We have some of the most talented individuals in the GRACE community, ranging from future pilots to aspirational leaders in several nearby areas. They have all had an impact on others through their charisma, optimism, and talent, and we enjoy everything that they do. Ana Fores Tomayo, a member of our GRACE staff, has released her debut novel, Peregrina. The book is a collection of poems about Ana’s early life and what it was like to be an immigrant. The book takes the reader on a journey with a group of young ladies as they struggle through hardships as “pilgrims” looking for a better life. Ana has always been passionate about writing, despite the fact that she only recently began to publish her poetry. Many of her poems have appeared in journals, magazines, and other publications. She has also sold a number of her poems along with her photos at art

In preparation for the GCISD Back to School Fair, GRACE Client Services will be closing at 12:30pm on Friday, August 5th. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. In the case of an emergency, please call 817.602.1204.

Last week, over two dozen GRACE staff members, friends and volunteers enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of creative expression at the Painting with a Twist studio in Grapevine. All proceeds of the monthly Painting with a Purpose event directly benefitted GRACE. This year, almost $1100 was raised for the GRACE Transitional Housing program. Together, Colleen Grant and her team organized a two-hour painting session that beginners and professional artists alike could enjoy. All painting supplies and instructions were provided, and participants were able to create their personal interpretation of Sunny Bouquet, a bright, poppy sunflower scene. Participants at Painting with a Twist were encouraged to bring snacks and refreshments to sustain their creative endeavors. Instructors even ensure the artists well-being by announcing multiple “hydration breaks.” Previous painting experience is not necessary and is never required for any classes at the studio – which is where the refreshments come in handy! The classes

As our community expands daily, more and more fantastic groups are emerging to work alongside GRACE in serving our lovely community. A developing group called Latinos in Grapevine works to connect Latinx in the area with resources and other opportunities so that everyone can feel a part of and entrenched in the community. Latinos in Grapevine was established in 2021 by Yvette Lopez with three main objectives: to empower Latinx, to act as a link to the Grapevine leadership team, and to provide numerous Latinx families and children in Grapevine with opportunities for information and educational purposes. According to a recent DataUSA survey, 21% of the population of Grapevine is currently Latinx. Earlier this year, the husband of GRACE’s Bilingual Client Services caseworker Ana Fores Tamayo spoke on a panel hosted by Latinos in Grapevine. While discussing GRACE’s service opportunities with Ana’s husband, Yvette had the idea to hold a

Every day is a good day to give back to the community you love, and we appreciate the growing number of people who consider GRACE when deciding how they might help their community. This fabulous community has consistently supported GRACE for many years, whether it’s through volunteer work, a food donation, or even 275 pairs of unworn jeans! In 2019, Jennifer Lipman established Porter Blue Apparel, a line of sustainable clothes, with the intention of giving customers high-quality, carbon-neutral denim staples. One thing that draws attention to Porter Blue is that they take their cues from bygone eras, appreciating timeless and classic silhouettes that have been given a contemporary makeover. When Jennifer contacted GRACE last week, she told our staff that she had discovered a “unique situation” in which she had a total of 275 pairs of brand-new, first-quality jeans that she wanted to donate to GRACE! When questioned why she

The 19th annual GRACE Gala is 16 weeks away as of this Saturday, and one can only imagine the amount of preparation that goes into transforming the Irving Convention Center into one of Grapevine’s most anticipated black-tie premiere events. Staff and committee members alike are doing an outstanding job at bringing this spectacular production to life. Earlier this week, the Gala committee met at Stone House restaurant in Colleyville, for a light happy hour and to discuss auction items for the Gala. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely during the meeting as they dove into deep thought for new and exciting auction items this year. The owner of Stone House, Lisa Pardo, and her cordial staff kept spirits high with mounds of delicious appetizers and beverages. Most importantly, everyone had a chance to share ideas with one another on how they could get more of the community involved with the GRACE Gala.

GRACE is beyond thankful to partner with Faith in Action Initiatives, right here in our backyard. This remarkable organization goes out of its way to make sure that the GRACE community is fully supported and ready to help out at any time. FIAI is a program through Baylor Scott & White Health that addresses the medical and spiritual needs of communities locally and throughout the world, through education, missions, redirection of resources, and disaster relief. A fun fact about FIAI, is that they have multiple warehouse facilities that are full of supplies needed to assist individuals and their medical needs. Knowing about this warehouse, GRACE’s Friends and Family Coordinator, Christine Szymaszek, remembered a client who needed a bariatric wheelchair. After a couple of calls with FIAI staff, Christine was able to present the client with a comfortable wheelchair completed with accessories fit for our client. “To be able to partner

Scheduling your next dentist appointment is not something the average adult anxiously anticipates. Think back to when you were a child, and those visits were even more dreadful. While some might possess a fear of these experiences or lack the urge to spend their free time in a cold, rubber chair, others simply lack the resources to access the service altogether. For children, a lack of dental hygiene can be even more problematic, as the teeth are still developing. The undoubtedly higher intake of sweets at a young age makes them even more prone to cavities or worse. Dr. PJ Theodorou saw the opportunity to meet this need through the GRACE Feed Our Kids program, and he didn’t waste a second. Last Friday, Dr. J, along with his staff and wonderful volunteers from the Grapevine Masonic Lodge, set up shop at our main campus offering a free screening to any

Once a month, the studio Painting with a Twist offers an event called “Painting with a Purpose” where all proceeds fund a local charity of their choice. Lucky for us, the longtime friend of GRACE and owner of Painting with a Twist, Colleen Coppenger and her team, chose to partner with GRACE this month! This Sunday, July 24th, join us for a few hours of fun art, not fine art! Escape the everyday stress, relax, and unleash your creative side. No art experience is necessary. The studio will provide all art supplies and instructions. The artist will walk you through the beautiful painting pictured above step-by-step, so you’ll get to take home your own completed and dried custom work of art! 100% of the proceeds from this event will be poured directly into GRACE programs. Be sure to arrive 10-20 minutes before this class’ scheduled time to allow yourself time

The 1st annual “Overdose Awarefest“community event is coming soon to Lake Grapevine and we want you to join in on all of the fun during this Sunday Funday event! Tina Nealy is the president of Paradise Cove at Lake Grapevine, a special events facility that hosts weddings, receptions, holiday parties, dinners, and more in the DFW area. This organization takes pride in every event that they do while relying on their experienced staff and the community to create meaningful celebrations, all near the beautiful scenery of Lake Grapevine. Tina tragically lost her husband, Brent, due to a drug overdose last July. After speaking with individuals in the community about her story and the impacts of drugs, she has vowed to educate families about the overdose crisis and the risk of experimenting with drugs. “God has made it my purchase to share my love story with everyone I can so that