ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
To prevent homelessness and increase self-sufficiency for all people. The center provides education and resource assistance in a culturally sensitive, encouraging, and Christ-centered environment.
The Grace Center exists because we believe a community thrives when it can uplift those in need to a more productive position in the community through education and assistance.
The Grace Center is a United Way of South Central Oklahoma agency, a member organization of Ardmore Literacy Leadership, Inc., and part of the Ardmore Behavioral Wellness Collaborative. Additionally, the Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma holds membership in the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, and ProLiteracy.
The Grace Center is recognized as having completed the Standards for Excellence course by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. Our certification is valid from 2018-2023, and we can be found on the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits graduate page.
WHAT WE DO
Through services provided at both the Grace Resource Center and Grace Day Center, clients are lead out of the perpetual cycles of poverty.
Grace Resource Center Services:
Financial Assistance Utilites (Gas, Electric, Water)
Renters Financial Assistance
Prescription Assistance
Clothing Vouchers
SORTS Passes
Oklahoma ID/DL Cards
Parenting and Financial Literacy Program
Grace Day Center Services:
Bathing and Laundry Facilities
Access to a Phone Line and Computer
Clothing Closet
Lockers
Light Snacks and Beverages
Applying for SNAP, TANF, DHS Child Care Subsidy
Social Service Referrals (Good Shepherd Community Clinic, and Lighthouse)
OUR COMMUNITY
Grace Resource Clients may find themselves facing unaffordable rent, working to regain child custody, ballooning health bills, lost hours at work, or surviving on a monthly social security check. The Grace Day Center serves clients who are unhoused and many times facing insurmountable problems. This may include catastrophic events; loss of employment; family break up; onset of metal and/or debilitating illness; substance use by oneself or family members; a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse; and involvement in the criminal justice system.
The Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma works closely with the district homeless liaison at Ardmore City Schools, Carter County's largest school district. The liaison is the contact between homeless families and school staff. They work to ensure that students achieve academic success.
From left: Ellen Roberts, Karlie Harper, Laura Eastes Akers, Marcia Gentry, and Leslie Groven at the 2019 That 70's Prom benefiting The Grace Center of Southern Oklahoma.
GRACE TEAM
Laura Eastes Akers, Executive Director
Marica Gentry, Grace Resource Director
Karlie Harper, Grace Day Center Director
Leslie Groven, Office Manager
Anthony Garringer, Grace Day Center Assistant Director
Connie Applegate, Financial Literacy Coordinator