I had the privilege to tour Saving Grace; a home for girls
who have “aged out” of children’s homes and foster care, started by Becky
Shaffer. Their facility is part of an
old hospital, but it has been transformed into a home with living, dining, and
kitchen areas for these young women to share but each has her own room.
Becky explained that there are hundreds of young women who
are facing homelessness because they are too old to be in state custody. In light of this reality for their lives,
they turn to illegal activities such as prostitution, shoplifting, and other
crimes. Saving Grace gives them a safe
and stable home, life skills, educational achievement and community
involvement.
Saving Grace also has a support system called “cord of 3”
mentors. Each young woman is assigned
three mentors upon moving into the facility.
One mentor is the age of an older sister, another mentor the age of a
mother, and then a grandmother aged mentor.
I asked Becky why they decided on three mentors. She said that the cord of three came to her
husband’s heart one night. “Though one
may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken” Eccl. 4:12. “We
encourage the three (mentors) to love, support, and encourage each other as
they mentor and do the same for “grace”, said Becky.
I love the idea that there are three women, mentoring each
other as they mentor a young woman with “traumatic soul wounds”, as Becky
explained it. They are able to work
together and take a step back when it’s needed.
This kind of support system is helpful for both the mentors and the mentee.
This is a great way to get involved in mentoring. If you are in the Northwest Arkansas area,
you can get involved with some pretty cool “hands on” activities with SavingGrace. You can also help this program by
praying and donating. Look in your local
area to find places where you can be a mentor, volunteer your time, and make a
difference in the lives of young women with the love of Jesus.
Be a saving grace!
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