Saving Grace supporters joined the nonprofit organization for the inaugural Uptown Hoedown on Nov. 10 at Grace Farms in Centerton. The sold-out fundraiser helped Saving Grace raise some $104,000.
Saving Grace purchased the farm in fall 2021 to "to grow to serve more vulnerable young women aging out of foster care or facing homelessness."
"The first phase of renovations at Grace Farms is under way, under the guidance of Ellingson Contracting. Once completed, this will allow our current program (serving 12 young women) to transition fully to the farm. As God continues to provide, we will begin later phases of the construction project. Once all phases are completed, Grace Farms will have the capacity to serve 50 young women," Kamber Henson, development director, tells me.
Saving Grace NWA has been home to more than 150 young women since 2010 when it was founded by Becky and Kent Shaffer. The group receives more than 150 applications per year, but in its current space in Rogers, can only serve 12 women at a time.
Saving Grace provides residents safe housing, educational assistance, career guidance, personal coaching and professional counseling while encouraging girls to continue their education with an educational incentive program. Residents are required to have jobs and are responsible for their household expenses such as rent and groceries, but if enrolled as full- or part-time students may have free or reduced rent or help with other needs. The group also equips residents with independent living education, educational assistance and a support system that is missing for most of the girls. "We provide relationships, skills and resources to empower generational change."
The nonprofit organization is 100 percent privately supported through donations and grants, with no federal funding.
Save the date for the annual Butterflies and Blooms luncheon set for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27 at the Rogers Convention Center. For more information, visit savinggracenwa.org/bb.
Sponsors for the Uptown Hoedown included Brandi Mallard, Collier & Associates; United Federal Credit Union; Myers Farms; Flintco; Bourbon Creek Cattle; Chad & Ashley Goss; and Echo Collaborative.
Those going uptown for the hoedown to help Saving Grace included Nick and Lindsey Berkely, Kelsey Sisson, Mauri Myers, Carol Johnston, Becky Shaffer, Kent Shaffer, Lisa Chambers Garcia, Charles Greathouse, Stephanie Riffle, Jeff Baxter, Brandon Munson, Sach Oliver, Granger Insco, Jack Harrell and Jeff Cook.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected]
Austin Bond (from left), Kasey Tkachuk, Justin Malonson, Robert Pfountz and Jon Brown help serve guests at Saving Grace's Uptown Hoedown benefit Nov. 10. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Nick and Lindsey Berkely help support Saving Grace at the Uptown Hoedown on Nov. 10. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Nick and Lindsey Berkely help support Saving Grace at the Uptown Hoedown on Nov. 10. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
JonMarc and Abigail Harris (from left) and Maggie and Aric Powers gather the Uptown Hoedown to benefit Saving Grace. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Jeanine Mallory (from left), Christie Guthrie, Laura Delon and Sandy Young volunteer at the Saving Grace fundraiser Nov. 10. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Chris Latimer and Amber Latimer (from left) and Miranda and Justin Cowgur attend the Uptown Hoedown for Saving Grace. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Brandon Munson (from left), Sach Oliver, Granger Insco, Jack Harrell and Jeff Cook stand for a photo at the Saving Grace Uptown Hoedown on Nov. 10. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)None
At a Glance
Uptown Hoedown
Who: Saving Grace
What: The inaugural event helped the nonprofit organization raise some $104,000.
When: Nov. 10
Where: Grace Farms in Centerton
Next: Butterflies and Blooms luncheon, April 27
Information: (479) 636-1133 or savinggracenwa.org