Here at GRACE, we believe that we are stewards of God’s blessings and resources in the community, therefore is it our duty to learn from and connect with individuals and organizations from all over the state of Texas, to better understand the problems that face our community.
This week, Chief Programs Officer, Stacy Pacholick, Pantry Manager, Marcus Miranda, and Assistant Pantry Manager, Kyle Buchannon, visited the Hankamer Cashion Academic Center at Baylor University in Waco TX for the annual Together at the Table Hunger and Poverty.
The Summit, consisting of Keynote Speakers from all around the world, had one particular goal in mind; to end hunger around the world. Notable Speakers included Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, Dean of the Health Sciences Department at Universidad Rafael Landovar in Hermosa Guatemala, Dr. Edgar Miguel Lopez Alverez, and former U.S representative for Texas 11th congressional district, Mike Conaway.
“I am excited that I was able to go this year,” said Marcus. “Hunger is very much alive in our communities and being able to receive more ideas on how GRACE can help this matter was incredible.”
Also this past month, GRACE’s Clinic Nurse Manager, Shirley Roberts, and Clinic Administrator, Araceli Olivo, attended the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics Leadership Retreat in Austin.
The Retreat allowed Clinic Managers and Volunteers to have open and candid discussions about the operations of running a charitable clinic. The Retreat also brought up topics such as Building New and Leveraging Existing Relationships, Strategic Planning, and the Social Determinants of Health.
And finally, GRACE’s Transitional Housing Manager, Martisha Smith, Stacy, and new T.H Caseworker, Rene Oilfield, attended the three-day Texas Conference on Ending Homelessness, hosted by The Homeless Network.
“During the Conference, we realized that homelessness is still an issue that needs to be addressed,” said Martisha. “It was great to spend time with other professionals and brainstorm different ways to solve these problems in our communities.”
We are so glad that GRACE staff was fully represented at these events, solidifying the mission of GRACE.
