Grace Centers of Hope a women’s shelter in Pontiac, Michigan
Hi! My name is Terry Grahl. I’m an interior decorator from Michigan who eats, sleeps and dreams about making over shelters for women and girls. Home has always meant the world to me. My bedroom was special very own sacred haven.
women's shelter before
In January 2007 I visited Grace Centers of Hope a women’s shelter in Pontiac, Michigan. I left the shelter that day realizing my true calling. After 7 months of planning and soliciting donations and with the help of 127 “angels,” the women’s dorm was transformed into a “Hopeful Haven.” One of the residents told me “I feel like I’m living in a doll house,” another said “I used to be in Hell, now I’m in Heaven.” It’s amazing how much our surroundings affect our self worth and spirit.
As soon as Hopeful Haven was completed, the media got wind of my passion and the project was featured in two national decorating magazines and was featured on Oprah. I also received the Heart of Gold Award from the United Way of Southeastern Michigan.
women's shelter after
In February 2008 I returned to Grace Centers of Hope to makeover 9 private bedrooms.I am preparing for the 2009 makeover of Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Vista Maria is home to 183 girls ages 7-18 who have been traumatized by all manner of life experiences from drugs to abuse. There are 8 houses on the campus. We will be transforming the Vision House. This home has 11 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, activities room, 4 offices, and 4 bathrooms. We will also be refurbishing the exterior of the home to resemble an Enchanted Cottage.
Recently I was contacted by Soroptimist International. This organization works to improve the lives of women and girls. They are considering the sponsorship of the Vista Maria project. The following people have generously commited time and treasure to the Vista Maria makeover: Mary Carol Garrity, owner of Nell Hills, Girls, Grapes and Giving, Missy Ballance owner of Mohair Circus, Snap Happy Graphics and Pimpstitch, Robert Bruce, the photographer for the films High School Musical and 8 Mile, also Joyce Lucas, founder of Make Mine Pink and Cottage Collections.
I hope our dream for the Vision House will inspire you to become a part of this worthy cause by becoming a sponsor or donor. Together we can show the world that everyone regardless of circumstance deserves a place to call home.
For more information on donating or becoming a sponsor, please visit my web site at
www.TerrysEnchantedCottage.com for the Vision House dream list. Emails or phone calls are always welcome.
Many Blessings,
Terry Grahl
734-776-0848
www.TerrysEnchantedCottage.com
grahls4@aol.com
