It’s Spring time and GRACE is hitting the ground running! We’ve got a lot to do and we need your help to do it. We have quite a few programs at GRACE that need volunteers such as the Food Pantry, Donation Station, and our GRACEful Buys resale stores! GRACE is a fun and exciting place to help make a difference…maybe you’ve never volunteered with us before, maybe you’ve always helped at a certain location and now it’s time to broaden your horizons, maybe you just need to kick off those winter blues and get moving…whatever the reason, our community needs you and GRACE is here to get you involved! You can learn more about these opportunities by checking out our website or by emailing the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@GRACEgrapevine.org or call (817) 305-4655

Dallas Cowboys Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence, Florida State Defensive End Janarius Robinson, friends and family rolled up their sleeves and helped volunteer at the GRACE Community Pantry last week. “It’s a great organization, and we’re all happy to be a part of this,” DeMarcus said as he helped unload boxes of food for our clients. “I’m glad that my family could be here to help as well, it’s important to us to give back to a community that’s been so good to us.” Avondale Dealerships in Grapevine helped coordinate the event that was as fun as it was productive. Different types of healthy and delicious foods and goods were stocked, organized, and prepped for those we serve each day. After the work was done, DeMarcus and Janarius took time to take photos with staff, clients, and fans that noticed him as they drove by…he also signed some footballs and autographs.

Members of the Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) presented a check to GRACE for a record $5,000 representing the proceeds from their Virtual “Un-Casino” Night that happened recently. The event benefited GRACE and four other amazing organizations – CBI, Jewish Family Services of Ft. Worth and Tarrant County, Stepping Stones Foundation, and the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation…all organizations received a check for the same amount. This was CBI’s first virtual casino event and was a much bigger success than anticipated. “Obviously we are excited to have in-person events again but our virtual event was great because people from all over the country were able to participate,” said CBI’s Sam Felberbaum. “We love GRACE and the important work it does for our community so it is an honor to deliver this check.” Our sincerest thanks to Mr. Felberbaum, all the members of the casino planning committee, and everyone else with Congregation Beth

The GRACE Family is excited to introduce our new Resale Manager for GRACEful Buys Grapevine, Julie Ashby. As manager, Julie is in charge of the entire store – all its employees, volunteers, and general sales. It’s a big job but she’s used to managing complex operations and a lot of people. “Before I came to GRACE, I was Director of Food Service for Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, managing six cafes and feeding 5,000 to 8,000 people a day… all by 1:00 pm,” said Julie. “I’ve spent my whole career in the food service industry, but I wanted a change. I saw the job online and thought it would be a great fit.” GRACEful Buys is her first job in retail but she says that she’s excited for the future. “I was surprised by how great everyone here is…we have an awesome team already in place, all I have to

This weekend stop by and grab furniture at an unbelievably good price! From now until this Sunday, all furniture at both of our locations is 40% off. This sale is great for all the different types of furniture customers… Are you looking for a new piece for your home? A couch or an end table to complete the space you love spending time in? Do you love to flip furniture? Do you have a keen eye for a piece of furniture that’s ready for a new life? Are you excited by the possibilities that a new coat of varnish or splash of paint can do to an old set of drawers? Whatever you feel like doing or whatever you need, this weekend is the time to get it. When it comes to finding that diamond in the rough, both GRACEful Buys locations are jewels themselves as the best-kept secret furniture

GRACE is proud to announce that we were awarded the HEB Chamber Community Service Award which is presented in recognition of outstanding community service that benefits HEB and the surrounding areas. We are so proud to accept this award, we’ve had a great partnership with the HEB Chamber for many years so this honor means so much to us. “I want to thank the Chamber as well as our Board, employees, and our unbelievably dedicated volunteers,” said GRACE CEO Shonda Schaefer. “This is a true honor, we appreciate it so much.” Held at the Texas Star Conference Center on Friday, February 26th or virtually on Zoom, the award ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding local businesses, organizations, and individuals. We do not take honors like this lightly, thank you once again to the Chamber, we are so excited to continue our work together.

The amazing contributions of GRACE volunteers will be recognized at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, Friday, April 23rd. This year’s event will be celebrated virtually with the theme Volunteer Vacation…and after the weather we’ve had recently I think we can all agree that some sunshine and a warm sandy beach sounds pretty good! “This past year has shown the true strength and power of our volunteer force,” said GRACE Chief Executive Officer Shonda Schaefer. “No matter how difficult things got we could always depend on our volunteers…I’m so proud of them.” This organization simply could not exist without the thousands of people who have rolled up their sleeves to help their community over the decades. Annually, more than 2,500 active volunteers serve in essential capacities at all GRACE sites. Lifelong volunteers serve at the Food Pantry and Donation Station. Medical professionals come from their clinics and hospitals to treat patients

It’s hard to believe that millions of Texans were freezing in their own homes last week – the snow might be melted but that doesn’t mean your help isn’t still needed. The damages from last week’s winter storm wreaked havoc in unexpected ways and families across North Texas are still in desperate need. Flooding from frozen pipes that burst have caused significant damage to homes and the goods that many of us take for granted. Ruined clothes, furniture, and appliances will need to be replaced, and those that have been displaced and faced with the reality of starting from scratch again. Cleaning supplies are needed to deal with general clean up but specialized cleaning products that target mildew and mold are in great demand. So many families who were already living paycheck to paycheck have had to throw away what little food and perishables that they had due to extended

We are proud to introduce our new Community Health Clinic Administrator, Araceli Olivo! Araceli stays very busy in her position helping out staff and clients with tasks like translation, chronic illness education, and navigating the complicated ins and outs of insurance and liabilities. Ms. Olivo started off her journey in healthcare working at Baylor Irving Emergency Room, but after a few years she wanted to help give better care to those that needed it so she decided to become certified as a Community Health Worker. It was during her time at Baylor as a CHW that she became aware of GRACE. “I actually had a patient that lived in Grapevine and needed help so I found GRACE online,” Araceli said. “I immediately fell in love with the organization because of all the different services it offered to clients.” Araceli said she knew quickly that she wanted to work for us

In times of great crisis, heroes emerge to lend a hand to those in need and lead those who need a path to safety. We want to thank the following people and groups for their amazing courage and grace throughout this experience: The City of Grapevine for quick action and running the warming center that was set up at the REC. Grapevine Police and Fire Department for their bravery and for helping bring stranded community members to safety. Jennifer Hibbs, Grapevine Assistant City Manager, and former GRACE board member for coordinating and managing emergency systems throughout the city. Mike Hamlin, Grapevine Police Chief, and GRACE board member for his leadership both as an officer and a community member. Compass Church helped shelter local residents.  121 Community Church helped with a warming station.  Grapevine Church of Christ for also setting up a warming station.  Jamé Scott for volunteering to help with