Our Mission:
Our mission is to improve the lives of our neighbors by identifying both those in need and those willing to share their gifts, and coordinating the interchange in a compassionate, confidential manner. Project G.R.A.C.E. is a non-denominational organization.

Our Roots:
The original focus, of what has become Project G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources and Assistance Through Community Effort), was to share our gifts during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter seasons. Members of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Scarborough, Maine, were asked to help provide presents and food baskets for neighbors who were struggling. Requested items for Long Creek Youth Development Center (an incarceration facility for juveniles), homeless shelters, nursing homes, CASA (a group home for severely developmentally and physically challenged young adults) and children of prisoners were also collected and distributed.

Most of the recipients of these efforts were referred to us by employees of the Scarborough School System. Nurses, social workers and teachers are able to identify families that are struggling, because they work with the children of the families. They notice when a child wears the same dirty clothes every day. They notice the ones who don't have a coat, boots or ski pants. They recognize when a child is struggling because of poor eyesight, but doesn't have glasses because their parents can't afford to buy them, and are too embarrassed or proud to ask for help. In the past the school personnel did not have many resources to turn to, to help meet these needs. Through the efforts of the adopt-a-family program, we became aware of these situations, and decided it was time to respond.

We were quite surprised to learn there are people in our town who are virtually homeless, and others who are in need of items we all take for granted. We know of families with 2 to 6 people who are living in motel rooms on Route 1. Some live in tents at campgrounds during the warmer months. Some of these families do not seek assistance. Others do receive some form of assistance from state or local government programs, but we've learned that what these programs provide is limited.

When the decision was made to try to do something about these shortfalls, the adopt-a-family program was expanded to a year-round, town-wide effort. The name was changed to Project G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort), to better reflect our focus. Through the generosity of Sam Kelley of MBI Trailers, Inc., we were given furnished office space. Fr. Morrison agreed to have St. Max pay for our phone and other overhead expenses.

We believe this approach has contributed to our ability to attract the resources needed to meet the needs of people who come to our attention. Donations come from fundraising projects we have sponsored, anonymous donors, businesses, civic groups, fundraising efforts by students, and other groups and individuals throughout the greater Scarborough area. In 2002 we incorporated as a Maine non-profit corporation, and as of July 1, 2002, we have 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the IRS.

In an effort to make the best use of the donations we receive, we have investigated other agencies and limit our geographical area. Project G.R.A.C.E. serves the Scarborough community. One of our major goals is to avoid duplication of services. We are continually learning about what is available from other programs. We educate our recipients about these resources, and refer them whenever feasible.

To summarize, Project G.R.A.C.E. is an organized effort to mobilize our town to help people who are in need. We orchestrate the exchange of resources from those that have and are willing to share, to those who need and are willing to receive. Because of the dedication of dozens of volunteers, and the continuous generosity of many, the organization has become a vibrant part of our community, with the potential of doing even more in the future.

We're grateful for your interest in Project G.R.A.C.E., and encourage you to become a volunteer and/or supporter. It can be as simple as signing up for our quarterly newsletter.