The Grace Project is an emerging grassroots ministry working to bring about transformation in the lives of impoverished, at-risk youth, one life at a time. We aim to do this by creating a conspiracy of caring that encircles and supports them. Our work is collaborative, deeply rooted in Grace’s rich history of social justice and based on our understanding that all are welcome at God’s table and on our desire to see the face of Christ in all who we meet.
Our ministry is grounded in the concepts of restorative justice, forgiveness, and mutual accountability. If you value and enjoy working with our youth, there is an important and life-changing role for you in The Grace Project.
THE GRACE PROJECT MINISTRY TEAM:
(L to R) Carol Johnston, Cathie Smith, Joel Winkelman, Sarah Reks, Damon Gilstrap, Heather Sullivan
September 11, 2017: Resolution to End Youth Solitary Confinement Passed Unanimously!
From http://www.acts-syracuse.org/
The ACTS organization and leaders are pleased to issue the following statement, in response to action taken by the Onondaga County Legislature on September 5, 2017. Ending the practice of solitary confinement of youth is a significant accomplishment–first and foremost for the youth and families directly impacted by that practice. We celebrate the persistent and unrelenting effort of ACTS’ Criminal Justice Task Force and other allies–including Grace Episcopal Church–to bring this about and to make our justice system more just for all, especially for those who are most vulnerable and powerless.
Dave Babcock
President of ACTS
Voices from Solitary Confinement
Please consider helping us from home by researching “what works” in serving youth in custody, and contact us at gracesyracuse@gmail.com with any helpful findings.
You can also help us by spreading the word, either in person or on social media. Using hashtags such as #GraceSyracuse #StopSolitary #EndSolitary and #SolitaryConfinement can be quite helpful when disseminating information about ending this practice. Spreading the word can go a long way in helping us with our fight. Please stay tuned to Grace Syracuse’s website, Facebook page, and other social media pages for more information.
Request for Young Adult Books
The Grace Project is constantly being asked by the incarcerated youth at the Justice Center for books to read. The selection of books in the unit is very small and not geared towards male teenagers. In response to their request we are looking for donations of age appropriate books for Unit 2A. They can be new or used. The books will be given to the the sergeant in charge of educational programming, who will see that they are officially stamped and placed in the unit. A tax deduction form can be made available upon request. Thank you for your support. For more information, contact Rev. Johanna or Sarah Reks via gracesyracuse@gmail.com.
Six Word Memoirs 
Recently, The Grace Project started a project with the youth at the Onondaga Justice Center, known as the 6 Word Memoir Project.
To read more about the project and the benefits of the project for both the youth, and the parish, click here.