The polls are in and 2022 Best of Northeast Tarrant County Readers’ Winner is…. GRACEful Buys resale store! Each year, online voting is conducted on behalf of all of the Living Magazine communities to determine the best businesses in the community. Since its conception, GRACEful Buys has won the Readers’ Choice award numerous times and we are incredibly thankful to receive this award for another year. GRACEful Buys is our upscale restore whose proceeds benefit those in need through GRACE programs. GRACEful Buys carries a variety of high-quality items, including clothes and shoes for the family, housewares, home décor, furniture, linens, seasonal, toys, books, jewelry and accessories. All of our merchandise is carefully chosen for quality and is priced below retail. With more than 9,000 items received each week, each day is a new shopping experience. GRACE’s Director of Operations and Resale, Jennifer Rawls, understands that this award is because of the GRACE volunteers, staff,

As the long summer nights wind down and the schools start opening their doors, most parents are experiencing a bitter-sweet combination of emotions. For a child, the possibilities are endless when the school year begins. From discovering who the teacher will be to what friends are in their class, the days leading up to it are full of anticipation. It is also, however, a tough time for parents who are doing all they can to make sure their families’ needs are met on a regular basis. Buying school supplies, backpacks, and back to school clothing is a difficult and costly expense to a family who is already struggling. That is where GRACE steps in. With the support of the community through donations and volunteer hours, GRACE is able to assist with back to school clothes (including new underwear and socks), school supplies and backpacks. The look of excitement on the

This week, six women crossed the stage to receive their certificate of completion for the GRACE Transitional Housing program and it was nothing short of excellence. Hosted at the Vine Arts & Events Center in Grapevine once again, the Transitional Housing graduation was one for the books. These amazing women have been embarking on a life-altering journey for two years, and with the support of our wonderful community, they can achieve their goals of becoming self-sufficient. Every supporter, volunteer, and graduate was warmly welcomed by GRACE’s Chief Executive Officer, Shonda Schaefer, to another successful year of the Transitional Housing graduation. She noted that every graduate on stage had put in countless hours of hard work to pursue a new and improved life for themselves and their families. Rev. Sterling Smith, Pastor of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, offered the invocation, while GRACE Board President, Traci Bernard, touched on great achievements

We would like to acknowledge Classic Chevrolet Fleet & Commercial, our cherished partnership and presenting sponsor, as we prepare for the upcoming GRACE Gala. For 14 years, Classic has been the presenting sponsor of the GRACE Gala. Their efforts to promote charity and community involvement have become a motivating factor for many individuals and organizations in the community. The Classic Charity Golf Tournament was held the last year, with the proceeds going to local charities like GRACE. The success of this competition allowed Classic Chevrolet to donate $47,000 to GRACE in support of our programs. Beyond being contented members of the dealership team, Classic Chevrolet’s employees have taken on tasks that go far beyond that. They have made an effort to contribute back to the community, by hosting annual luncheons, runs, and other events to help raise money for nonprofits and their efforts. GRACE has been blessed to partner with

You are cordially invited to help us kickoff to Gala season at our GRACE Gala Gifting Party. The Gifting Party helps to spread the word around the community about the GRACE Gala and the auction, all of which are fun for everyone who participates. We are incredibly thrilled to be hosting this well-liked event again this year, making it even bigger and better than before, and what better way to do so than to hold it at Crush It! Sports Lounge right here in Grapevine. Basha Ramsey, GRACE’s Special Events Manager, predicts that this year’s Gifting Party will be a successful night. “While we continue to work on the Gala, the GRACE Gala committee and especially the Auction Subcommittee, have done an excellent job preparing for the returning Gifting Party and I can guarantee that this will be an outstanding time. We are so excited.” On Wednesday, August 31st, from 5:30 pm to

This summer, The British Emporium put on a tasteful celebration of The Queen’s remarkable 70 years of service for those who couldn’t quite make it to London. Guests were able to participate in a variety of activities, such as “A Taste of Britain”, ‘Meet a Brit’, and U.K Author book signings. To top off the festivities, The British Emporium offered raffle tickets to win the rare Barbie Signature Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Doll, fit with a luxurious gown, accessories and all. All proceeds from the raffle were generously donated to GRACE, and it was a huge success! The funds raised by the limited edition collectors item will directly help clients involved in GRACE programs, and the winner could not have been more excited to accept the regal doll. We are so grateful for The British Emporium’s support and belief in what we do at GRACE. Donations of every size and

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