Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary Grace King. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mary Grace, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The interesting thing about finding your purpose, is how do you know when you have found it? Answering “how did you find your purpose?” infers that I am confident I have found mine, and I’m not, but I do feel purposeful in my career so far, and I am excited to see where it continues to take me.
I grew up in Marietta, GA, in a stable two parent household, living in the same house for the entire 18 years of my childhood. Both of my parents retired after working 30 years at the Department of Family & Children Services in Cobb County. I knew that the stability, support and unconditional love felt in my household was something to be grateful for, and I was beyond fortunate to have two loving parents and never question having a roof over my head. Understanding the stark difference between the household I grew up in and many households my parents served through DFCS, I knew I wanted to pursue my Masters in Social Work to make a positive impact in my community.
In 2020, I had the opportunity to found Frontline Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to placing families experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. Over the past 4 years, Frontline Housing has placed over 800 families in permanent housing, and has helped over 500 families save over $1,000 in their emergency savings. Leading a small nonprofit, helping working families towards housing stability, is my purpose for now. I have found a purpose, but I am excited about what future purposes I find along the way to keep improving and supporting this amazing Atlanta community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Frontline Housing is a nonprofit in Atlanta, GA where we place families experiencing homelessness in permanent housing. Once stable, we provide financial well-being services to help families build their emergency savings.
Frontline Housing places families living in extended stay motels into permanent housing through the Motel to Home Program. In 2024, Frontline Housing has placed 153 families in permanent housing through the Motel to Home Program, with a goal of placing 350 families by the end of the year.
In early 2024, Frontline Housing received a grant through United Way of Greater Atlanta to expand to youth homelessness. The Frontline Youth Initiative has placed 24 youth in permanent housing so far 2024.
Frontline Housing has continued to expand financial well-being services with the Financial Achievement Club and several cash transfer programs. In 2024, Frontline Housing has graduated 179 participants with over $1,000 in their emergency savings.
We are thankful to our funders, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Amerigroup and Vystar Credit Union for making this possible!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I start this answer with the disclaimer that I am still in the midst of my journey developing all of my skills, qualities and areas of knowledge. When choosing three important qualities, I always go back to embracing your raw passion. Whatever it is that you wake up excited about, pursue it, and embrace it. And then take a risk to embrace that passion. Starting a nonprofit is in itself a risky endeavor, finding funding, supporting a team, but taking a risk has been one of the most rewarding decisions I could have made for my career. The last quality that has been impactful in my journey is the drive to continue learning and challenging myself. Taking on new challenges will only result in continued growth.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown has been extremely inspiring when learning to lead with empathy and courage. Stepping into a leadership role early in my career was exciting, but beyond overwhelming. Brene Brown states it plainly and boldly, “Daring leaders must care for and be connected to the people they lead.” Leading with empathy and genuine caring for your team, will create a culture of innovation, support and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frontlinehousing.org
- Instagram: frontlinehousinginc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frontlinehousing
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/frontline-housing-inc
Image Credits
Brian Yaneck
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