Gracefully Broken, a nonprofit founded by Antioch native Randi Garcia, has spent the past three-and-a-half years serving residents in need through resource distribution, family events and volunteer outreach rooted in dignity and compassion.
Garcia, born and raised in Antioch, said her connection to the community runs deep, having attended local schools before eventually settling in Oakley. The inspiration for Gracefully Broken came during her first clothing giveaway. Alongside clothing, Garcia assembled small “blessings in a bag” filled with hygiene essentials.
“A young boy about 8 years of age asked if he could have one,” she said. “He yelled across the room, ‘Mom, I got a new toothbrush.’ I had to walk away … the most basic item anyone can have, and here a small boy is so excited about it.”
That same day, a grieving mother approached Garcia, unsure how she would afford school clothes after losing her husband months earlier. The encounters reshaped Garcia’s vision.
“Although basic needs are important, the emotional support is needed as well,” she said. “I began to meet people one-on-one … and have conversations.”
Gracefully Broken originally operated as part of Antioch Covenant Church (antiochcovenant.org), where Garcia hosted outreach events. As attendance grew, she saw the need for expansion. Last July, the organization became an independent nonprofit — a move Garcia said was intentional.
“We saw such a great need … not only basic needs but love, support, kindness and respect,” she said. “Many people tend to shy away from a ‘church.’ We want our community to see us as a safe place that welcomes all.”
Though still based at a church, Gracefully Broken does not require religious participation.
“We do not force any kind of religion on our participants,” Garcia said. “That’s where the respect comes in.”
Garcia says the nonprofit group’s name reflects the shared humanity she sees in those they serve.
“I feel we have all been broken … but we are given grace,” she said. “People tell me how lost, scared and broken they feel. As we meet and talk … it helps them feel more comfortable and I hope less broken.”
She says the group’s core mission is simple: “To treat people with love and respect. To serve them with a happy heart and compassion.”
Gracefully Broken hosts quarterly clothing giveaways and seasonal events such as Easter egg hunts, trunk-or-treat celebrations and “Christmas with the Grinch.” Plans are underway for a community baby shower and school supply distributions.
Garcia said outreach happens through social media, school partnerships and word-of-mouth within the congregation. The nonprofit is funded entirely through donations, including food, clothing and financial gifts. Local businesses can sponsor events, and the group is beginning the grant-writing process.
Community partnerships include the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Sweet Beginnings Diaper Bank and Antioch’s CIWP (Community Integrated Work Program) center for disabled adults. For recipients, the impact is tangible. Barbara Blaser, 80, of Pittsburg, first encountered Gracefully Broken through Antioch Covenant Church.
“There is such a feeling of warmth and connection there,” Blaser said. “I may be able to get a salad mix, a few potatoes … eggs … hair products if I need them — but what I value most are the volunteers … who learned my name and welcomed me.”
Blaser now volunteers alongside her daughter.
“It has strengthened our relationship,” she said. “We have a common goal … to show love and compassion without prejudice.”
She recalled the happiness she has witnessed at events — from back-to-school giveaways to holiday celebrations at which children receive birthday party kits.
“I have seen the joy in children’s faces,” Blaser said.
Pittsburg’s Danika Phillips is both a volunteer and former recipient. A single parent living in public housing, she said food distributions were vital during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We rely heavily on food donations,” Phillips said. “I was a recipient for years until I began volunteering.”
Philips praised Garcia’s leadership as demand increased.
“She acted quickly to secure permits, attend meetings and manage an ever-evolving crew of volunteers,” Phillips said. “She doesn’t stop. She says, ‘Who else can we help?’ ”
Garcia said what moves her most is seeing stigma dissolve into community.
“It is a very humbling experience to come for free food and clothes,” she said. “You feel vulnerable … I want to put an end to the negative stigma of receiving help.”
Garcia said prefers not to call those served “clients.”
“To me they are friends,” she said.
Looking ahead, Garcia envisions classes on couponing, meal preparation and family nights designed to build connection alongside resources.
“We would love to build a place that people will tell others about,” she said. “Where they feel safe and welcomed no matter their circumstances.”
Her personal philosophy guides her work.
“Outside appearances do not matter, we all have a back story,” Garcia said. “We are all given a gift, and we have to do our best to use it.”
Visit them on Facebook at “Gracefully Broken” (facebook.com/groups/1290318332878672). For more information or to donate, contact Randi Garcia at randimiller73@yahoo.com.
Reach Charleen Earley, a freelance writer and journalism professor at Diablo Valley college, at charleenbearley@gmail.com or 925-383-3072.
Charleen Earley
Source link
