Our Community Speaks

  • "I believe we live in the greatest country in the world, but even our system is not perfect. Good hard working people fall through the cracks or simply get caught in transition. Most people who’ve made our country great, once dealt with these hardships or their ancestors did. GRACE steps in to play a critical role to help hundreds of our local families battle through their own tough times. The children and grandchildren of these families will be some of our future leaders. I’m involved because I feel it is my duty to help. I’m also selfishly blessed with inspiration from the hard working volunteers and leaders of GRACE...and of course the smiles and thanks from our neighbors who gain needed support."

    - Apollo Hrehorovich, Board President 2024

  • "I completed my training for the new job. Sometimes they ask me to work after 4, which doesn’t let me go pick up from the pantry, however I’m still grateful for the miracle of the job, the clothes I have to wear for it. It’s so necessary because we are still trying to build from scratch...I don’t have to worry about clothes, I have been balancing with what I was able to receive from the thrift store and the donations...I just took a breath and wanted to update you and thank you for helping us to get started on strong foundation. We are not there yet, but we are on our way, thanks to you and your organization and team."

    - S.M.

  • "Every family deserves a table filled with healthy food that they enjoy eating. Every child deserves the school supplies they need at the beginning of the school year. Every parent deserves the ability to give their child a Christmas gift. These are just a few of the reasons that I choose to be a part of GRACE. When a family comes to GRACE they are greeted warmly and treated with dignity. It is a honor to be able to be part of that."

    - Suzanne Wagner, Operations Director for GRACE

  • “I wanted to share with you how awesome the young people you have volunteering on Thurs evenings! Their smiles & energy brought my spirits up. Their hearts are genuine, they endeared me to them. Who said waiting in line is hard? Not when you see/interact with this group, they’re wonderfully contagious❤️! And the moment that I had was the cure. Lucky me. Thank you Amanda 🥰“

  • "I support GRACE because I believe in the mission and the support they give to our city...“It is everyone's birthright to be healthy, happy and secure.” It warms my heart to see how much GRACE does for our community members. I love the way everyone comes together to ensure that our neighbors and friends have the essentials they need in all aspects of their life."

    - Antonietta LaVecchia, An Evening for GRACE Honoree 2023

  • "GRACE is EVERYTHING! You’ve given years of life and health to Sam, who was crossing into diabetes. Thank you for being his caregiver!"

    - Marcia

  • "It’s uplifting just hearing what you offer. Whole grain bread is the true bread for me as a Ukrainian. With my health struggles, you help my whole being."

    - J.N.

  • "God bless you all and everyone who has somehow made this help possible with food, I thank you with all my heart and if the help ends you have already done it enough."

    — Maria Elena H.

  • Rosa needed to safely work from home instead of in others homes to protect herself and her family during COVID. Thanks to a generous donor, she was able to get a sewing machine and now she earns her living from home. Joe realized a bicycle would help him accept more jobs because he could lessen his travel time. Thanks to a team of donors, Joe received a bike, a chain, and lock and was able to double the amount of work, and thus his income, he could receive each week.

  • "GRACE connects our community and people in a meaningful way while providing purpose for all community members. GRACE connects shoppers to essential food, health and enrichment needs. GRACE connects volunteers, shoppers, and community leaders in a purposeful space. GRACE is a purposeful connection for all of Summit - ensuring essential needs are met for all."

    - David Guida

  • "It’s a privilege from God to serve people. All my love is around God. In the beginning I hear from somebody their need for food, I want to give the gift of my time for other people who share their stories and share with us in this GRACE community. We all need to share in kindness and giving feels good, as my way to give back."

    Lorena Rojas, Volunteer and GRACE Recipient

  • "We are grateful to have the opportunity to support this amazing local organization. GRACE alleviates hardship and spreads happiness. It also allows people of all ages and stages to get involved and give back. We volunteer with GRACE because it is a direct and immediate way we can improve the lives of people in our very own community."

    - Michelle Duncan & Michelle DeMuth, An Evening for GRACE Co-Chairs 2023

  • “I was referred to the fridge program over the summer from my child's day care center (YMCA). I come to the GRACE for the fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, bread, and prepared foods. What I like best about GRACE is how much money I save each week on groceries. I used to go to the market weekly specifically for vegetables and fruits and I haven't made that trip in months. Amanda is always extremely helpful and kind. She goes above and beyond; she has emailed recipes to try using foods from the fridge. The fruits are especially helpful because I can send them to school for snack for my kindergarten aged child. Baked goods are always a hit at my house also! Everyone in my house benefits from GRACE. There is always enough to make through until the next pick up date.”

    — JD