G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) Inc. was founded in 2016 by Harlem’s native Gracie Cedres, a former teacher, educator, and leader who has served in the nonprofit sector for the past 18 years. Founded in 2016, in honor of her late grandmother Reverend Grace Hyman, Gracie committed to giving back to her own community through events, education, and access to resources. In 2017, the nonprofit took the initiative to organize and host community events, starting with a Father’s and Youth Day, onto organizing an Annual Back to School Block Party. 

Since Covid-19, G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) Inc. had to pivot from launching in-person programming; however, the team managed to continue to provide services by introducing a clothes drive to accommodate those locally and internationally.

G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources And Community Enrichment) Inc. caters to youth, adults and senior citizens, all of whom serve as our leaders of the past, and the leaders of the future. Through partnership and collaboration with other entrepreneurs and organizations, participants will benefit from direct services including, but not limited to: Sports, Wellness, Arts, and Technology programming. Resources, workshops, and events are also available to foster College, Career, and Life Skills. Through  enrichment services and available resources, the nonprofit organization looks to aid in the economic, mental, and physical advancement of individuals and families in our communities.

To date, the organization has served over 2,544 individuals through our events, workshops, clothes drives and other initiatives. Our commitment to addressing food insecurity led us to provide approximately 1,940 meals at events, and through monthly soup kitchens held during the winter months.  

Our signature event, the Annual Back to School Block Party, has become a staple in the community. Starting in Harlem, NY, this event has now expanded to Georgia. We have organized (4) Annual Back to School Block Parties in New York and our first Annual Back to School Block Party in Georgia, both which provide entertainment, food, sneaker and gift card giveaways, along with backpacks filled with school supplies. Each year, the organization has been able to assist approximately 200-300 scholars in preparation for returning to school.

Within 2022, we have expanded our initiative by hosting our 1st Annual Toy Drive; and most recently incorporated monthly trips as incentives, and as a way to enhance cultural exposure, and educational activities. We achieve this through exposing our audience to live sporting events, the aquarium, Broadway plays, and movie premieres.

G.R.A.C.E. Inc. continues to make significant strides to serve and impact the lives of individuals and families in our community.