Grace United Community Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, incorporated in August, 2004. In 2014, GUCM celebrated 10 years of serving the NE KCMO community. The historic buildings and faith-based commitment to mission outreach dates back over 100 years with ties to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Both had congregations who were previous tenants of the historic facility.

GUCM is an inter-denominational, faith-based ministry with a holistic approach to working hand-in-hand with the community to address the areas largest problems. Reverend Sharon Garfield, was the founding Executive Director and heart of Grace in the early years. Under Rev. Garfield’s leadership, Grace responded to the needs of NE KCMO by providing shelter for battered women, establishing one of the first soup kitchens in the metropolitan area, helping to find low-income housing, providing reading tutoring for children, and setting up a food pantry and clothing closet for those in need.

The 100-year-old church, used for all programming, was in need of major repair. Over the last five years, volunteers have restored the building including adding a new kitchen, bathrooms, classrooms and complete renovations to the main and second floors. The new computer lab opens in February 2015. Renovations continue.

To tour the historic facility or find out how you can become involed in the renovations, please contact Jesse Branes, CEO/Executive Director at (816) 231-5745 or [email protected]