"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.""
Friends of Grace operates Grace Art & Wellness six days a week at the Northside Community Center, delivering classes, community and hot, healthy meals. The program served more than 12,000 meals in 2024 to hundreds of participants who were referred or found the center. Participants include adults with developmental disabilities, people experiencing mental-health challenges, those coping with job or housing loss, family loss, and older adults facing loneliness. Membership is open to anyone 18 and over for a $5 lifetime fee and includes an orientation and center rules. The center greets members by name and emphasizes safety, dignity and connection.
Read at The Mercury News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]