“Due to the Coronavirus, I am working twelve hour shifts, six days a week (at University Medical Center). I’m not afraid. This is my job and I love it.”

Grace came to us at the age of sixteen. She was referred by her high school counselor. Grace was living in an extremely abusive, dysfunctional home. Her mother had serious mental health issues.

“I love helping people.”

She works as a certified nursing assistant in the emergency psychiatric unit, while attending college part-time and studying psychiatry. She has her own apartment nearby. Grace would like to one day run her own nursing home.

“Some people take their anger out on us. But I am good at calming them down – like my Covenant House family taught me.”

I have known and loved Grace a long time. She jokes that her real name is Grace Kelly. One afternoon, many years ago, Grace asked me if I would drive her to the cemetery. She wanted to visit the grave of her best friend who had been murdered exactly a year earlier. And so began our friendship…

“There was one young girl who came to the hospital after attempting suicide. No one could reach her, but I was able to gain her trust.”

We are all very proud of Grace.

“How I grew up prepared me to help people, and to tell them that people care, and that there is hope.”

“I am not too concerned about the virus; this what I signed up for. And if do get sick… I trust in God’s plan.”

GRACE.

I am praying for you, all those who love you, and, of course Grace and her patients.

– Jim