Hello again

I have received such positive responses from my first blog, to which I am very grateful, that I'm back and plan to continue.

To further understand G.R.A.C.E. and its mission I have to tell a brief history of my volunteer history experience. Several years I was a domestic violence counselor for a women's shelter in DeKalb County Georgia and at the YWCA in Wichita, Kansas, and I mentored teen mothers. During this time I saw hurt and pain that cannot be described by words. By looking into the eyes of the women and the children I could see the damage that had been done by such dastardly acts. Part of the intake interview at the YWCA the potential resident is asked if there's any distinguishing marks. One client just released from the hospital showed me her cracked skull that had been stapled. I was mortified as I had never seen such a sight.

I have witnessed the struggles of the victims to either maintain a life of normalacy or attempt to acheive something better. Sadly to say I did not witness much success.

Working with the teen mothers really became an eye opener for me, as the majority were rape victims and others just made the wrong the decision. When I listened to their stories they were victims at the hands of someone they loved and trusted.

I became an advocate and a voice for them but at the same time I was seeking God. When His response to me was to be a proactive intervention for His children I knew exactly what He meant. The situations that came upon this population did not have to be long lasting nor cheat them out of what is rightfully theirs...a full and healthly life.

Proactively intervening in a young person's life through a safe, clean, and healthy environment is truly the beginning of giving them the much needed sense of security. Implementing structure, discipline, and the Word of God starts the healing process. This makes the child's heart pliable and re-structuring can begin. The purpose of G.R.A.C.E. is not ony to intervene but assist in the healing process that will assure the children an opportunity to be released from the shackles of the past and go forward into the future God has promised them. It's clearly stated in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (amplified)
I trust His Word. Do you?

Currently we, me and the Board of Directors, are standing for finances and our first home. Please stand with us as we see God manifest His Promises to G.R.A.C.E. Thank you.

I remain in His Grip
Sharon

Introducing myself and the vision

Hello Everyone/Anyone

I am truly a newbie with an experienced blogger sitting behind me. But I wanted the ministry to become part of the "social network". So I hope I will get responses from my first blog. My skin will thicken when necessary but gentle criticism is always accepted and welcomed.

First I would like to introduce myself. I am Sharon Conley born and raised in Kansas and had a great small town family life in Coffeyville, Kansas. My adult life has been an adventure some due to my mis-calculated decisions which has taken me to California (twice), New Mexico, Georgia, New York, Kansas (back and forth), Texas, and Oklahoma (once for graduate school and now I'm baaack!!!) Being back in Tulsa, Oklahoma brings both stability and purpose. I must admit stability feels very good.

I have many years of experience in the corporate world and many years of volunteer experience in the Domestic Violence, Family Reunification, and mentored teen moms. These experiences has brought me to realize the words God spoke to me during my busy years as a full time graduate student and working a full time third shift job..."you are to be a proactive intervention to My children." The instruction came in the year of 2000, my year of jubilee. I was in Germany visiting with my daughter and her family when the specific instructions from God began. First the name came...God's Redemption Affects Children Everywhere. Then came the acronym because He wanted people to understand His G.R.A.C.E.

He used my volunteer, internship, and practicum experiences with the at-risk comunity to visualize and realize and need for me and others to proactively intervene in the lives of the children. Go to the root of the hurt and the pain to stop the progression of anti-social behavior found in adults that had no one to intervene or advocate for them.

G.R.A.C.E. was incorporated in 2007 and we are waiting for our non-profit status to be mailed to us. The vision has been in me for many years but once I got the concept without the true revelation I took off running. God remained steady and full of compassion as I ran with His vision to New York and then to Texas. Yes, I tried very hard to bring G.R.A.C.E. into fruition on my own ability at the same time saying "God is wanting this vision to manifest NOW." Gee, as I look back at myself I even have to laugh as I know God was.

I must admit while living in Texas I became more quiet and He began to speak volumes to me about the vision. He gave me the vision and mission statement and the beautiful logo. The logo is a rainbow...His Promise with the colors of His children...red, yellow, black, and white. When time came for me to leave Texas and return to Tulsa I had to have a completed business plan. Thanks to His leading and my dear friend Linda from New York G.R.A.C.E. has a business plan. Sitting still and knowing He is God reaps such great rewards.

I invite you to visit our website www.grace-ministry.com to learn more about us and become a friend on facebook.