WHO
WE ARE

Sara drives the organization forward and fulfills the Treasurer function, managing and overseeing the financial affairs (including investments, annual budgets and annual reports).  “As a kid, I had two hard-working parents who struggled financially. We didn’t know how to access available resources. As I grew up, I realized that we weren't the only ones going through this. I was the girl who had the open house friends who were homeless or who didn't have food or electricity in their house. I started The Grace Period for parents like mine, for families - like my friends’ families - who just need a little help to get through a hard time. The Grace Period aids in creating self-sufficiency in a society that doesn’t always understand the impact of circumstances that are beyond one’s control. The Grace Period could have helped my parents get their family to a more stable place.”

Amie provides spiritual guidance and leads a 12-week course on Spiritual Faith. Amie has a Master of Divinity and is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She has served in local mission departments at churches as a staff person and volunteer for many years. “I founded The Grace Period because I believe in second chances. I believe that everyone ought to have access to adequate housing and fulfillment of basic survival needs. When we, as Christians, pray the prayer every week ‘your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’, we need to be active participants in it.”

As The Grace Period’s Secretary, Jessica brings 10+ years of administrative experience and keeps us all organized! “The Grace Period is very important to me because I love helping others and watching them succeed. I am very value oriented and enjoy working with people and sharing my love for God as I do it.”

Jenny is a certified public accountant licensed with the state of Missouri. She holds a Masters of Science in taxation and Bachelor of Science in accounting and has nearly 20 years of experience in various accounting, auditing, and taxation roles. She also brings experience with not-for-profit accounting, reporting requirements, and governance. “The Grace Period is important to me because I feel obligated to give back and serve the most vulnerable amongst us. I have a servant's heart, a deep seeded care for others, and a high level of empathy which allows me to connect with others with ease.” 

Jim handles all of The Grace Period’s media production & website management. He is a 30-year radio and television production veteran and now operates his own video production company, Blue Ocean Media Group. “I’m proud to be of service where I can to The Grace Period, an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of people in my community.”

Christie provides administrative assistance to the Grace Period by meeting regularly with the Executive Director and completing tasks as assigned.  She has worked in management positions within healthcare settings for over 30 years.  Her experience in participating or leading ministries involved varied levels of organizational duties.  “The Grace Period embodies all aspects of Jesus’ instruction to us to love each other and to be brothers and sisters in His body.  It is providing a much needed hand-up to the underserved of our community.

April provides The Grace Period with her expertise in reality.

"T.G.P. has been an impressive organization in what it's trying to do for the community and for the role of changing people's lives. I would love to help be a part of this change in our community. There are way too many people hurting who go unnoticed who need a voice to be heard, a lending hand, and the resources to make a better tomorrow".

David will be helping with our occupational classes and when asked his motivation for joining The Grace Period he said, " I have a heart for helping those who want help but don't know how to go about getting it. Families that are stressed out about money and housing have a tendency to tear apart and hopefully this organization can help prevent this from happening for some families."

Pam Engelhard is a pathway and faith development team leader  who has worked with recovery ministry and women’s philanthropy organizations. She is drawn to the christ-centered mission of The Grace Period as well as the very defined and focused vision of helping a few individuals with intense adult development and transitional housing . She works on our administration team keeping track of our donor management and fundraising income and expense data.