For October’s “Faces of FACCES,” we are excited to highlight Elizabeth Grimes! She has experienced FACCES firsthand, as she has been an active participant in all its programming for years.
“I’m a part of this community, and I love the involvement, I love the resources, and I am so thankful that this is a choice that we can make and that we have,” Grimes said.
Over the years, Grimes has taken advantage of many FACCES programs and events, particularly those focused on family support, mental health, financial wellness, and community engagement. She appreciates that families can access a variety of resources in one place, including information about childcare, healthcare, food access, and financial education.
An area that has been especially meaningful to Grimes is the financial empowerment series. “In the economy we’re living in, we want to manage our money… Let’s learn how to save and budget so we can work toward the things we want to do in life,” Grimes said.
Grimes also frequently receives produce from the FACCES Fresh Market. After becoming a breast cancer survivor, she committed to changing her nutrition and wellness, and she claims the Fresh Market produce has introduced her to new fruits and vegetables while making healthy food more accessible.
“The produce you were giving was the new things that I wanted to start eating… It’s always a surprise; you never know what you’re going to get,” Grimes said.
During periods when transportation and mobility were challenging, the Fresh Market delivery option ensured that she could still access fresh produce and continue prioritizing her health.
Beyond programs, what stands out most, according to Grimes, is the sense of community that FACCES creates at every event.
“When you get there, it’s going to be a raffle, it’s going to be a giveaway, it’s going to be food and fun and fellowship. The networking, the meeting new people, you’re going to learn something. No matter how old you are, you’re going to learn something new,” Grimes said.
When asked to describe FACCES’ impact on her household, Grimes said, “It’s everything. I’m appreciative that I am a part of it. I’ve seen it grow. It’s a true testimony.”
