Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenita Matthews-White.
Hi Kenita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our Story – Grace Given
While volunteering at a local soup kitchen, I began to see a deeper need within our community. Beyond food, people needed access to showers, clean clothing, job resources, and assistance with housing. I saw individuals who wanted a fresh start but lacked the basic resources to take that next step.
That is when my husband and I stepped out in faith and founded Grace Given.
We began with very little — operating out of our SUV, handing out socks and canned goods to those living on the streets. What started as simple acts of kindness grew into something far greater than we imagined.
Today, Grace Given has:
A dedicated office space
A committed team of volunteers
A van to transport individuals and families
An RV converted into a mobile shower unit
Access to clean clothing for those we serve
A permanent warming center
A box truck for outreach and resource distribution
An additional motor home to expand services
Looking back, I now see how God was preparing me long before Grace Given began. Years ago, I helped a homeless man at the hospital. In that moment, I realized I never wanted to “pass Jesus by.” I believe that when we encounter someone in need, we are given an opportunity to serve with compassion, wisdom, and love.
That belief guides everything we do.
At Grace Given, if we see a need in an individual or family, we prayerfully seek wisdom and do what we can to help. Our mission is not only to provide physical resources, but to restore dignity, hope, and opportunity.
We believe that serving others is serving Christ — and we remain committed to answering that call every day. Our motto is “Not because I have to, but because I get to.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing Grace Given has not been a smooth road. There have been seasons when we faced opposition and challenges within our own city. When local leadership and regulatory authorities stood against us, the path forward felt uncertain and difficult.
But God.
He is the reason we kept going.
Through every obstacle, He has guided us, protected us, and provided for us. When doors seemed closed, He opened new ones. When resources seemed limited, He made a way.
We have stood firmly on the promise of Romans 8:31: “If God is for you, who can be against you?” That scripture has carried us through the hardest days. We have also held close to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
These are not just words to us — they have been our foundation.
Today, as we approach five years of serving our community and county, we look back with gratitude and awe. What began as two people with a heart to serve and an SUV full of socks has grown into a thriving outreach impacting countless lives.
The road has not been easy, but it has been purposeful. And we remain committed to continuing the work God has placed before us, serving with faith, courage, and compassion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Grace Given?
Grace Given is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and individuals and families in need throughout Randolph County. Our mission is to provide compassionate, practical, and faith-driven support to everyone who comes to us — without discrimination. We believe that God doesn’t choose who to bless, and neither do we.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of programs to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our community:
Showers & Laundry: Every Thursday, our mobile shower units and laundry facilities provide hygiene access to those who need it most.
Medical Care: Minerva Medical visits every other week to offer free healthcare to individuals and families.
Bible Study: Every Wednesday, we gather to share Scripture and encouragement.
Grace Given Field Trips: During the summer, we take 30–50 children on weekly field trips for 8 weeks, giving them experiences they would otherwise be unable to afford.
Holiday Assistance:
Christmas: We provide toys, clothes, and shoes to over 300 children partnering with Asheboro Housing Authority. Also, we have coat drives for the community and do back to school.
Easter & Thanksgiving: We provide holiday boxes for families, partnering with Mountaire.
Thanksgiving Meals: We serve 300+ people, including first responders, seniors, and the homeless.
Housing Assistance: We have helped over 120 individuals experiencing homelessness secure housing, including paying deposits, utility bills, and furnishing homes with everything from beds and couches to dishes and dining tables.
Senior Support: We provide seniors with medical supplies, pull-ups, and medication assistance.
Employment Assistance: Partnering with NC Works, we host job fairs every other week and provide guidance on resumes, applications, and career opportunities.
Clothing & Essentials: In partnership with Ridgewear, we provide clothing for individuals and families in need.
Sober Living & Identification: We help individuals access sober living programs and assist with obtaining IDs, birth certificates, social security cards, and disability benefits.
What Sets Us Apart
At Grace Given, we do not choose who we help. We serve everyone in need, guided by faith and compassion. All of our services are free, and we operate not for recognition or show, but because serving others brings joy and fulfills the calling God has placed on our hearts.
Through every shower provided, every home furnished, and every child sent on a field trip, we aim to demonstrate that love, service, and hope can transform lives one person at a time.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Through every challenge and blessing, the most important lesson we’ve learned is to just trust God. His guidance, provision, and protection have carried Grace Given through every obstacle, from humble beginnings in an SUV to serving hundreds in our community today. Trusting God allows us to step out in faith, serve with compassion, and continue making a lasting impact, knowing He is in control of every step.
Pricing:
- Monetary Donation
- Cash App $GraceGiven05
- Paypal [email protected]
- Venmo @GraceGiven05
- Checks P.O. Box 2536 Asheboro, NC 27204
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gracegiven05.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DnpWYmVLd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
