Press Release: Saving Grace Acquires Farm in Centerton, Ark.

Centerton, Arkansas (June 29, 2022) — Saving Grace NWA announced today the purchase of Grace Farms, a farm located in Centerton, Ark.

Grace Farms, located on 50 acres off Highway 72 West, currently featuring three houses, a horse stable, pond, chicken coop and a community garden, will be used to house Saving Grace residents and offices. Future plans for the farm include renovating the existing homes on the property and additional housing with the ability to serve up to 50 young women at a time.

“It is our responsibility to enlarge our house, build additions, spread out our homes and bring more young women into this program, so they too can break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. We currently house 12 young women in our program but cannot continue to house only these young women when we receive a cry for help from more than 150 per year. We have a responsibility to the daughters of Northwest Arkansas and beyond,” said Becky Shaffer, Saving Grace co-founder and executive director.

This property will also enable Saving Grace to serve the foster care community, families in crisis and Saving Grace alumni.

$2 million has been raised toward the total goal of acquiring and renovating the farm. This funding has come from the community including individuals, corporations, and organizations. With fundraising ongoing, around $6 million is still needed.

Various organizations and individuals have already assisted in repairs and construction on the farm. Last fall, more than 125 individuals, 16 companies and eight churches lent a hand.

Saving Grace aims to have the farm fully completed in three years. Various phases are scheduled to be completed and work is ongoing. Saving Grace is seeking community involvement to reach this goal.

“It is imperative for our girls to learn by doing. Therefore, in our program, we ask that they do not receive any government assistance. Likewise, Saving Grace does not apply for any government grants,” said Becky Shaffer.

Saving Grace serves young women ages 18-25 who have aged out of foster care or are facing homelessness. Saving Grace provides safe housing in a dorm-style setting and offers each young woman educational assistance, career guidance, coaching, counseling and more.

For more information on how you can serve or donate to help Saving Grace bring “Grace” home, please visit savinggracenwa.org/farm.

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