Our Heritage
When First Presbyterian Church merged with Indian River Presbyterian Church, their desire was that the property, the current GraceWay Village campus, would be used in ministry towards unmet community needs.
The most pressing, unmet needs of the low-income community at that time were as follows:
- Children and teen clothing boutique
- Food insufficiency
- Homeless family assistance
Their first priority was to provide area children with needed clothing. Children without dress code compliant clothing for school often experienced feelings of insecurity, as well as a high rate of absenteeism.
The second initiative was straight-forward. Too many individuals, too many families, too many children were malnourished. They lacked the resources, as well as opportunities for assistance.
Church members realized the gravity and extent of their community’s challenges.
They created GraceWay Village.
One congregant, Linda Chastain, assumed leadership of the ambitious initiative to create Hope’s Closet clothing boutique. During the next eight years, she spent countless hours researching other communities’ clothing distribution programs, as well as organizing volunteers to collect and distribute the donated clothing. Her enthusiasm and dedication inspired a ground swell of support and involvement by other members. Together, Hope’s Closet quickly became a reality and a success.
Children, from the age of infant to 18, not only were wearing new clothes – but new smiles.
The program was expanded by opening GraceWay Village’s Mathew’s Cafe food kitchen.
In 2016, GraceWay Village became an independent, nonprofit organization.
The Cafe services were broadened by delivering meals to homebound seniors and the disabled living in public housing.
Since 2009 GraceWay Village has clothed more than 24,400 children and teens, as well as provided 318,000 free hot meals to those who are hungry.
Indian River Presbyterian Church remains a financial supporter.
In 2018, the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce honored GraceWay Village with its ‘Business and Industry Award’ for Small Non-Profit Organizations.
One way GraceWay Village maintains these high standards is by annually conducting a financial audit by an independent, certified public accountant. This voluntary expense and effort is done out of respect to donors and the community, knowing that such standards exhibit a high bar of integrity that marks GraceWay Village an A+ nonprofit in word and deed.