We had the good fortune of connecting with Gracie Loveridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gracie, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I read Homeless No More by Bob Sweeney, Executive Director of Dallas LIFE. Bob’s understanding of homelessness and their needs and the affect this has on our nation was very educational and insightful. Dallas Life Homeless Shelter help homeless men, women, children, families, veterans, senior citizens and the disabled recover fully from their homelessness. We have a 10-month Homeless No More Program that has an over 90% success rate, one of the highest in the nation! We try to help people find the root cause of their homelessness and through classes and counseling, they are able to fully recover and never be homeless again. We work with community leaders, volunteers and donors to help us by financially supporting us as we help those in need. Since our country has a huge need for homeless assistance, Dallas Life meets this need and seeks to positively affect the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has come through many changes and updates. I started at my job while in college and when I got my Graduate degree, they hired me full-time. While my role at the company has adapted several times, i now am over a PR/Development department which is very rewarding. I have received a lot of on the job training in my field and have learned that experience and instinct have been huge factors in my professional growth. When I was faced with tasks or challenges I wasn’t sure about, I just made a plan, learned along the way and admitted when I needed to learn something or change things. Being teachable and willing to learn has been my greatest strength! Nonprofit homeless work has been so very rewarding for me and using PR for such a good cause has been incredible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love going through downtown Dallas to see the “iron bulls” and taking pictures! I love eating at the local spots that have been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” too! I enjoy driving folks to see the Presidential museum and the Christmas light driving through neighborhoods each year too! The Dallas zoo, the Aquarium are great places as well to take kids and families!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dallas LIFE is so grateful to everyone who has donated their time, efforts and money to help the homeless men, women and children of DFW!

Website: www.dallaslife.org
Instagram: dallaslife
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dallaslife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1100Cadiz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXGtNqQ5uUb4YF0P8ddpZg

Image Credits
Aggie Brooks, King Harrell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.