GRACE stems from eight months of research and conversations in 2015-2016 with local leaders, agencies, and institutions.
Our first month of Family Fun Nights in August 2016 grew into the weekly GRACE distribution thanks to the Summit Interfaith Council, Christ Church, Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Central Presbyterian Church, and the City of Summit’s Department of Community Programs. Five months into GRACE’s inception, the Junior League of Summit adopted GRACE as a project which gave us the necessary governance and administrative support to stabilize and grow.
In October 2019, GRACE moved from Christ Church to the Cornog Field House, where it flourished. In July 2020, the City Council of the City of Summit unanimously voted to name GRACE a program of the City of Summit. In June 2023 GRACE moved distribution to The Summit Community Center, providing more access to community programs and services that support our neighbors in need.
While GRACE is proud and grateful to be a program of the City of Summit, it is entirely funded by grants and generous donations from the community. When GRACE expresses a need, the community comes to our aid from entities of all sizes.