Grace House
Grace House Texarkana
When I received a phone call telling me that a local ministry that served women and children in need purchased a new building that they planned to remodel, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wasn’t sure to what scale we would be able to do things as it was a non profit but, I knew I was in! This was the beginning of our Grace House project.
Grace House is a transitional home that provides support to “expectant mothers/or mothers within the age range of 17-27 who have been displaced, homeless, at-risk for homelessness, and agree to participate in the programs to reach self-sufficiency”. It’s a ministry that I know first hand is being the hands and feet of Jesus and rescuing women and children off of the street and out of crisis. Having previously occupied a 1700 sqft residential home, they now had 5000 sqft of space to make a safe haven.
The building that was purchased was previously an inpatient special needs facility. Many things about the layout were a perfect fit but the big task was taking things from hospital to home. We met with Grace House to dream up all the things we’d love to do and the amount of those dreams we saw gifted with the labor volunteered is something I’m so thankful I got to be a part of!
The facility has ten bedrooms, five bathrooms, offices and a large living space including a full kitchen. There is also an emergency wing for those needing immediate assistance. One of the first things we knew when planning the remodel is that paint was going to make such an impact. We wanted the space to feel bright as there’s not a ton of natural light so we used Benjamin Moore White Dove throughout. We also updated the commercial doors with Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black paint. The fluorescent lighting was removed and updated with recessed lights and chandeliers in the main area to bring in some charm and ambient lighting. The green carpet was removed and flooring throughout the bedrooms and hallways was updated with donated material. To make the living area cozy and inviting, we created a stone fireplace to anchor the space. The kitchen received the most love utilizing the existing cabinets but updating with shaker style doors and brightening things up with paint. It also received new appliances, gifted Black Pearl Leathered quartz countertops, gifted Marrakesh Berber Black 4x4 backsplash tile and a new sink. Detail and charm were added in the kitchen with a brass faucet, brass hardware and brass accent lighting.
Each room was sponsored for us to purchase furnishing and because there was such a response and a rallying around Grace House to get their facility remodeled and new doors open, we were able to purchase new furnishings not second hand. The goal was to make this space serve as many as possible and allow everyone that entered to be and feel comfortable. We chose a large leather sectional for durability and to warm up the space. The dining space fit 2 large tables with bench seating so all the mommas and kiddos can pile in and have meals together. The bedrooms were completed with trundle and bunk bedding so moms and kids have their own bed and a couple of rooms have a sweet nursery corner. There is also offices, a play room, a work station, a prayer room and counseling rooms that were furnished and staged.
This space was transformed from a sterile inpatient facility to a warm inviting home. At the time of writing this, they are housing 7 women with 5 kids and 4 kids on the way. They serve women in the Ark-La-Tex area and continue to make an impact on women and children in crisis. As always the goal was to create a refreshing place of rest and peace and this time for a group of ladies and kids that were recused from just the opposite. What an honor!
