Pontiac Nonprofit Raises over $90K In Record-Breaking Match Challenge

PONTIAC, Mich. — Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) today announced that it raised more than $90,000 in community and corporate donations, far exceeding a $20,000 Giving Tuesday matching grant challenge made by Michigan-based Express Employment Professionals. The matching grant challenge was the most successful Giving Tuesday fundraiser in the nonprofit’s history. The announcement was made by GCH CEO Pastor Kent. W. Clark.

“We are truly blessed by the continuous support from our community and corporate donors, especially our friends at Express Employment Professionals who’ve inspired others to help with our mission,” said Clark. “This is the perfect way to celebrate ‘Giving Tuesday’s’ generous tenor, especially during an important time of year when men, women and children need us the most. Our organization’s life-skills education programs have helped transform many lives and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community.”

Monies raised will support Grace Centers of Hope’s life-skills programs that provides daily meals, clothing, therapy, and work skills development for men women and children, who have suffered from addiction, abuse, and homelessness.

This year marks the second year in a row that Express Employment Professionals presented a matching gift challenge to GCH. Last year, the company helped the nonprofit raise more than $80,000 on Giving Tuesday.

“The outpouring of support for our Giving Tuesday match to Grace Centers of Hope was simply amazing,” said Paul LaFrance, Regional Developer of Express Employment Professionals. “Our mutual objective was to exceed last year’s record-breaking fundraising results. I am proud to say, Grace Centers of Hope and Express Employment exceeded the goal by raising over $90,000! We are grateful to our many clients, associates, and community members who supported this life-changing mission.”

GCH has helped families transition from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, sobriety, and employment for nearly 80 years. Everyday, Grace Centers of Hope accommodates between 150-200 men, women, and children as part of its One Year Life Skills Program. It also serves more than 127,000 meals annually. In addition, program participants have access to the Career and Education Center, the Hands of Hope Childcare Center, the Aftercare Program, Little Grace Village and more.

About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals is the leader in staffing and employment solutions in Michigan. With 25 locations in the state, Express is well positioned to support the hiring needs for companies located throughout the Great Lake State. Express is a full-service staffing provider specializing in Industrial, Skilled Trades, Office Services, and Professional placements. In 2023, Express is launching Frontline Training Solutions, a division of Express focused on training services and human resource support for our client partners. For more information, visit: https://www.expresspros.com/rochesterhillsmi/.

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, confronting daily the issues of homelessness, addiction, education, parenting, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 125,000 meals each year. Grace’s $6.7 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