This past year House of Grace has helped more than 3000 family members from the local area through services such as counseling, workshops, food packages, medical aid, and the 2nd hand clothing store. In addition to providing material aid where needed, House of Grace has refocused its efforts to provide families with guidance and counseling that will help strengthen them and provide them with the tools necessary to improve their situation. One woman who receives guidance from our social worker, Tamara Shaer, is Magida (alias), a loving mother of four. Because her husband receives a minimum salary, the family finds it very difficult to survive: their home is bare, the children have almost no toys, and their refrigerator barely functions.  Magida says:

House of Grace is my second home, I feel safe here and at ease, not to mention the financial help that I was given when I was having money troubles. I feel like I have changed, I feel at peace because I know that my family and I have someone to count on when we are having hard times.

Tamar encouraged me to be strong and face my problems. I enjoy coming to the workshops because I get so much strength from being here, and it helps me continue my journey. I go home energized, and my family is strengthened when they see me in a good mood, which gives them hope that we will get through our problems.

This year was the first time my children and I felt it was Christmas: it was the first time my girls wore new clothes on Christmas day and the first time they got presents. They had so much fun; it is all because of your help, the help of House of Grace.

Encouraged by the feedback of people such as Magida, the staff of the House of Grace have decided to open new workshops dealing with issues such as household financial management, children's learning disabilities, and women's health awareness. We have also implemented more seasonal programs for needy families such as a second hand school book bazaar, a school bag distribution, Christmas gifts, Christmas and Easter parties for children, and a summer camp. In addition, we have endeavored to maximize our resources in light of our limited budget by expanding our collaboration with various public and private organizations so as to more efficiently provide aid and services to families in need.