Grace House to hold first fundraising gala
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Local nonprofit Grace House is planning its first gala, scheduled for March 10.
The faith-based group’s mission is to rescue area women and children in crisis, providing them with a transitional living home. The funds raised at the gala will continue to help pay for everyday expenses and house needs.
“We hope to raise money to continue to operate Grace House, provide services for over 300 families with our monthly community diaper drive, expand the team and continue to sustain what we’re already doing,” Executive Director Whitney Jackson said.
Rayfield started Grace House in 2017. The house originally started on the Texas side, began quickly expanding and later relocated to the Arkansas side. She said it is the only transitional living home for women and children in Texarkana.
“Grace House purchased the facility in January of this year. Grace House has 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms and beautiful living spaces,” Rayfield said.
Grace House is intentionally decorated to feel warm and cozy. The women and children in the home are equipped with a full kitchen, a playroom, and a washer and dryer.
“Our heart behind the home design is that we wanted it to feel like a hug. Seventh Day Design did an amazing job of making this facility feel like a home, where the women can walk in and feel safe and loved,” Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Moreland said.
“Grace House is a strong oneyear program. The ladies are committed to going through five phases of support, counseling and spiritual mentorship, and by the end of the program, we offer them resources to get an apartment, jobs and to continue to their education,” Jackson said.
Grace House provides many resources to those in need by collecting and distributing diapers, collecting sanitary items and food for those living on the streets and hotels, Christmas toy drives for the children living in the hotels, parenting classes, and foster prevention advocacy.
(Grace House’s Southern Soiree Gala is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 10 at Ramage Farms, 5600 FM 560, Hooks, Texas. For more information, call Whitney Jackson at 903-701-2212. For tickets, visit evenbright.com and search for Grace House or visit Grace House on Facebook.)