GRACE Chief Program Officer Stacy Pacholick congratulates a Transitional Housing graduate.
With all the pomp and circumstance of a commencement event, last night nine women walked the stage at the Vine Arts & Event Center in Grapevine to receive their certificates of completion for the GRACE Transitional Housing program.
Though Gina A., Reem B., Alexus D., Kamerin E., Dominique J., Reshonda M., Neve V., Sherrie Y, and Tiffany Y. have reached life-changing goals already, the commencement event marked the conclusion of their two-year program with GRACE.
GRACE Chief Executive Officer Shonda Schaefer expressed the pride all GRACE staff and volunteers have in the new lives the graduates are forging for themselves. Transitional Housing manager and case worker Martisha Smith echoed those sentiments and shared stories of the special times with each graduate.
The Rev. Sterling Smith, pastor for Missions & Evangelism at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church offered a stirring invocation. GRACE Board Member Ana Erwin highlighted the graduates’ achievements in the program and their drive to continue on the path of self-reliance.
Jamé Scott, MBA, LMSW, who at one time served as GRACE Transitional Housing Manager, offered a deeply heartfelt keynote address focusing on resilience and gratitude.
The event also celebrated the vision and value of GRACE Transitional Housing. The highly-structured two-year program focuses on improving life skills, education, employment and physical, emotional and spiritual health. The program provides the training and case management for families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
GRACE staff members work together with local volunteers to provide a safe, nurturing environment, address client needs, and restore hope to families in crisis.
Clients are encouraged to save money through a “rent account” that is returned to the client upon graduation to help them get into their next home. To help with their “fresh start”, each client can take furnishings, clothing, and any other material goods provided by GRACE.
- GRACE Transitional Housing (TH) provides housing for homeless families, and comprehensive case management that is directed toward developing self-sufficiency.
- TH provides long-term assistance and case management for homeless women, children, and families working toward becoming self-sufficient.
- The TH program provides the clients with understanding and encouragement that fosters the capacity to recover and develop the skills needed to succeed.
- TH is available to clients for a minimum of six months and maximum of two years.
- TH case management appointments are conducted weekly and case managers assist with day-to-day functioning.
- TH case plans are designed for each individual or family, and customized for each client. The aim of every plan is to secure the long-term stability of the client.
- TH clients are required to find employment or go to trade or professional school.
- The GRACE Transitional Housing program posts an 80% success rate, well above the national average of 50% for programs of a similar nature.
GRACE gives hearty congratulations to its Transitional Housing graduates, and offers encouragement and reassurance to all those currently in the program. GRACE Transitional Housing truly changes lives, and brings hope for better lives and brighter futures.
For more information about GRACE Transitional Housing, contact Martisha Smith at 817-305-4641.
