Reshonda was smiling inside and out as many gathered to welcome her home this past Monday. Her bright eyes and happy face presented a side of comfort and confidence as she embarks on her new journey with the GRACE Transitional Housing Program.
Starting over with a new residence, community or career might be the best decision for your family’s well being or safety, but it’s not always easy. In fact, it might be the most difficult decision you’ll ever have to carry out.
That’s why GRACE staff, supporters and congregants from White’s Chapel United Methodist Church answer the calling to make sure women and men entering GRACE Transitional Housing program are strengthened and encouraged from the moment they enter their new home.
GRACE CEO Shonda Schaefer is always the first one to welcome the new recipients with open arms as she gives her compassionate pep talk. This road is one that leads to a better future for individuals entering our Transitional Housing Program, but it is well-understood from the beginning that this road is not always easy.
Reshonda is a very driven and motivated young lady. We are overjoyed to welcome her into our family and assist her with achieving her goals. She is a ball of positive energy and enthusiasm. Some of her goals include sustaining employment, higher education, starting her own business and regaining her independence. What better way to celebrate her birthday (her birthday was March the 23rd), than to welcome her to her new home!
Preparing the homes for our clients is no simple task. The teamwork is an incredible thing to witness: one masters the essentials–plumbing, painting, and fixtures. Others have an eye for design to make the space open, inviting and beautiful. Despite their different gifts, their ultimate desire for families exceeds far beyond drapes and sofas.
The freshly-painted rooms are more than an apartment, and their home with GRACE is more than four walls. 
The GRACE family encouraged the client, and asked if we could pray a blessing of her new journey. The attendees held hands while lifting Reshonda up in prayer as she was visibly overwhelmed with gratitude.
Clients appreciate the material assistance provided through GRACE donors, from the services GRACE provides to the physical items they use. But when taken as a whole, support and encouragement restores hope to those enduring the pang of personal hardship.
Thank you for treating these women and men with the utmost dignity and kindness. Please continue to pray for our Transitional Housing clients as they pave new paths to pursue old dreams.
GRACE Transitional Housing provides long-term assistance and case management for homeless women, children and families working toward becoming self-sufficient.
The program provides a safe, nurturing environment that allows the client the capacity to recover and develop the skills needed to succeed. The program is available to the families for a minimum of six months and maximum of two years. If you would like to host a service project or collect goods for Transitional Housing, contact Jamé Scott.
