We were lucky to catch up with Gracie Cedres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gracie , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

G.R.A.C.E. Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bridging the gaps in economic disparities, advancing health equity, and providing equitable resources to individuals and families in low-income, poverty-stricken communities. We provide inclusive programs that support the holistic growth of youth, adults, and seniors through Sports, Wellness, Arts, and Technology. We also host events such as the Annual Back-to-School Block Party, providing supplies to hundreds of families, and the Holiday Coat and Toy Drive, serving children and supporting expectant mothers. We also offer free resources, workshops, and recreational trips for individuals and families. Although much of our work is in Harlem, NY, we have also serve Georgia, Grenada, and the Bronx with more communities to come.

Our mission is meaningful because it’s deeply personal to me. Growing up, I saw firsthand the power of community and how shared resources can change lives. My grandmother’s activism for her community and senior citizens has been a driving force in my life. When she passed, I felt called to carry on her legacy, which is why I founded the nonprofit in honor of her. It is also why I have tried effortlessly to reconstruct her church into a community center. It’s not just about preserving history, but building a space where future generations can thrive.

This mission also stems from a desire to address inequities I’ve witnessed—whether it’s access to quality education, wellness programs, or safe spaces for self-expression. Every program we design, from entrepreneurship lessons to fitness activities, is about leveling the playing field and helping participants discover their potential. Seeing the impact we’ve made, like empowering scholars to explore new talents or providing toys to youth in need, reaffirms why this work is so important.

My fuel and passion is rooted in love for my community and a belief that everyone deserves access to opportunities that inspire and uplift.

Gracie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an educator, community advocate, organizer, and program developer focused on creating opportunities for youth, families, and seniors. I grew up in Harlem and the experiences I had there shaped my passion for community work. My journey began with a desire to honor the legacy of my grandmother, Rev. Grace Hyman, whose life’s work was rooted in service and uplifting others.

Right out of high school, I began serving my community by working with a prominent nonprofit organization, where I remained for 18 years. Starting as a tutor in an after-school beacon program, I worked closely with young people, helping them overcome academic and personal challenges. Upon earning my degree in Sociology with a minor in Childhood Education, I transitioned and became a teacher. While teaching, I pursued a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, further equipping myself with the skills to support my students.

However, I realized my true calling extended beyond academics. I wanted to focus on the holistic development of the children and families I served. This led me back to after-school programs, where I deepened my understanding of the community’s needs and developed a vision to open my own nonprofit organization. Initially, my dream was to assist senior citizens, inspired by my grandmother, but I quickly recognized the opportunity to serve entire families through a variety of programs and resources.

As I grew in my role, I became the Director of After-School Programs for middle and high school students and later took on the leadership of a community center. Upon transitioning out of the organization, and within the last three years, I’ve worked closely with the organization’s board to expand its efforts and initiatives, ensuring that our programs meet the evolving needs of the community.

Today, through my organization, G.R.A.C.E. Inc., we lead initiatives like the SWAT (Sports, Wellness, Arts, and Technology) Initiative, which provides holistic programs for all ages, and High School and Beyond, which equips young people with essential skills in financial literacy, academic support, life skills, and college and career readiness.

We also host events such as the Annual Back-to-School Community Festival, providing supplies to hundreds of families, and the Holiday Coat and Toy Drive, serving nearly children and supporting expectant mothers. we also offer free resources, workshops, and recreational trips for individuals and families. Although much of our work is in Harlem, NY, we have also served and serve Georgia, Grenada, and the Bronx.

What sets my work apart is the emphasis on community and collaboration. Every program and event is designed not just to meet immediate needs but also to empower participants to thrive long-term. For example, our food and fitness programs emphasize safety, skill-building, and teamwork, while our toy and coat drives are year-round efforts that involve hospitals and health centers, ensuring consistent support for families in need.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the ongoing effort to transform my grandmother’s former church into a multipurpose community center in Harlem. This space will serve as a hub for youth, adults, and seniors from across New York City, continuing her mission of inclusion and empowerment.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s that everything we do is rooted in love, service, and a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging. Whether through education, wellness, or creative programs, I aim to create spaces where individuals of all ages feel valued and supported. I believe that strong communities are built by empowering people, and I’m honored to play a role in that process.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Starting a business, especially one as community-focused as ours, requires both financial commitment and the courage to ask for help. When I began this journey, the initial capital came directly from me. I firmly believe that to grow something meaningful, you have to be willing to invest in it personally so I used my savings and earnings to get the organization off the ground. However, it wasn’t just about putting money into the organization but also about showing my dedication and belief in the mission.

I quickly realized that maintaining and expanding the business was not something I could achieve alone so I reached out to my family and friends. There were times when I hesitated to ask for help, fearing that people might feel I was asking too much or too often. But I learned an essential lesson: successful businesses, especially nonprofits, thrive on the commitment of donors and sponsors who believe in the mission. Overcoming that fear and reaching out to others was a turning point.
As the organization began to grow and we built a solid base of followers, I started branching out to the broader community and even leveraging social media to spread the word. These platforms not only brought in financial contributions but also connected us to individuals willing to dedicate their time, resources, and networks to support our cause.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that while financial capital is crucial, a nonprofit’s success also depends on the people who stand behind it. It’s about building relationships with individuals who believe in the mission enough to invest both their money and their time. Their dedication and connections are just as vital as the funds they contribute. Together, this collective effort creates the foundation for a thriving organization that can truly make a difference.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Departing from a fast-paced, high-demand career made me stop and realize that time for myself and my family matters. Trying to grow my career within the same organization, I was determined to excel, expand my skills, and be the best role model for my team. However, this came with a cost, and at times, I failed to see what I was missing outside of my career. I had to relearn how to prioritize myself, create balance between my new career, my children, and my family, and most importantly, remember that my well-being had to come first. Ultimately, I learned that success is not just about professional achievements but also about nurturing the life and relationships that truly fulfill me

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harlemsgrace.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemsgrace
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harlemsgrace
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlemsgrace/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/harlemsgrace
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=harlemsgrace

Image Credits

Marshall Morton – Shot by 9
Hassan Gadson – Haz Lights Real Studio