While the stay at home order still remains in effect, GRACE programs have found new and creative ways to still serve the community and those who need help. Different policies and procedures have been implemented to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our clients, volunteers, and staff. However, the core of who we are and those that partner with GRACE has not changed. This has been shown time after time again during these past weeks.
Earlier this week we hosted our very first virtual Home Blessing to welcome our newest resident home. The GRACE Transitional Housing program normally celebrates participants’ start of their new journey by bringing together community members, board of directors, volunteers, and staff to show unified support. As CEO Shonda Schaefer explained to our new participant “There is a whole community that is a part of your family now. We are here to help support and cheer you on.”
Each home and its contents are specifically arranged for the family moving in. This provides a more personal touch and helps each resident create their very own safe place. Even with the current restrictions on retail operations and the logistical challenge of social distancing, an amazing team of volunteers and staff were still able to pull resources together to ensure that our newest GRACE member has a beautiful place to call her own.
While we missed the hugs, high fives, and direct face–to–face interactions of a typical Home Blessing, there was no shortage of smiles, laughs, and happy tears.
