We know it well at Grace's Table; motherhood is beautiful and challenging, and mothers deserve to be celebrated! Sometimes, in business and chaos, we can lose our sense of self. It is so important to take time to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits and to nurture the core of our being.

At Grace’s Table, the month of May was all about being Grounded in Grace. But what does that look like? It might start with taking a deep breath, slowly exhaling, and physically noticing your body. It could be belonging to a community where the root of the relationship runs deep and grounds you, reminding you that you belong. Or, for some, it might be the reminder that we are rooted in Christ and the knowledge that even in the storms of life, our roots are strong.

This past month, we hosted two incredible celebrations under the umbrella of being Grounded in Grace- one for the teen mamas of Grace's Table, the other for our community, and mamas everywhere.

A Mother's Day Celebration

With fits of giggles and excitement in their eyes, teen mamas gathered at the Richmond House on Friday, May 12. They had yet to learn what was planned for the day. The Mother's Day Celebration was a complete surprise.

The next thing they knew, a beautiful, antique trolly pulled up, and our program manager gleefully proclaimed, "All aboard!"

When the trolly pulled up to Mosely School of Cosmetology, the mamas were greeted by a crowd of their mentors and other volunteers, cheering for them and welcoming them to the party. Inside, mamas were treated to charcuterie treats, professional photos, and a head-to-toe spa day treatment.

On Monday, May 15, another crowd of teen mamas met at the Richmond House. Each mama got to shop the Redeemed Mobile Boutique and get one-on-one fashion coaching from expert stylist Holly Gort. Their eyes beamed with newfound confidence as they headed home with their new outfits.

Thanks to our fantastic community of supporters, teen mamas could enjoy some well-earned self-care this Mother's Day. They had the chance to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy simply being themselves for an evening. There are no greater Mother's Day gifts than peace of mind and love- and that's what our teen mamas got this year.

The Spring Wellness Event

In a heartwarming display of community support, our Spring Wellness Event: Grounded in Grace captivated participants and spectators alike while raising funds to benefit teen mamas and their children. Combining the tranquility of yoga with the spirit of giving, the event brought together yogis, wellness enthusiasts, and compassionate individuals eager to positively impact the lives of young mothers and their little ones.

The event took place in the beautiful WMCAT building, with gentle sunlight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a serene atmosphere ideally suited for a day of mindful practice. Participants arrived armed with yoga mats, water bottles, and an eagerness to contribute to the cause.

Highlights:

Expert-led Yoga Workshop: Renowned yoga teacher, The Feral Yogi, led a restorative yoga session and sound bath, offering valuable insights into yoga disciplines and facilitating personal growth and mindfulness for attendees. Participants were encouraged to explore their bodies, embrace self-acceptance, and cultivate a sense of groundedness.
Empowering Talk: Artesia Ridgel gave an engaging talk, shedding light on the importance of self-awareness when it comes to mental health. Her powerful words resonated deeply with the audience, fostering empathy and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Community Engagement: Numerous local businesses and sponsors generously contributed to the event, providing nourishing snacks (Bun in the Oven Bakery), refreshing beverages (Brody’s Be Cafe), and wellness-related goodies for raffle prizes. Additionally, various local organizations set up booths, showcasing their programs and services tailored to support young mothers and other community members on their wellness journey. Thank you to Catherine’s Health Center, SECOM Resource Center, Family Futures, Healthy Homes Coalition, Dutch Mama Doula and Photographer, and Treetops Collective for being part of our community partner fair!

The primary goals of the Spring Wellness Event were to raise funds to benefit teen mamas and their children and to raise awareness of the mission of Grace's Table. Participants and attendees generously contributed through raffle ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships. The proceeds will be directed towards providing essential resources such as mentorship, life skills classes, educational opportunities, and safe housing for teen mothers, empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

As the event drew to a close, a palpable sense of unity and accomplishment filled the air. The collective efforts of participants, sponsors, and the wider community successfully transformed the event into a beacon of hope and change. The funds raised were not just a monetary contribution but a powerful symbol of compassion and support for teen mamas, underscoring the importance of nurturing their potential and encouraging their resilience.

The Spring Wellness Event, held to benefit teen mamas and their kiddos, served as a reminder of the incredible impact that collective action and compassion can have on the lives of those in need. Through the practice of yoga and the coming together of a caring community, the event illuminated the path toward a brighter future for young mothers, offering them the resources, empowerment, and encouragement they deserve.