Grace & Mercy celebrates 10 years, aims to raise $300,000 to expand services

Grace & Mercy has been changing lives in Hopkinsville for the last ten years and is inviting the community to help them celebrate this exciting milestone

By Daynnah Carmona January 31, 2025 11:23 am

Christian County NowGrace & Mercy in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. July 15, 2025 (Daynnah Carmona)

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Grace & Mercy has been providing housing, therapy, positive enrichment and outreach to previously incarcerated women and women in crises in Hopkinsville for the last ten years and is inviting the community to help them celebrate this exciting milestone. On Feb. 20, they are hosting a graduation and fundraiser to ring in this milestone, with the goal of raising $300,000.

Grace & Mercy has been a steady pillar in Hopkinsville for the last decade, working hard to battle recidivism and healing participants from the inside out. “Our program consists of six phases lining up with the parable of the sower in Mark Chapter 4 of the Bible,” said Paula Halcomb with Grace & Mercy. “These phases are sower, seed, ground, blade, ear, and full grain. Everyone’s journey is different as is their progression.”

Over the years, the program has expanded into several counties and states beyond Hopkinsville. A total of seven women will be graduating in February, three from Christian County, one from Todd County, one from Crittenden County, and two from Louisiana. Graduates have been in the program for at least 12-18 months and are enrolled in the latter two phases. Following graduation, they will begin their transition to independent living. Over the past decade, 78 women have graduated.

Goals for graduates and fundraising

“More than 100 women have walked through the doors of Grace and Mercy, but all did not stay and complete the program for various reasons,” Halcomb told Christian County Now. “However, Grace and Mercy assisted them, showed them unconditional love and care, planted seeds, and gave them the opportunity to make a change in their lives.”

All funds raised will go toward helping support the mission of Grace & Mercy, the nonprofit is fully funded by donations along with proceeds from their thrift store and fudge sales in Hopkinsville. This year, they are hoping to raise $300,000.

One of their main projects for 2025 is the renovation of a neighboring home to be utilized by their graduates after they leave the program. Halcomb explained that they have the opportunity to covert that house into seven apartments, which brings high construction and renovation costs.

“Witnessing our graduates reuniting with their children and families after many years of strained relationships is one of the most rewarding experiences for those who are working and volunteering at Grace and Mercy, as well as seeing them walk this life out as new creations in Christ,” Halcomb added.

People can register to attend on the Grace & Mercy website, and those who cannot attend can view via livestream. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at New Work Fellowship on Feb. 20.