Grace House closes temporarily
By Charles Christian
Grace House, a resource that has been serving those in need for nearly two decades, has closed temporarily.
Founder and director Ruth Costello said the reason for the temporary closure is her upcoming heart surgery. Costello, who founded Grace House in 2005, said that a lung infection prior to the planned surgery has caused further postponement. However, the surgery is scheduled for near the end of March.
“My heartbreak is that I’m not at Grace House,” Costello said in a phone interview. “Because I know that people need help, and I can’t be there.”
However, Costello said that she hopes that the three- to six-week estimated recovery time will allow her to be part of the biggest event each year at Grace House, the back-to-school shopping event.
“The back-to-school event takes place the third week in July,” Costello said. “We usually start it on a Tuesday, and some come as early as 4:30 in the morning.”
During the back-to-school event, children receive a new backpack full of supplies. The supplies include a toothbrush, toothpaste, a New Testament, new underwear and new socks. Students and their families can then go in and shop for clothes and other items at no charge.
This is a massive undertaking that relies upon volunteers who give, shop for supplies and who are there for the distribution. Each year hundreds of children benefit from the distribution. In 2023, over a thousand students were served during the Grace House back-to-school event.
Chris Booher, a longtime friend of Costello and a volunteer at Grace House, said that all volunteers at Grace House will miss Costello’s energy and passion while she is recovering. However, Booher said she feels the success of the back-to-school program will continue.
“The kids are always so excited to receive their clothes, the backpacks and especially the shoes,” Booher said. “Ruth will even use her own money if necessary to make sure the needs are met, and that’s why donations of new and gently used items are so important.”
Grace House never charges students or its customers for items. To make a donation to the back-to-school program, arrangements can be made by calling (816) 262-9401. Grace House is located at 2638 Lafayette St. in St. Joseph.
