Grace Centers Of Hope Awarded $50,000 Grant From Walmart Foundation For Complete Kitchen Overhaul

PONTIAC, Mich. – Feb. 15, 2013 – Grace Centers of Hope, one of Southeast Michigan’s oldest and largest homeless shelters, will unveil a new kitchen during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 located at 35. E. Huron, Pontiac.  The Walmart Foundation recently awarded the nonprofit organization with a $50,000 grant for the renovation project. 

“The Walmart Foundation grant has helped us replace broken and outdated equipment with new energy efficient commercial appliances that will facilitate the preparation of more than 150,000 nutritious meals annually,” said Grace Centers of Hope CEO, Pastor Kent W. Clark.  “Thanks to their wonderful support, Grace Centers of Hope will meet the growing challenges of homelessness in our area while providing vital programs and services to reintegrate men and women back into mainstream society.” 

New commercial appliances include a convection oven, gas full pot fryer, gas griddle range, gas range with burners, reach-in refrigerator, food warmer, coffee brewing urn, hot-food service counter, stainless steel top work tables, walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer.  A fresh coat of paint and new ceiling tiles will complete the kitchen overhaul.  With greater efficiency for meal preparation and storage, the new kitchen also will allow Grace Centers of Hope to offer nutrition and culinary skills classes for individuals enrolled in the One-Year Life Skills Program. 

While it has been more than 20 years since the kitchen was last renovated, the nonprofit currently feeds daily between 150 to 200 homeless men, women and children for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Because the food services budget is limited, donations of perishable and nonperishable items make a significant difference for Grace Centers of Hope and are requested throughout the year.  

The donation to Grace Centers of Hope was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Michigan State Giving Program.  Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better.  The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. 

“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to share with Grace Centers of Hope a commitment to proactively address the needs of homeless individuals living in our communities,” said Erik Hingst, Walmart Senior Manager for Public Affairs & Government Relations.  “We are pleased that with this grant, Grace Centers of Hope has improved its ability to prepare and serve wholesome meals for the men, women and children who walk through their doors each year.”

Last year in Michigan, Walmart, Sam’s Club locations and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $21.7 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that align with the company’s core business strengths. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About Grace Centers of Hope

Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, daily confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace’s $5.7 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance.  To learn more about Grace Centers of Hope or to make a donation, please visit www.gracecentersofhope.org.

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