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: Ana Erwin and Kay Allen, CFP. Kay Allen – Kay Allen is the founder of Allen Wealth Advisors and a known community leader. Kay has been in the financial industry for her entire career and earned her CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation in 2011. Kay developed a passion for financial planning from her strong desire to help people plan for the future and help them understand the confusing array of financial products, services, and their associated fees. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Kansas State University. Incredibly active in the community, she holds leadership positions at the Colleyville Chamber, Colleyville

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: Ana Erwin and Kay Allen, CFP. Kay Allen – Kay Allen is the founder of Allen Wealth Advisors and a known community leader. Kay has been in the financial industry for her entire career and earned her CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation in 2011. Kay developed a passion for financial planning from her strong desire to help people plan for the future and help them understand the confusing array of financial products, services, and their associated fees. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Kansas State University. Incredibly active in the community, she holds leadership positions at the Colleyville Chamber, Colleyville

The GRACE Board of Directors has awarded GRACE’s Chief Development Officer Mark Woolverton with the 2020 GRACE President’s Award. Given at the end of the fiscal year to the staff member that the Board President has chosen as showing exemplary work over the last year.  Normally presented at the August Board meeting, the occasion was celebrated virtually with some in person help from our Director of Administration, Melissa Simpkins, “I was able to meet up with Mark’s wife before the meeting and give her the award to surprise him as his name was being mentioned.” With contributions almost too numerous to list, Mark’s work and leadership made it clear why he was this year’s recipient. “Mark, finished, ahead of time, Rooted in GRACE Phase I fundraising. Our grants have never been stronger than they have the last 2 years, in fact all development revenues are better than ever,” said Paul

The GRACE Board of Directors has awarded GRACE’s Chief Development Officer Mark Woolverton with the 2020 GRACE President’s Award. Given at the end of the fiscal year to the staff member that the Board President has chosen as showing exemplary work over the last year.  Normally presented at the August Board meeting, the occasion was celebrated virtually with some in person help from our Director of Administration, Melissa Simpkins, “I was able to meet up with Mark’s wife before the meeting and give her the award to surprise him as his name was being mentioned.” With contributions almost too numerous to list, Mark’s work and leadership made it clear why he was this year’s recipient. “Mark, finished, ahead of time, Rooted in GRACE Phase I fundraising. Our grants have never been stronger than they have the last 2 years, in fact all development revenues are better than ever,” said Paul

Two weeks ago families displaced by Hurricane Laura came to Grapevine seeking refuge from the storm. Many have gone home but GRACE is continuing to aid those who are unable to return. By August 31st over 1,400 refugees were being housed at the Gaylord Texan and GRACE was there to help. Our staff and volunteers helped hand out essentials to people fleeing the Category 4 storm. After receiving help from GRACE and other community organizations most are either back home or have been re-housed at another location. Unfortunately, many of those who have not been able to go home are families from parts of Louisiana that have not been given the ok to go back due to destruction from the hurricane. “We are continuing to assist those people and families with the items they need like clothing, diapers, formula, diaper wipes, and medical supplies,” Stacy Pacholick, GRACE Chief Program Officer.

Two weeks ago families displaced by Hurricane Laura came to Grapevine seeking refuge from the storm. Many have gone home but GRACE is continuing to aid those who are unable to return. By August 31st over 1,400 refugees were being housed at the Gaylord Texan and GRACE was there to help. Our staff and volunteers helped hand out essentials to people fleeing the Category 4 storm. After receiving help from GRACE and other community organizations most are either back home or have been re-housed at another location. Unfortunately, many of those who have not been able to go home are families from parts of Louisiana that have not been given the ok to go back due to destruction from the hurricane. “We are continuing to assist those people and families with the items they need like clothing, diapers, formula, diaper wipes, and medical supplies,” Stacy Pacholick, GRACE Chief Program Officer.

After crushing summer heat, it’s finally time to enjoy the great outdoors and what better way to do that than at the GRACE Community Garden! This Saturday is Early Fall Tending day. Participants will plant winter squash, which does well in the fall weather; that squash will go in the pantry once harvested. Some of the other plots that will be worked include the sweet potatoes that were planted in May and need to be harvested.   Led by Caryn Hutchinson, who has been with the GRACE Community Garden for 12 years, Garden Days are a great way to give back to the community and for those new to gardening, a wonderful opportunity to learn. “Volunteers do not need to be gardeners, we demonstrate and teach as we go,” said Caryn, who began her gardening career as a 12-year-old. “Our GRACE Garden simply provides the blessing of fresh, wholesome food to

After crushing summer heat, it’s finally time to enjoy the great outdoors and what better way to do that than at the GRACE Community Garden! This Saturday is Early Fall Tending day. Participants will plant winter squash, which does well in the fall weather; that squash will go in the pantry once harvested. Some of the other plots that will be worked include the sweet potatoes that were planted in May and need to be harvested.   Led by Caryn Hutchinson, who has been with the GRACE Community Garden for 12 years, Garden Days are a great way to give back to the community and for those new to gardening, a wonderful opportunity to learn. “Volunteers do not need to be gardeners, we demonstrate and teach as we go,” said Caryn, who began her gardening career as a 12-year-old. “Our GRACE Garden simply provides the blessing of fresh, wholesome food to

A tour of GRACE sites and facilities is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Monday, September 14. It is for everyone interested in the workings and locations of GRACE. Ordinarily, this tour is scheduled in September to welcome and introduce GRACE to new members of the Board of Directors. This year, though, we wanted to take the opportunity to invite anyone that is interested in learning more about our organization. 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 Mark Woolverton, GRACE Chief Development Officer. “It’s always exciting to show our new Board members the facilities but

The GRACE Family took a moment to welcome another new family to our Transitional Housing Program this week. The client’s ‘First Look’ at their new home and the home blessing by Pastor Sterling Smith of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church are now conducted online via Zoom but that doesn’t stop anyone involved from feeling the emotions of a family starting a new life.   This week’s home reveal to a mother and her beautiful daughter was especially touching. After welcoming the new family into their gorgeous and fully furnished home, the new resident spoke very openly about her struggles. “I am so thankful that the Lord has not only given me new life but abundant life and I thank you all so, so much.” GRACE staff along with a collection of volunteers and partners watched as the family discovered new furniture, full cabinets, a stocked fridge, and the ‘real’ beds