You can see pieces of The Grace Center’s work around town, from Schatze Haus to community events and youth programs. What happens behind the scenes, though, is where the heart of its mission comes into focus.
It’s in the little things: neighbors who lend a hand, businesses that give back, volunteers who show up, and organizations doing work most of us hope we will never need for ourselves or someone we love. The Grace Center provides safety and a path forward for people affected by domestic violence, reaching far beyond the walls of its shelter.
“The community continues to pour into The Grace Center, making it possible for us to carry out our life-changing work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Through the dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters, The Grace Center provides victims of domestic violence with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives—offering housing, healing, and hope," says Hattie Heiner, Executive Director at The Grace Center.
The Grace Center’s 47-bed shelter opened in 2023, giving survivors a safe place to begin again. Through shelter, counseling, and advocacy, the organization meets people during some of their hardest moments and gives them the space and support to move forward.
The need for that support does not take a holiday. In fact, the holidays can bring added stress, isolation, and other challenges for people experiencing abuse, making access to safety and support especially important.
But the work doesn’t stop when someone leaves the shelter.
Through Grace Ambassadors, local teens and young adults learn about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries. It is an investment in the next generation and an opportunity to give young people the confidence to recognize unhealthy behaviors and help foster a culture rooted in respect.
Even an afternoon of shopping can be part of the mission. Schatze Haus is the perfect place to stop in with friends, treasure hunt through clothing, furniture, and home finds, and maybe discover something you didn’t know you needed. With two locations, there are plenty of opportunities to shop or donate while supporting The Grace Center’s work.
It is a simple way to give back: find a treasure, pass along something from your own home, and know that your purchase or donation is helping support an organization doing meaningful work in healing and supporting people throughout the community.
And there are plenty of other ways to show up. Volunteer. Attend an event. Learn more about the resources available. Tell someone about The Grace Center. Give what you can.
We may never know whose life is changed because someone made one of those choices. But every choice helps create a safer place for the people who call this community home.
Sometimes, thanks looks a lot like showing up.
Pull quote option: “The community continues to pour into The Grace Center, making it possible for us to carry out our life-changing work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community."