Change begins with having a vision, with the ultimate goal of turning it into a reality. It requires a love for what you do and who you do it for. Above all, it requires passion. If there is one thing Grace Bishara does not lack, it is passion.
Ms. Bishara, Founder of Becoming Grace Foundation, has a heart that beats for non-profit work. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management with a certificate as a Nonprofit Professional. She took this knowledge to Habitat for Humanity, which began her nearly 8 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She later found herself working for United Food Bank, where she is currently helping in the fight to end hunger. During this time, she has restructured volunteer programs, increased revenue streams, managed large volunteer & fundraising events, assisted food banks nationwide by sharing her strategies through Feeding America, and was promoted to oversee all fundraising and partnership strategies. Her hard-work and dedication to being the change Arizona needed led her to being awarded the Inspire Changemaker by the NFL and Arizona Cardinals.
Grace is proud of what she has accomplished thus far, but has expanded her passion and created the Becoming Grace Foundation. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization aimed at empowering and uplifting women, offering advocacy and resources to guide survivors towards healing, and a future that is free from the shadows of abuse. As a survivor turned “thriver,” she believes that all women should have the support and resources that she had been given during her own battle. Domestic violence is isolating, but there is a way out, and she and her team have dedicated themselves to helping others see that possibility too.
Becoming Grace Foundation comprises many talented, educated, and passionate individuals. The current team is a diverse group of people from all backgrounds whose expertise includes trauma and child therapy, human resources, law, accounting, mental and physical health coaching, education, and entrepreneurship. The most recent addition is an intern from Arizona State University currently double majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science, with a goal of studying family law.
A team of people from different specialties is crucial to the organization's success. Creating actual change does not come easy, especially in the start-up phase. Many factors have to be considered when building something from the ground up. Obstacles such as funding and knowing all the legalities of serving domestic abuse cases have been one of the larger challenges facing Grace and her team. However, nothing is impossible. The possibility of saving a life and giving hope overpowers any challenge.
Currently, the foundation is focused on raising general operating funds, creating awareness of the organization, providing education to survivors, and conducting preventative education for young women. They have also begun the Adopt-a-Mom campaign. The campaign is designed to raise money for mothers who are currently displaced, so they may have the funds to cover rent once a residence has been established. Every dollar donated is matched by the foundation.
The long-term goal is to afford a large multi-use facility with multiple rooms. The rooms will serve as spaces for women to heal both mind and body; and provide workshops, fitness, dance classes, and therapy. Another space ideally serves entrepreneurs where women with different trades can grow and start businesses to regain financial independence. Lastly, Grace hopes to have a few smaller offices for family intake and to address more immediate needs.
The Becoming Grace Foundation is bringing important work and much-needed positive change. Every individual reading this right now has the power to make the change alongside Grace and her team.
With that said, here are a few words from Ms. Bishara herself.
To potential donors:
“Thank you for believing in the mission, our future, and the future of the voiceless. We hope you will help us become the voice for those who need our help.”
To possible victims:
“I know it is scary not knowing what your future will be and the confusion you feel at this time. This will be the hardest thing you do for yourself, and you are strong and brave enough to do it. When the time's right for you, know you are never alone. Even though you cannot imagine the future now, I guarantee it will be so much more beautiful than what you have experienced at this moment. You can do this. You are worth it.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7. Contact 800-799-7233, or text BEGIN to 88788.
By: Thalia Escalet
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