A Rescue and a Calling

Grace House offers a transitional living home for women and children in the Ark-La-Tex

By Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Grace House” could be anything: the name of a swanky local coffee shop, a Zen yoga studio, or even a neatly fashioned interior design store. There are so many things Grace House could mean, and yet, to those who need Grace House, and those who serve at Grace House, it’s much more than just one thing. In fact, it is THE thing. Grace House is both a rescue and a calling. It’s a mission and a respite. It’s a hand up and a physical blessing. Grace House is the brand new, 16-bed, transitional living home for women and children in the Ark-La-Tex.

Karen Rayfield, Grace House founder and outreach coordinator, and Whitney Jackson, Grace House executive director

Founded by Karen Rayfield and Dorothy Ware, Grace House began on a grassroots level five years ago. “Karen was serving women on the streets of Texarkana, and in 2017, she needed to house one girl she had been working with,” explained Executive Director Whitney Jackson. “She partnered with Dorothy Ware, who had a life-coaching ministry, and was willing to donate space in the home she used for life-coaching.” From there, with support from Church on the Rock (where Karen and Dorothy are congregants, and Whitney is a pastor), Grace House was born.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held for Grace House on January 12. (Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

“We meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of young mothers facing crisis,” Whitney said. “Our goal is to help them set up a healthy transition to future stability.”

The first five years of Grace House were about laying a foundation. In 2022, Church on the Rock and the leaders of Grace House knew it was time to start expanding their offerings. “I love going on mission trips and serving where I can, but the pandemic opened my eyes to what was happening in my own community,” Whitney said. “I had no idea the crisis that women and children are facing right in our own town. Did you know that there are only two rooms in Texarkana for a mother in crisis, besides the battered women’s shelter?”

The Grace House staff is composed of Whitney Jackson, executive director; Stephanie Moreland, volunteer coordinator; Donna Yeldell, house coordinator; Erica Ramage, counselor; Karen Rayfield, founder and outreach coordinator; and Tamela Moore, night shift coordinator.

The first Grace House facility served many women and children, “but the phone never stops ringing for more people in need,” Whitney said. “We were busting at the seams. We knew we needed a larger facility to serve these mothers and their precious babies.”

After months of praying and looking for a new facility, the group found exactly what they were looking for: the old Opportunities, Inc. in-patient facility. “On September 30, 2022, Church on the Rock purchased our new 5,000-square-foot [home],” Whitney said. “We now have 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and beautiful living spaces. We even have an emergency wing for those needing immediate assistance.”

Suzy Osburn and Brittany Brooks with Seventh Day Design helped reimagine the space.  “We started a remodel immediately,” she said. “We were so blessed with so many selfless contractors and volunteers who came in and gave their time and talents to remodel. We had so many individuals sponsor a room so that the entire facility is cohesive and incredibly beautiful. We wanted the space to feel like a sanctuary, and the team from Seventh Day exceeded our expectations.”

Whitney visits with Brittany Brooks who decorated and designed the interior of Grace House, along with Suzy Osburn, her business partner in Seventh Day Design.

While Grace House started as a ministry of Church on the Rock, Whitney and her team are hopeful that the project can become bigger than one church.  “This is a community project that we hope more individuals, businesses and churches could support,” Whitney said. “The immediate goal for Grace House is to [support] women and children in crisis, while becoming a foster care prevention center. We want to put tools in their tool belts to overcome obstacles and live a successful life.”

Church on the Rock Pastor John Miller prays over the home and shares about the ministry during Grace House’s Open House. (Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

To that end, Whitney and Karen are expanding the Grace House vision. They are working to launch Grace House as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and start the new one-year transitional counseling program, complete with Bible teachers and mentors.

Whitney says the need is great in our community. 

Comfortable and cozy, the rooms at Grace House are set up to welcome young mothers and children who are facing crises. (Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

“The children in these situations didn’t ask for a life in crisis,” she said. “It breaks my heart that children suffer because of the cyclical damage of generational dysfunction. Once you hear that there are over 30 children living in hotels in our community, you can’t look away. Once you hear that these women have lost all support, you can’t look away. Once you hear of the abuse happening right here in Texarkana, you can’t look away. We need all the support, mentors, and donors to help rescue these women and children. After one year in our Grace House program, our women will be able to stand on their own. We will offer them experiences, training, and support to live their dreams.”

Whitney invites anyone interested to get involved with the ministry happening at Grace House.  They regularly hold drives for diapers, hygiene items, toys, and school supplies. They also offer parenting classes. “We always need volunteers,” Whitney emphasized. Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more can email the team at info@gracehousetxk.org, follow them on Facebook or Instagram @gracehousetxk, or visit www.gracehousetxk.org.