Meet Grace Torres of Give With Grace in Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Torres.

Grace, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had a passion for giving back but it was in 2012 when I came across AASK which is a foster agency here in Phoenix that I was able to put that passion to work. I love kids, therefore, getting involved and volunteering with AASK came easy. I began volunteering at their Annual Picnics, Family Fun Walks and Holiday Parties but I wanted to do more! I began to partner with my employer at the time and twice a year we collected toys during the holidays and backpacks along with supplies for back to school, all benefiting AASK. It was such an honor being recognized by AASK in 2015 who then presented my employer and me with a special award. But it was a drive through downtown Phoenix, 12th Ave, and Madison to be exact that would impact my life and take my passion down a new path. These streets are home for most of our homeless population and a near area to Phoenix’s Skid Row.

I had no knowledge of the number of homeless men, women, and veterans within our community but it was obvious the need for any help was desperately needed. I carried the images with me for days and weeks. It was those images that would lead me to my purpose and the creation of Give With Grace in April of 2017. Since then I have gone from “street feeding” to building wonderful partnerships with The Human Services Campus, St Vincent de Paul, and CASS who have all given me a platform to do what I love! Thanks to these organizations, I have been able to give back to our homeless community through food, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, sanitary items, move-in kits, haircuts, and basketball. But I couldn’t have done this without the help of those who have supported Give With Grace throughout my journey which I’m grateful to say now celebrates its 2 Year Anniversary! If you’re wondering if I still partner with AASK as well, yes I do. I proudly continue to give back to AASK every new school year to assure every foster kid is prepared and ready to learn. I look forward to what’s in store for Give With Grace, “because without giving back change doesn’t exist.”

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a smooth road for the most part. Being willing and dedicated has definitely played a big part in that.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Give With Grace story. Tell us more about it.
During the day, I work for a medical company. I’ve been in the same field for close to 14 years. I’m known for spreading love, being positive, adventurous, spiritual, social and giving. I’m most proud of what Give With Grace stands for because “Grace” is a beautiful thing. What sets me apart from others is that Give With Grace is self-funded and is a one person team that focuses on giving back through unique ways such as a 3 on 3 basketball tournament benefiting the homeless.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
Family road trips.

Contact Info:

• Email: givewithgrace2017@gmail.com
• Instagram: _givewithgrace
• Facebook: Give With Grace

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