The terror of this horrible disease and the fear and panic of the last few months have warranted screams of “Mayday” from every corner of our world. But “May Day” also symbolizes rebirth. It was a time young children gathered spring flowers. When birds tended their nests of new hatchlings. And the constraints of “winter cabin fever” were released and we could once again feel the sunlight on our faces. It still is. And this year it is a time when our strong and unceasing prayers, our sacrifices, and our resolve will begin to beat back COVID-19. Beginning next Friday, May 1—May Day—Shonda Schaefer, GRACE Chief Executive Officer, will share stories of the many heroic acts we have witnessed in recent days. Joining her will be community leaders who have also seen our communities pull closer together even as we have been kept apart by social distancing mandates. The multi-part

More time at home has had a wide range of effects on families across the nation and world. This has been a time to reflect, relearn, and adjust how we interact with ourselves and those around us. With busy schedules being a thing of the past for many, people are rediscovering different ways to connect.   One way for many to reconnect is by picking up a timeless leisure activity, porch sitting. The front steps, porch, and stoops of homes have been an important place for communities over the years.  When the weather is good it’s a perfect place for people to gather, build relationships, share stories, and help secure the neighborhood.    During COVID19 different people have been using their gifts, talents, and creativity to not only document changes that people have been making but also to give back. Rachna Agrawal is one that has joined in on this creative wave of

We are deeply appreciative of your commitment to GRACE during these times and want to share how some of the legislation in the new CARES Act may help you deduct your gifts to support our programs and services. GRACE is designated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. We rely on the support of people in our community–like you–who believe in our mission to provide assistance to those in need, and guide them to self-sufficiency. In addition to its many stimulus components, the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act expands the charitable deduction to all taxpayers for a year, and boosts tax incentives for corporate giving, according to nonprofit analysts. Currently, only people who itemize their taxes can claim charitable deductions. The CARES Act allows non-itemizers to deduct up to $300 in cash giving for the 2020 tax year, according to an analysis of the

The way that we go about our daily lives has drastically changed over the past month. With certain regulations in place, people are adjusting how they carry out day to day tasks. There has been an increase in online shopping with more people limiting their trips out.   GRACE is also doing our part to help flatten the curve while still providing much needed resources to our local community. Our Food Pantry is still operational with a couple of tweaks. People are no longer able to self-select items but will be provided with pre-boxed distributions. These are handed over to clients through a no-contact drive through to endure the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.    With the increase in those needing assistance and to help prevent the spread of COVID, GRACE has created an Amazon Wish List of nonperishable items. Those wanting to help support GRACE can donate items from the comfort of their homes. Our Amazon wish list can be found here https://amzn.to/2XlWxRQ.  Also, if one is planning to purchase other necessities for their home off of Amazon, they can still support GRACE by going to smile.amazon.com and select Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange as the beneficiary!  AmazonSmile

In times of crisis, people have a tendency to band together to support one another. This time is no different, and technology has helped people become even more creative as social-distancing has called us to limit in-person interactions.   With the onset of the spread of COVID-19 multiple Facebook, Groups have popped up as a way for people to stay connected and find beneficial resources. One such group is the Colleyville People Helping People. This group was founded on March 15, 2020, and is a collective of homeowners and residents in the Colleyville area.    We at GRACE want to highlight this group as multiple people have been sharing not only how to get in connect with GRACE but also how people can help support the work that is being done. Knowing that more families have been impacted by COVID. The group’s admin Wayne Rigney decided to go the extra mile and adopt

One could say that GRACE Client Services functions as the auditory and visual systems here at GRACE. Marcela Melendez, Client Services Manager, and her team of caseworkers, are at the forefront of hearing from people directly affected by COVID-19. They have felt clients’ pain, concern, and fear as more people express challenges faced by being laid off and other uncertainties COVID-19 has created. For many who come to GRACE for assistance, Client Services is their entry point to get plugged into one of the many services that GRACE offers. Case managers work with clients to find their way out of crisis and back to self-sufficiency. In years past, March, April, and May have tended to be slower months as families could count on good weather and tax returns to help with bills and provide some financial relief. However, with the unemployment rate at record highs, Marcela and her team know

With cool sunny days and birds singing, it is easy to notice that spring is in full bloom. We are reminded that even as we slow down and stay home that the outside world is still in motion.  With such beautiful weather this year, the GRACE Community Garden is thriving already!    “Several cabbages look very ready for the gathering. Also, this may be the best crop of onions we have ever done!” – Becca Clarke, Garden Volunteer    For the past 10 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!   Overseen

During times of crisis, resources and recognition tend to be given to the direct physical and financial needs of individuals. One main area that is not always given a spotlight during these times is their mental well being. Mental health care is essential during these times as anxiety and depression rise as people are trying to adjust to a new normal. Frank Roberson, LPC, has been a volunteer mental health counselor for GRACE for the past 11 years, after retiring from a 30-year career as a metroplex home builder to follow God’s call into full-time ministry. He currently serves as the Pastor to Senior Adults, Staff Counselor, and oversees the Benevolence Ministry for First Baptist Grapevine. “When I came on staff at First Baptist Grapevine, I knew early on that part of my ministry would be involved in working with GRACE in some capacity. I recognized the value in the relationship

  “By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.“ 1 Corinthians 6:14  Easter is a time not only to spend with family and enjoy goodies from a bunny but also to remember and recognize the true meaning behind the holiday. The resurrection of Jesus Christ! God loved us so that He gave his only begotten son, that Christ took on all our sins, the areas where we missed the marked and died for us. Let us take the time over this weekend to remember and reflect on the sacrifice that was made and the hope of new life that his resurrection promise. For He conquered death and makes all things new!   In observation of Easter and Good Friday, all GRACE offices will be closed Friday, April 10, 2020.  For inquires about receiving assistance, please call 817-488-7009. If you have an emergency that cannot wait until Monday, please call our emergency line at 817-602-1204.  Stay safe