"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Meade
Our Mission
Gracing Spaces furnishes apartments for NOVACO, FACETS, Fairfax County Public Schools HomeLess Liaison, and many others in need of the basics of living. We "Grace" each space with furniture, beds, kitchen items, pictures, shower curtains, rugs, bedspreads and more to make an apartment a home. We load our truck with HOPE for each family and an opportunity to begin a new life together in Fairfax County.
Who We Are
- We like to hunt and gather household items.
- We welcome volunteers to share the joy of gracing spaces with us.
- We issue the challenge and invite you to transform an empty apartment into a home in one day!
- Accept our challenge to give families a new start in Fairfax County!
How We Got Here, And Why We Do It
Several years ago, Kathie Baumgart was gearing up for her daughter's bridal shower. Instead of throwing a traditional shower, Kathie's daughter challenged her and her creative friends to organize and perform an "extreme make over" on a community room of a half-way house for drug-addicted women. Kathie's group of friends transformed the community room in one day, and returned 3 more times over the next year to finish the entire half-way house. What Kathie and her group couldn't know then, was how that experience would inspire them and many others to continue that type of volunteerism in the community for years to come.
The project was so successful that Gracing Spaces now seeks out shelters, resource centers, and homeless families throughout Fairfax to provide makeovers as time and resources permit. The team calls themselves "Gracing Spaces," and now includes Lord of Life Lutheran Church volunteers, Health Department volunteers, and Department of Family Services staff, family, friends, and many others. We grace the space with furniture, beds, kitchen items, pictures, shower curtains, rugs, bedspreads, and so much more.
In spring 2011 the Gracing spaces team gave the Franconia Resource Center in Springfield a makeover that included fresh paint. A few months later in October the team freshened up the space at the Culmore Resource Center, which provides culturally appropriate, prevention oriented programs that promote child protection and build on the strength of families. Fresh paint that included inspirational phrases on the walls and recycled furniture helped to transform the meeting and recreations spaces. Staff and those who utilize the centers say they're thrilled by the enhancements that have been accomplished.
"While Gracing Spaces does not find the homeless families or the houses they will inhabit, they do find the beds to sleep in, the tables and chairs, kitchen tools, rugs, sofas, lamps, love ...spirit ... and the team of people to put it all together to make a home that ends the nightmare of homelessness." -- Barbara Yow, Springfield VA Public Health Department
