As the summer season edges closer to autumn and the start of the school year looms, GRACE still had one very important graduation to celebrate. Last night, we celebrated 8 incredible women that recently graduated from the Transitional Housing program with food, moving speeches, photos, and lots of happy tears!
The beautiful landscape of Paradise Cove served as the perfect backdrop for the evening ceremony. Local caterer, Bolles Appetit, provided a delicious array of foods including fresh fruit, fiery jalapeño poppers, and juicy pulled pork sliders. Selph Marketing graciously donated a fun selfie stations for graduates and guests alike to commemorate the event.
Throughout the night, story after story was shared from staff and graduates on just how incredible the Transitional Housing program is – especially the clients! – and what a difference it has made in the lives of each person involved. Felicia Jones, founder of Lead Her in Heels, gave a moving speech on growth and life’s journeys, which echoed the theme of the night. Stacy Pacholick, Martisha Smith, and Jamé Scott (Interim Executive Director, Transitional Housing Program Manager, and Interim Director of Programs, respectively) each gave first-hand accounts of each amazing woman that was graduating from the program. The graduates each took time to share parts of their stories and gratitude as well!
Overall, it was a beautiful graduation and such a sweet celebration. Every graduate went home with a jam-packed goodie bag, filled with gifts from various donors, and a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers. These women are truly loved, and GRACE is honored to have each of them as a part of the GRACE family forever! For more information about how you can be involved with the Transitional Housing Program, contact volunteer@gracegrapevine.org.
