Pictured from left to right: Graduates Courtney Seagars, J’seca Gordon, Evelyn Whitaker, and Deanna Henson.
With all the pomp and circumstance of a graduation, six women completed the GRACE Transitional Housing Program, and were celebrated on Thursday, March 7th at GRACE Main Campus. It was a moving evening complete with food, flowers, singing and words of gratitude, encouragement and inspiration.
Although the six graduates have reached life-changing goals already, the commencement marks the conclusion of their two-year program with GRACE. Each participant has accomplished long and short term goals that are leading them to independent and successful lives. It was a true celebration, but also a chance to say our ‘congratulations’ and ‘goodbyes’ as well.
The counseling-focused program is built upon improving life skills, education, employment and physical, emotional and spiritual health. Strong bonds grow among the participants, many whom have created lifelong friends through this experience.
It is also natural that the same type of bond grows between the program participants and the staff that counsel and oversee their progress.
“We are fortunate to know these courageous people,” said Jamé Scott, GRACE Transitional Housing Manager. “We understand where they’ve come from, and where they are headed. We witness their struggles every day, and we share in their joy when they reach their goals.”
Guests enjoyed a special opening performance of “Reckless Love” by talented singer Jared Cooper and heard our keynote speaker share – the always inspiring Traci Bernard, who is a member of our Board of Directors.
Pictured left to right: Jamé Scott; Jared Cooper; Traci Bernard
The Transitional Housing Graduation is wholeheartedly the favorite event of the year among GRACE staff and Board Members. To see the graduates and hear the brave, determined women share their testimony of how GRACE was integral in setting them on a new foundation and path toward a brighter future is an amazing experience.
We have many people to thank in helping us pull together a party worthy of our graduates’ accomplishments. Thanks to Mason & Dixie for providing gorgeous, not to mention delicious, charcuterie boards, sandwiches and salad. Stunning, colorful blooms from Wedding Stone Events & Design gave our evening a classy touch. Stacey Brooks, owner of See Pink Inc., captured memorable photos of the event. We even had childcare provided to attendees courtesy of NCL Southlake.
Thank you to long-time supporter of GRACE and our Transitional Housing Program, Ken Nelson, for giving the invocation, and our dear friends Traci Bernard and Jared Cooper for their participation in the ceremony. We cannot forget to mention the tireless efforts of Jamé Scott and GRACE Transitional Housing Case Manager, Brittany Griggs, in these womens’ lives, and must also thank our Special Events Manager, Melissa Maraki, for a memorable event.
The graduation celebrates the vision and value of the GRACE Transitional Housing program. For more information, email Jamé Scott.
