history
The vision for Grace Place emerged out of a task force joining the five Naples-area local United Methodist congregations together - Cornerstone UMC, East Naples UMC, First UMC, North Naples UMC, and Wesley UMC, Marco - in seeking to be in ministry with the community of Golden Gate after the Golden Gate United Methodist Church closed. This task force began meeting in January of 2004 to explore the needs of this low-income neighborhood and to discover a new, cooperative way to respond to God's call to serve our neighbors.
The proposal from this task force to establish Grace Place as a neighborhood center, operating out of the former Golden Gate UMC property, was presented to the five local United Methodist congregations for their review and financial support in March and April of 2004. This proposal was affirmed and financial commitments funding the first year budget were made by all five churches by May of 2004. Grace Place was incorporated in June of 2004 with strong leadership provided by a Board of Directors representing each of these five churches along with one member from Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church.
In the first two years of operation, Grace Place developed an array of services for at-risk children and low-income families, meeting their needs for educational assistance, supervision of children after school and during the summer, youth development programs, English language classes and parental education.
Over 300 children, youth and adults are currently (2007) being served through the programs of Grace Place. Committed and talented volunteers log 1000+ hours each month. Additional short-term programs, special events, and projects reach more families and involve more volunteers each year.
As Grace Place programs have grown, a strong foundation of community support has been built. The Grace Place Board of Directors, sponsors, leadership, and volunteers now include ecumenical involvement of more than 20 local churches representing more than seven denominations and the wide participation of 18 community groups, 36 businesses, and over 500 individuals this year.