi-monthly Volunteer Orientations. The luncheon highlighted the many accomplishments and achievements from our volunteers. We handed out 19 awards to individuals and groups alike, who have shown

For the past ten years, the GRACE Community Garden has not only been a source of fresh produce for the local community, but it also serves as an educational resource. With 12 garden plots producing up to 2,500 pounds of organically grown produce a year, it helps supply much-needed nutrients to GRACE families. This year is looking to be a great one for the garden as mother nature has been on our side with ample growing weather! In honor of Earth Day, it only seemed fitting to take a look at what our green-thumbs in the GRACE Community Garden have been up to this spring. As with most activities at GRACE, it’s the volunteers who do the heavy lifting, scooping, raking, and shoveling that gets the job done. Master Gardener Caryn Hutchinson assisted by Robert “Bob” Dansby and Becca Clarke and many more have put so much time and attention

In the spirit of spring and starting fresh, several local businesses decided to host events involving cleaning for a cause in honor of GRACE! To kick things off, ReMax hosted their “Ninja Shredding Event” where attendees were encouraged to bring unwanted papers to shred, as well as household goods and clothing they no longer wanted. Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International had a similar idea and requested people clean out their closets for any unused clothing. All housing and clothing items were then collected and sent straight to Donation Station and our resale stores. Keller Williams Southlake hosted their “Red Day” event, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate. For their global day of service, the folks at KW gathered food items to restock the GRACE Food Pantry – a much needed blessing! Lezlie Frazier with My Personal Dox recently learned about the mission of GRACE and wanted to partner with us

Volunteer Appreciation week is here, and GRACE wants to take the time to thank and show appreciation to our wonderful volunteers. We have the best volunteers who are always looking out for the betterment of our community. For that reason alone we have a week full of fun celebrations for our volunteers. Our Pantry Manager, Marcus Miranda has been coming up with different activities for his volunteers. He has announced that this year he will host a game day for volunteers. Wednesday, April 20th, at 11 am, volunteers are welcomed to come to the community room at GRACE Main to participate in fun board games, socializing, and delicious food. Both GRACEful Buys Grapevine and Euless will be providing lunch for their volunteers this week. Donation Station will have fruits, cupcakes, bread, and more to celebrate. “Without volunteers, DS would not be able to get donations to the stores in a

As many of us know, vehicles require a great deal of attention to detail. Tire pressure, engine check, and cleanliness are just some of the regular checks that many need in order smoothly operate a vehicle. Our clients from the GRACE Transitional Housing program were given an all inclusive workshop on proper vehicle maintenance, and they had a blast. Carli and Anthony from the North Central Texas Council of Governments came out to GRACE to host a workshop for our clients about the best practices for maintaining their vehicles. The workshop included information on basic car care, air quality, jumping a car, and more. The ladies also had the opportunity to perform a few key tasks such as checking the oil and running a diagnostic. North Central Texas Council of Governments provided clients with a pamphlet on car care, along with a car care kit. The kit included everything but

Good Shepherd Catholic Community has always been an avid supporter of GRACE and its programs. From volunteering with us, to hosting GRACE events, we appreciate everything that they do. Every year in honor of Easter, Good Shepherd does something special, for many of the clients that comes through GRACE doors. Over the past month, Good Shepherd collected a total of 124 Easter baskets of all different shapes and sizes to clients, across our programs. Each baskets contains a variety of gifts for children of all ages to play with and have fun. As soon as we received the baskets, our staff did not waste any time giving out the baskets. Throughout the halls of client services were rows Easter baskets full of bright colors. These baskets brought joy to the clients, and even moved some tears. “The T.H families feel so blessed that the community cares for them and their

It has become a fixture in Southlake’s already stellar reputation for artistry and handsome urban culture. Art in the Square will showcase 150 of some of the nation’s top artists to benefit local charities supporting women, children and families. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Southlake Town Square to view the curated artwork and fabulous entertainers that take the stage each of the three nights of Art in the Square. This fine art jubilee, which takes place from April 22-24, isn’t without your favorite festival food and beverages, and if quality family fun doesn’t get your attention—free admission might! The tremendous endeavor is led by Southlake Women’s Club, a highly-respected nonprofit in its own right with over 150 members and unrivaled community engagement. The club has been a pillar in the Southlake and surrounding community for three decades and raises funds for scholarships, grants and school supplies throughout the year. The club forms a vigorous

GRACE’s ability to offer a high degree of accountability and integrity is largely due to the tenure of the GRACE Board of Directors. The collective expertise of the GRACE Board is second to none, and GRACE is pleased to welcome two new community leaders to the slate: Bravis Brown, Kevin McNamara and Duff O’Dell. GRACE’s history of having outstanding Board Members dates back to the beginning of GRACE. Our Board Members have always served with loyalty, honor, and care for the mission of GRACE. We appreciate all of GRACE’s Board members from past to present for the work and love that they have given to the GRACE community. This year we have elected 3 new members to join our Board, and here they are. The resume of Duff O’Dell is endless. Grapevine Rotary Club, Former Women’s Division President, Grapevine Heritage Foundation and former President of Bay View Club of Grapevine

The GRACE “Angels Among Us “GALA will be held back at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas on November 5th. This is one of the community’s most highly respect events that has been around for nearly two decades and continuing to grow in popularity each year. All net proceeds fund programs and services for those in need who come to GRACE for help. The GRACE Gala is the agency’s largest annual fundraising event that has quickly gained the title of the premier black tie event in the region. This year, GRACE is proud to introduce this year’s Gala co-chairs, Sheila and Jason Ridley. The Ridley’s along with the Gala committee are dedicated to celebrating the community effort on helping our neighbors facing hardship. “This is the time of year where we go all out for everyone,” said Shonda Schaefer, GRACE Chief Executive Officer. “Our clients, families, sponsors, donors, volunteers,