Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Grace in Action is a Christ-centered community ministry serving homeless individuals and those of low income by providing compassionate care, spiritual companionship, daytime respite, and referrals to local agencies. Building relationships in order to serve the most vulnerable individuals in Yolo County is always at the forefront of our activities. Grace in Action is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between our community of giving and local agency programs.
During 2025, Grace in Action invited guests to indoor lunch service at two locations in Davis. On Mondays, lunch was served in the Fellowship Hall at Davis United Methodist Church. On Wednesdays, guests were welcomed in the Fellowship Hall at Pole Line Baptist Church. At both churches, volunteers brewed coffee and set out juice and water to drink. The serving tables were filled with sandwiches, soup or salad, fruit, chips, dessert, cheese sticks, and other items. Grace in Action purchased some lunch supplies but most of the sandwiches and many additional lunch items were furnished by our amazing lunch provider volunteers at both sites. Patti Miller also supplied lunch items including soup and salad on Wednesdays while Monday lunch servers prepared soup or salad for that day of the week as well. Two volunteer bakers supplied special treats during the last part of the month for both sites to celebrate birthdays.
In addition to hearty lunches, Grace in Action offered our guests on-site haircuts twice a month at Davis United Methodist Church. Communion was offered on most Wednesdays at Pole Line Baptist Church by Pastor Erik Dirkson of Christ Church. Volunteers at both sites offered to pray with guests when they asked or when they accepted an invitation to pray. Davis United Methodist member John Castlefranco led Bible Study sessions on many Mondays. Yolo County Legal Aid lawyers met with clients once a month at alternating locations. Bike repairs were also available. Grace in Action’s Executive Director helped with referrals and counseling for guests. Guests could obtain a laundry voucher at each site and bus passes were available for medical, dental, or social service appointments. The Grace in Action Memorial Brick Garden remained in the Grace Garden at Davis United Methodist Church and guests and family members were welcome to visit the area.
Patti Miller and Executive Director Edward Johnson set up an information table at the Davis Farmer’s Market on many Saturdays. They responded to questions and handed out information and water. Some of our regular guests often assisted at the table. Near Christmas, the guests thoroughly enjoyed the welcoming meal in the Fellowship Hall at Pole Line Baptist Church. The guests were pleased to receive their gift bags containing a $25 Grocery Outlet gift certificate from Pole Line Baptist Church and Grace in Action. The gift bags also included several additional items supplied by Grace in Action (knit hat/gloves, socks, dental hygiene supplies, candy, mosquito repellent, etc).
In April Edward Johnson resigned as Executive Director to pursue other employment opportunities. The Grace in Action Board assumed the duties of the director while beginning the search for a new director. Eight applications were received from very qualified candidates. Several rounds of interviews were held resulting in the selection of Rev. Thomas Rand as Executive Director. Tom began serving in this position in October 2025.
More than 230 unique individuals were served more than 2868 lunches during 2025. The average number of guests per day at Davis United Methodist Church was 24. The average number at Pole Line Baptist Church was 33. Lunch provider volunteers represented six churches, along with lunches provided by Patti Miller. There were usually three or more volunteers at each site for 2½ hours each day. At least 780 volunteer hours were donated at the sites but many more hours were given through volunteers preparing lunches, leading Bible study, serving Communion, the Farmer’s Market, making bike repairs, and various other activities.
During the fiscal year, The Biberstein Social Action Fund awarded Grace in Action $1,300. Those funds were dedicated to guests’ supplies, like replacing camping equipment that was ruined by a storm, helping purchase clothes for a job interview, finding replacement shoes, or providing needed phone accessories. Through the years, many churches have supported Grace in Action in very different ways, from monthly or annual financial support, sending volunteers, preparing lunches, collecting new socks, giving bus passes, or helping with Christmas gifts. Our ministry is blessed by each gift, whether small or substantial. We could not exist without the support of churches and our more than 120 individual donors.
Income for 2025 included: $20,347.92 from churches and $44,63l.00 from individual donors (including $1076.20) from Big Day of Giving). Our grant funds of $1,300 were received at the end of the year, but the funds will actually be spent in 2026. Total income for 2025 (including $7.01 in interest) was $64,985.93
Direct Program Expenses during the year were $15,156.11. Operational expenses totaled $8,626.12 for liability insurance, office and publicity needs, telephone, QuickBooks, etc. Personnel Expenses totaled $31,262.42. Total expenses for 2025 were $55,044.65. The surplus funds will shore up our emergency reserves depleted due to our unusually high motel expenses during the pandemic.
Board Members included Nick Bua President, Lorell Hardaker Vice President, Sue Ann Finley Secretary, Rita Mt. Joy Treasurer, plus Ann Marie McNulty, Patti Miller, and Cindy Cherry. Sheila Vickers became our volunteer bookkeeper. Edward Johnson served as Executive Director until April and Rev. Tom Rand began as Executive Director in October.