Happy New Year!

January 1st marked the start of 2025 and my tenure as Interim CEO at GRACE Marketplace. I’m honored to lead the organization during this leadership transition and excited about what’s ahead.

First, I’d like to thank Jon DeCarmine for his incredible leadership over the past 10 years. His dedication to advocating for people experiencing homelessness has led to tangible changes in our community’s response system. It has been a privilege to grow in this work under his guidance and mentorship.

I started in non-profits fifteen years ago at Peaceful Paths here in Gainesville as a Child and Youth Advocate. That experience was eye-opening as I had never worked in a social service setting. I spent the better part of five years in child and youth programs and then had the opportunity to move into the fundraising office as the Director of Development. This opportunity helped me find my passion for the most integral part of fundraising: building relationships. Without the network of support that this community has created, organizations like ours could not exist.

Almost six years ago, this passion for building relationships, led me to GRACE as Director of Development. When I began, Jon told me, “The only solution to homelessness is housing,” though skeptical, I soon witnessed our mission in action. The closure of Dignity Village—a 222-person encampment—was tangible proof that our approach at GRACE works. This is just one of the milestones that stand out to me during my time at GRACE – we've achieved milestone after milestone to ensure those who turn to GRACE receive the services they deserve. The low-barrier, housing-first model will always allow folks to access our nationally recognized programs and services to end their homelessness.

Our Board of Directors and Leadership Team have been planning for this transition since last fall, and I’m excited for what’s to come. For some, the new year is an opportunity for a fresh start. Most of us take the time to set intentional resolutions for the upcoming year. Here are a few New Years Resolutions I’m focused on in the next year:

1. Renewed Focus on Collaboration

   At its core, GRACE is a result of collaboration. Ten years ago, the concept of GRACE was realized, and it didn’t take long to recognize that opening GRACE would have been tough without dedicated team members, donors, volunteers, local organizations, social service agencies, and local government all collaborating to make it happen. To achieve our strategic goals around housing, we will focus on collaborating with organizations that need housing experts to fulfill their mission.

2. Long-Term Housing Solutions

   As part of our three-year strategic plan, we’ve recognized that finding more housing solutions for our guests is the next step in our evolution as an organization. In the coming year, we’re excited to explore various opportunities to create permanent housing both on and off the GRACE campus!

3. Support Our Team & Board of Directors

   In my new role, I’m dedicated to keeping our programs, services, and funding flowing smoothly during this leadership transition. It’s essential to me that our team has all the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles. I’ll also support our board as they launch the search for our new permanent CEO.

I can’t wait to see all the fantastic things to come this upcoming year and hope you will join me in some resolutions to make the future of GRACE stronger than ever. Here are a few ideas for resolutions you can adopt to support GRACE in 2025:

With Gratitude,

John Thomas

Interim Chief Executive Officer

PS - On Thursday, January 23, 2025, we’ll be hosting a Leadership Meet & Greet at Blue Gill Quality Foods in Butler Plaza! Stop by anytime between 5pm and 7pm to say hello and meet us! Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. Click the invite below to RSVP.