Black History Month Feature: Aldersgate Resident Grace Perry

At Givens Aldersgate, the heartbeat of our community is found in the extraordinary residents who shape our lives through kindness, leadership, and connection. Among those remarkable individuals is Grace Perry, a woman admired for her service, her spirit, and the warmth she shares with everyone around her.

Grace Perry, a dedicated member of the Givens Aldersgate Philanthropy Committee, has served for several years in a flexible, as needed capacity, stepping in whenever her planning skills, insight, and leadership are most valuable. This past year, Grace took on the significant task of spearheading the Angel Tree Fund, a program that supports residents who have outlived their financial means. Through her thoughtful coordination and tireless effort, thousands of dollars were raised from more than 100 generous donors. Thanks to Grace’s leadership, residents in need can continue to live safely and comfortably right here in their homes. She will continue to guide volunteers and work groups for at least another year, ensuring this vital support continues.

Grace has been part of the Aldersgate community for four years and deeply values the warmth and welcoming spirit that surrounds her. She loves that residents can remain active and engaged, valuing the culture of health, wellness, and connection. Her daily walks across the campus grounds, often accompanied by friendly greetings and new conversations, are among her favorite parts of living here.

Before joining Aldersgate, Grace enjoyed a long and successful career in Human Resources, specializing in global compensation and benefits. Based in Manhattan, she traveled extensively for work, with China becoming her favorite destination, a place she visited at least once a month. Her global travels also took her to Australia and many other parts of the world. Grace cherished every trip as an opportunity to learn, grow, meet new people, and experience cultures firsthand. Alongside her professional work, she also dedicated years to community service in New York, including feeding the homeless and volunteering throughout her neighborhood. She loved the energy of the big city and the many opportunities it offered.

When it came time to retire, Grace sought a place with cultural richness such as theater, ballet, and museums, while avoiding the fast pace of New York. With family in Charlotte and a vibrant arts scene nearby, the city became the perfect home. We are so thankful she chose to join the Aldersgate community.

Grace continues to give generously of her time through volunteer work on campus. Outside of Aldersgate, she treasures time spent with family and friends and maintains a favorite personal tradition: traveling back to New York each year to attend the film festival.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the remarkable contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans throughout history and today. It is a joy and a privilege to feature Grace Perry this month, a woman who is deeply loved within the Givens Aldersgate community. Her leadership, kindness, wisdom, and genuine care for others make her an extraordinary neighbor and a shining example of the strength and beauty within our community. We are grateful every day that she is part of Aldersgate.

If you feel inspired by Grace’s story and want to support the Resident Assistance Ministry, you are invited to make a gift. Please follow the link here https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/ to donate to the Resident Assistance Ministry at Aldersgate.

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