WHERE DID THE
Grace-Mar
NAME COME FROM?
The name Grace-Mar comes from Kenneth Smith's wife, "Grace," and his mother, "Margaret." Kenneth's
goal was to create an organization that displayed the spiritual, unselfish, loving and caring qualities of his wife and mother and combine those qualities with the rigor, discipline and results-driven characteristics he learned as a top sales professional working for organizations such as
GE Capital, American Express and Wells Fargo.
GRACE-MAR
ABOUT
Grace-Mar, Services provides education, counseling and professional networks to displaced workers, minorities and
low-to-moderate income families in the areas of financial literacy, job readiness/placement and self-empowerment.
Grace-Mar Services, Inc. provides education, counseling and professional networks to displaced workers, minorities and
low-to-moderate income families in the areas of financial literacy, job readiness/placement and self-empowerment.
Grace- Mar Services Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that was founded in February 2009 by Kenneth and Grace Smith. To date, Grace-Mar has served more than 10,000 families in North Carolina.
Grace Mar Services Inc, provides social capital for individuals and families that helps them with social and economic mobility that leads to self-sufficiency.
Through our partnerships and strategic alliances Grace-Mar has/holds the following certifications and accreditations:
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Ticket to Work Provider
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HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency
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Getting Ahead Trainer
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Certified Global Career Coach
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Bridges out of Poverty
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Certified Life Coach
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Certified Housing Counselor
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Certified Resume Writer
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2013
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“Community Partner of the Year," Convergys
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“Triangle Leadership Award,”Charlotte Works
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2014
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“Triangle Leadership Award,”Charlotte Works
2015
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Provided free tax preparation with the IRS VITA program
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Outstanding Achievement in Professionals Services,
Virginia – Carolinas Minority Diversity Supplier Council
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2016
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5-year award of recognized, Community Action Organization,
Charlotte Area Fund
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2017
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CEO Kenneth Smith won the “Future 50 Smart CEO” award,
CEO Magazine
2018
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Distinguished Partnership Award – Brightwood College
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2020
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YouthBuild Grant - Press release