As we close out the end of one calendar year and prepare to step into the next, it is a good time for us to revisit the GraceWorks values set by the Executive Board when they crafted our Neighbor serving Neighbor by the power of God’s grace mission statement.
The values that the Board asks us to uphold as we execute our mission are as follows:
- Christ-likeness in both our attitudes and behavior
- Connecting through mutual respect, empathy and kindness
- Cultivating hope by offering assistance, encouragement and prayer
- Creating community by investing in our neighbors through service
One of my goals as CEO of GraceWorks is for us to have a God-honoring culture. I am grateful for these beautiful values pointing us to that goal and thereby positioning us as a faith-based community resource center. Consequently, I love when I get confirmation of setting that culture when someone from our community goes out of their way to tell me how well they were treated when they came to GraceWorks (of course I grieve when the opposite happens!). I want our culture to be evident to everyone who comes whether they are here to seek our services, to shop, to volunteer or to donate,
Because you chose GraceWorks as the ministry you support, it is important to me that you feel proud of who we are. I want you to not only feel proud of the food, shelter and support services we offer, but also to feel proud of the fact that the reason we offer them is to honor God and to honor you. So how we offer our services makes a difference. Everything we do needs to align with our mission and with our values!
I pray that we be the God-honoring ministry you see us as. I view our Christian commitment as one of the ways we thank you and earn your ongoing respect and advocacy. After all, we represent you to our Neighbor in need because we are only able to meet their need through your support.
Recently we had a single working mom, who in addition to caring for her child, was also caring for her younger sister, come to us seeking help with her rent. When we asked if she could put any money toward what she owed, she told us she could give the change she had been collecting in a small bucket. Knowing this was all the extra money she had, we were able to tell her to keep her change and GraceWorks paid the entire rent amount she owed. Your giving helped us serve her generously, our values helped us serve her well!
And you have been generous to us beyond words! You have given to meet every need we have let you know of. You have helped us exceed the goals of every event that we hosted this year. You have stood with us in prayer and support in the uncertainty of whether or not we would even have a building to operate out of. And you continue to stand with us as we look for permanent space.
Thank you again for trusting us to uphold our Christian mission and values as we generously serve your Neighbor on your behalf. It has been a privilege to pass on your tangible care and concern.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
P.S. Don’t forget to visit the Giving Machines right outside Belk at the Galleria Mall!
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