Good Morning Gloucester

On Sunday, March 29, 2015, the Grace Center Inc. held its 3^rd Annual “Glow with Grace” candlelit walk to raise awareness for its mission to help those in crisis on Cape Ann.

Founding Executive Director, Rev. Tom Bentley opened the evening with an enthusiastic and compelling talk about the impact that Grace Center is making on the Cape Ann Community. He spoke about the benefits of the cost-effectiveness of the program, noting that the organization is run primarily by a strong volunteer base.

Also, present were City Councilman, Paul McGeary and Senator Bruce Tarr. Both officials emphasized the positive contributions this program has made in such a short time.

Following the 10 minute walk from the Gloucester High School to the Fisherman Statute, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken greeted the walkers where she also spoke of the benefits of the Grace Center. Mayor Theken stressed the increased need for the Grace Center to be open more days in the week, and  she pledged additional funds if a space for operations could be found.  Presently the Grace Center program must rely on donated space in three churches which can offer no more than one day each per week.  

Sen. Bruce Tarr echoed the Mayor’s appeal and pledged also to help secure additional funding if possible.

The evening was concluded with Rev. Tom Bentley offering a prayer, and guiding the participants in singing “Amazing Grace.”

The Grace Center Inc. operates as a day resource center for those adults on Cape Ann who are homeless, low-income and in crisis or transition. To date, the organization has served over 600 individuals, offering breakfast and a hot lunch, along with social services. Learn more at www.gracecenterinc.org

In the winter of 2009, the Cape Ann Clergy Association recognized an increasing number of requests for help from low-income and homeless adults. A Needs Assessment Study identified a number of pressing needs including the absence of a safe day space for the homeless in Gloucester. On December 22, 2011, the Grace Center, Inc. opened as a day resource center with professional staff and volunteers. To date we have served over 600 individuals. While we are proud to get to know and encourage individuals currently experiencing homelessness, we also continue to welcome the many older adults, lonely community members, or those at high risk of or currently experiencing crisis. No matter the life circumstances that have brought our guests to our doors, we strive to always provide gifts of acceptance, hospitality, and opportunity to all we meet.

Good morning!

The Lighthouse project was designed to look at the social ramifications of small, positive acts of kindness.  The experimental curriculum works directly with a group of students who are empowered to take on miniscule tasks and then report on the social consequence of their behavior.  The group has tracked their progress in order to determine a variety of outcomes.  For example, do they have the ability to impact themselves through these behaviors?  Does this expand beyond themselves to the people close to them in life?  Does it go beyond that to the school and/or community?  Can one beacon of light pave a new direction for the masses? 

The students have been encouraged to take pride in themselves and their school.  Students come together each week to talk about their personal experiences with this task.  In addition, we plan monthly “acts of kindness” done for no other reason than to bring hope to other students and inspire creativity, inspiration and an overall feeling that each student matters.  The program is designed to inspire confidence and pride in positive (even if small) successes.

The students have dedicated hours after school to create inspirational gestures of hope which are randomly distributed to the student body.  It is amazing to see the amount of energy and enthusiasm students put towards recognizing each other’s strengths….not always an easy or popular thing to do in high school!
The project has been recognized by the White House and has inspired students in Gloucester High School’s Cabinet Making program to make an official sign.  I have attached pictures of the projects…
Tomorrow we are embarking on our next random act….leaving colored eggs around the school full of inspirational quotes and candy:)
Follow us on twitter: The Lighthouse Project https://twitter.com/arose_project
I would be happy to talk to anyone interested in running the story….and would be thrilled to be able to prove to my students that kindness and small acts of kindness can change the world.
Thank you!!
Amy Rose

Rockport High School

Guidance Counselor

The Lighthouse Project VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL