Buford resident Maria Sharrett founded the non-profit Grace Upon Grace in 2022 to help bridge the gap in services for students with disabilities, especially post-graduation.
Their mission statement says it all — “The mission of Grace Upon Grace is to create a Christ-centered movement recognizing all of God’s children as being fearfully and wonderfully made. The world will no longer see the disabilities, and will instead see “infinite” possibilities. Grace Upon Grace will provide education, comfort, community partnerships, and post-secondary opportunities that will shape the future and bring hope to the families we support.”
Through the community’s support, Grace Upon Grace was able to do great things in 2023.
- They provided a Buford graduate a full scholarship to attend Kennesaw State University’s Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth. This graduate will attend the Academy which offers programs to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- They were able to provide five families with Christmas.
- They assisted several teachers by providing them with donations to support their students.
- They shopped for the Buford City School’s Stuff the Bus Holiday Toy Drive with a Buford Special Education class to help teach life skills.
- They hosted their first-ever golf tournament fundraiser.
Grace Upon Grace is starting 2024 off with a bang. In addition to being our non-profit of the quarter, on Jan. 15, they will be sponsoring three individuals to attend the FUN Club. Maria said, “This will be a very large donation and we are so excited!”
On Mar. 2, they will have their second annual Inclusive Grace Upon Grace Pageant held at the BHS Performing Arts Center. The pageant is open to girls ages 4 to 19+ and being an inclusive pageant, girls with disabilities are encouraged to join in on the fun. Those with disabilities have their fees waived and are offered extra ways to make them feel like a queen.
Here are the ways that the general public can help Grace Upon Grace’s mission.
- Sponsor or support the upcoming pageant on Mar. 2. Click here for more details.
- Donate at graceupongracegives.org.
- Share the word about their book “Wonderfully Super.”
- Let them know if you know of a business that would partner with them to employ one of their clients.
- Spread the word about Grace Upon Grace and their mission.
- Participate in the pageant by clicking here. The deadline to register for the pageant is Feb. 23.
