Grace Given celebrates five years with its first Growing in Grace Gala

ASHEBORO — What started in the back of an SUV has now become a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families across the community and surrounding areas and is nothing short of a miracle.

Grace Given will celebrate five years of ministry and outreach with its first-ever “Growing in Grace Gala” The event will honor the lives touched and the blessings shared through faith, compassion and service. 

The Gala will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at Journey Church, 1801 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro.

Founded by Kenita Matthews-White, the mission has been simple: Love and serve others through the grace of God.

Grace Given has spent the past five years helping those experiencing homelessness, low-income families, children, seniors and anyone facing difficult circumstances. 

From providing food, clothing, showers and laundry assistance to helping individuals obtain birth certificates, secure housing and find employment, the organization has become a lifeline for many in need.

Thanks to support from the community, Grace Given has also helped furnish homes for families transitioning into stable housing, assisted with vehicle repairs and transportation needs, built wheelchair ramps, remodeled bathrooms for accessibility, and connected individuals with medical assistance and resources. Beyond meeting physical needs, the ministry has also celebrated baptisms and witnessed lives transformed spiritually, with many souls being saved along the journey. 

Grace Given has also focused on creating joyful experiences for children and families in need.

During the summer months, the organization provides field trips and outings for children from low-income families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel or go on vacations. These experiences help create lasting memories while allowing children to enjoy moments of fun, learning and fellowship.

“Our mission has never been about recognition, but about being the hands and feet of God in the community,” Matthews-White said. “We thank God for allowing us to serve our community — not because we have to, but because we get to.

“Knowing that it’s not about us, but all about God, is the reason we continue to do what we do.”

Over the years, Grace Given has partnered with numerous organizations, churches, nonprofits and volunteers to expand its outreach and make a greater impact together. Those partnerships show that unity and compassion can change lives.

The upcoming Growing in Grace Gala will not only celebrate the organization’s five-year milestone, but also recognize the volunteers, donors and community partners who have stood beside the ministry since the beginning. 

“Most importantly” Matthews-White said, “the evening will serve as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the power of serving others with love and humility.”

As Grace Given looks toward the future, the organization is preparing to take another major step in its mission by opening a Resource Building that will allow even more services and support to be provided in one central location.

The vision for the building is to create a place where individuals and families can access multiple resources, assistance programs and support services under one roof, continuing Grace Given’s commitment to meeting both physical and spiritual needs throughout the community.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and donations,” Matthews-White said. “As we continue to grow, the need for helping hands grows with us. We’ve also expanded our outreach efforts by serving surrounding communities once a month, including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Randleman.”

As Grace Given continues to grow, its mission remains the same: To shine a light on the lives of others through faith, hope, compassion, and unconditional love.

“God has opened so many doors for us to help others,” Matthews-White said. “We can never thank Him enough for allowing us to be a light in people’s lives through Him.”

Many sponsors have contributed to make the Growing In Grace Gala a reality: Reflection 929, Holly & Cameron Brim, New Union United Methodist Church, Michael Patram, Ridgewear, Jeff Davis, Clark R. Bell Attorney, Rad Davis, D&K’s Cooking, JB & Claire Davis, Next Level Tax Services - Keesha, Vonnie & Triquina Harrison, Pisgah Church, Pat Thornburg, K&V Pallets (Hilda DeCortez), Rodney & Donna Smith, Keaton’s Place, Cynthia Wilkins, Bostic Enterprise, Chuck and Lisa Miller, 7G Enterprises LLC, Hushed and Unheard Medical & Wellness, McKenzie Real Estate, Piedmont Printing, Sammy’s Catering, First Presbyterian Church, Beane’s Sign, Collective Interior, Kimberly Real Estate, The Table.