Summer is officially here, and so are the scorching temperatures! While many are able to benefit from an air conditioning unit or system in their home, many of our neighbors do not have access to a well-working unit, or to one at all! That’s where United Way of Tarrant County comes in, with their Beat the Heat campaign, which kicked off last month on June 21st! This campaign helps serve so many in this area, including GRACE clients.  Last year alone, Tarrant County experienced one or more heat-related deaths each week throughout the summer. The Beat the Heat campaign aims to diminish this devastating statistic by collecting air conditioning units to help older adults and individuals with disabilities who may not otherwise have access to one. This year, in honor of United Way of Tarrant County’s 100 year anniversary, they’re hoping to collect 100 units! Of the units collected, GRACE

Last month on June 6, AJ’s on Main held their 2nd annual Music Fest Fundraiser, benefitting the GRACE Food Pantry! This super fun event featured live music, a raffle and auction, and of course – great food and drinks from AJ’s! A main street Grapevine staple for over 10 years, AJ’s generously chose to donate proceeds from this event to GRACE.  As a United States Air Force and local police retiree, AJ Gillinger definitely has a passion for serving his community and giving back. One of the ways he accomplished this is through one very fun tradition. When you step into AJ’s on Main, you’ll notice dollar bills stapled to the ceiling left by guests that have enjoyed visiting the restaurant and bar for many years. So, AJ decided to collect all of the money that had been left and donate it to GRACE!   Everyone, including members of GRACE

Did someone say pie? There are many things that punctuate the summer season, but perhaps one of the tastiest is a peach pie! This summer, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious pie and support the GRACE Back to School supply drive at the same time! Owned by two avid GRACE supporters, Jason and Sheila Ridley, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Colleyville has chosen GRACE as the benefactor for July’s “Pie It Forward” initiative. A portion of the proceeds from every peach pie sold in the month of July will go to support GRACE Back to School. This includes both the four inch and nine inch sized pies. Pie It Forward recipients vary by location, so be sure to visit the Colleyville location to show GRACE some love! Every year, the Back to School supply drive aims to provide children in all grade levels with the necessary materials for

Emily was born and raised in Oceanside, California. She has always been a person of good nature, ready to give 110 percent in everything she does. Her love for non-profit organizations started at the age of eight, after taking a field trip with her Girl Scout troop to visit Canine Companions – an organization that provides service dogs to people with disabilities. In 2018, Emily’s passions led her to become a kennel technician for Canine Companions, where she was tasked to help care for the dogs while they were in training. After almost three years of work in California, she found herself moving to the DFW area to continue her career with Canine Companions as a service dog trainer. In March of this year, Emily sought something new, and started working for GRACE, diving right in to assist with all things special events. Her attention to detail, her desire to

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, all administrative and program sites will be closing at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd, and reopening on Wednesday, July 5th at 9:00 a.m. Due to the adjusted hours, Volunteer Orientation has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 6th at 4:00 p.m. If you have an emergency that cannot wait until normal operating hours, please contact Client Services at 817-602-1204. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Have a blessed holiday!

The GRACE Community Clinic has been very busy this summer and a great place for GRACE clients to engage and serve in the community! The Tarrant Area Food Bank Class, Cooking Matters was back at GRACE for another month. This exciting class is taught by volunteer nutritionist and culinary instructor, Hai Nguyen, who brings excitement and fun to each class. This month a record number of 18 clients graduated from the Cooking Matters class, with a better understanding of healthy eating and budgeting wisely. Additionally, groceries are provided for participants to take home at the end of class each week so that they can practice preparing healthy recipes at home to share them with their families. Next month the GRACE Community Clinic has two special classes they are offering to GRACE clients that are sure to be very successful. The first class is ESL Class (English as a second language).

Just last month, Southlake Town Square and Kite Realty Group hosted hundreds for the most enviable shopping experience in the area: the second annual Mimosa Stroll & Shop! Back by popular demand, the experience offered before hours shopping with exclusive sales, brunch bites, and more – all with a mimosa in hand! A few extra features this year were the flower truck, fun selfie stations, live DJ, and caricature artists. All proceeds were gifted to GRACE programs, and to say they are making a difference is an understatement! With the funds raised this year, we are able to provide any of the following services to our clients: Provide safe housing for 7 families for the next month, giving them time to get back on their feet after a crisis that put them at risk for eviction. Pay to keep electricity, gas and water on for more than 20 families facing

GRACE prides itself in volunteer relationships and loves group assistance in our seasonal programs! One very special group is Moms in Action. This group, a mothers group from First Baptist Grapevine, gives a place to come to for the community for rest, encouragement, and biblical mentorship. During last week’s Feed Our Kids, Moms in Action not only helped feed children in the local community, but they created activity packs to give to the kids. The activity pack included Play-Doh, chalk, bubbles, a notepad, game cards, a balloon, a giant pen and to top it off, a healthy granola bar. The activity pack had the children in awe about all of the activities that they can participate in which made for a fun and enjoyable lunch last week. “Moms in Action are doing wonderful things for the community”, said GRACE’s Seasonal Programs Coordinator, Beth Chernik. “The activity packs were such a

In 2022, Tarrant County experienced at least one heat-related illness or death per week during the summer. This year, the Climate Prediction Center predicts our region is likely to experience above normal temperatures again this summer. However, with the help of United Way of Tarrant County, you can support heat-vulnerable populations with the “Beat the Heat” Collection Drive! For over 100 years, United Way of Tarrant County has worked to improve the lives of those in our community. As nonprofit leaders, they bring together individuals, groups, donors, and service providers to help solve some of the toughest social issues affecting Tarrant County. Each year, United Way serves more than 300,000 individuals, empowering them to live wonderful lives. To commemorate their 100th anniversary, on June 21 from 9 am- 1 pm, United Way of Tarrant County is launching the “Day of Action” where they will be collecting 100 AC units to

Have you heard? This year, GRACE is hosting their 20th annual Gala – that’s something to get excited about! With just under 6 months to go until the big day, today we’d like to shine the spotlight on this year’s Auction Chair, Christine Palmer.  Christine’s involvement with GRACE began in 2021, when she attended the Gala VIP Party at the home of Madeline and David Ricci. As you may know, the Ricci’s are this year’s Gala Chairs! Now teamed up with Christine, this gala is sure to be the best one yet.   While Christine may be newer to the GRACE mission, she is no stranger to caring for her community and supporting others. She began a career in nursing in 2001, and after 12 dedicated years, she navigated toward the technology side of things in 2013. These days, Christine works a packed schedule as the Director of Clinical Applications for