HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – This week on Mom to Mom, Local 10′s Nicole Perez spent time with an organization dedicated to helping South Florida families in need a place to shop for necessities with dignity.
Serving with Grace is an organization based in Hollywood that provides clothing, undergarments, household items, and small appliances to underserved children and families through its “store” Grace’s Closet.
Nicole met a family who has benefitted from the organization for years.
Stephanie Coupet and her family say that Grace’s Closet is a blessing.
“If it wasn’t for them my kids wouldn’t be getting the school supplies that they get every year or the fact that it’s now a tradition. I come here every year for Halloween costumes. I definitely look for underwear for myself and my children’s socks. It’s anything that comes to mind. A charger phone stand for the car. Something so little, but for me it’s everything,” said Coupet.
All of those items can be found at Grace’s Closet. Co-Founder Evangeline Clarke and her husband started their non-profit, Serving with Grace eight years ago. They had a vision for a place for families to be able to shop for whatever they need.
“It’s a 30 min appointment window. They come, they shop, and we give them that space so they can shop with dignity. They shop in the comfort of being with their families. If shopping with their kids or their spouse and they have that time. We help them as they come,” said Clarke.
Wal-Mart, one of the organization’s primary donors, provides weekly donations.
“We have clothing, shoes, underwear, t-shirts, socks, household appliances, microwaves, blenders, toasters, laundry detergent, towels, curtains for the house, kitchen items, pot sets, and different dishes. A little bit of everything. We get the whole kitchen sink sometimes,” said Clarke.
Since its inception, Clarke says they have helped more than 5,000 families.
“They help me being a parent to make it easier for them. The kids don’t know our struggles, but they do,” said Coupet.
“Just because people are in need, doesn’t mean there should be judgment behind it. We shouldn’t treat them any differently,” said Clarke.
During Coupet’s shopping window, her kids Jordan, Jaelyn and Josiah knew exactly what they were looking for.
“We’ve bonded and we’ve gained relationships. We know each other by first name and a lot of them are coming with their own kids. Like Stephanie’s kids they go straight to the toy section. They know what to do when they come,” said Clarke.
“It’s sad to me I can’t bring them to the store and say, hey pick out whatever bookbag or costume you want. At least coming here, they have variety. It’s like being at a store. They don’t know the difference. They’re picking it out. That’s the best thing. Seeing their smiles,” said Coupet.
Serving with Grace is open year-round for families to shop at Grace’s Closet, and they also do events for back-to-school, give out costumes for Halloween and hold a drive-thru gift card distribution for Thanksgiving.
“I’m grateful to be in a position where we are able to do what we do for families. It’s rewarding not just them for them but for us. We take joy out of it. I’m thankful that we’ve gotten to where we are. I’m hoping we can continue to serve and do what we are doing,” said Clarke.
The organization relies solely on volunteers. So, if you would like to help, or are a family in need, click on this link.
If you would like to highlight a mom who makes a difference in our community, send us an email at MomToMom@wplg.com.
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