"Like all friends, the Friends of Grace nonprofit smooths out the rough edges of life. The San Jose group accomplishes this through a combination of classes, community and hot, healthy meals a program known as Grace Art & Wellness that's held six days a week at the city-owned Northside Community Center. Breakfast and lunch aren't just meals they're a point of entry into healing and connection, said Shawna Scarpitti, president of the nonprofit."
"Many members have developmental disabilities or are experiencing mental health challenges. For others, they're coping with the loss of a job, housing or family or the loneliness and isolation that can come with aging. We want to decrease the stigma and focus on the individual, city recreation supervisor Josue Covarrubias said. We provide an environment where they can feel safe to be themselves. The nonprofit, which grew out of the board-and-care home era, was founded in 1971."
Friends of Grace operates Grace Art & Wellness six days a week at the Northside Community Center, offering classes, community and hot, healthy meals. Breakfast and lunch serve as entry points to healing and connection, with more than 12,000 meals served in 2024 to hundreds of members. Many members have developmental disabilities or face mental-health challenges, while others cope with job, housing or family loss or aging-related isolation. The nonprofit began in 1971 from the board-and-care home era and later moved from Grace Baptist Church to Northside. Anyone 18 and over may join for a $5 lifetime fee.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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