Feliz Septiembre Rocky Point! Whew, August is behind us and the best days are ahead of us as we start coming into some cooler weather and breezy nights…ahhh…is it fall yet? Well, almost but at least we know it is on the horizon :). Speaking of what’s on the horizon, we all know that there are many people that need our help on a daily basis. So many of us have been granted our health, happiness, financial well-being and overall are mentally sound (although some of my cast of characters…hmmm…I guess me too…are questionable some days). As we look back on our good fortune, please remember to always look around us and see what we can do to make our world a better place.

Look no further than our own backyard here in Rocky Point. I recently had the chance to sit down with Robert Gutierrez who started God’s Grace Foundation back in 2015. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to help serve those in need right here in Rocky Point while sharing God’s word, love and grace to all of his children. Their services are held every Saturday at 10:00 am to 1 pm come rain, shine or blistering hot conditions. The team of volunteers come together at God’s Grace foundation to praise and worship before serving a hot meal to the hundreds of homeless and families in need. They show up every Saturday and when they are done with their meals, they line up to pick out a couple of items of clothing that have been donated by people just like us. They provide first aid, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and even adult diapers. The good work is only possible through all of our donations! And, sadly, the foundation location is in desperate need of our help as I learned when I sat down for our chat…

Marco: When did the God’s Grace foundation start and what was your motivation to get it going?

Robert: It was started in April of 2015 by myself. I moved to Rocky Point from the Valley and purchased a home in 2008. One day I was walking home from the gym and I saw a lady crying on the railroad tracks. I went over to see what was wrong and I discovered she had not eaten for a couple of days. So, I ran home and put some corn dogs in the microwave and got some juice and brought it back. By the time I returned, there were two additional hungry people waiting for me.

Marco: Wow, I guess someone was speaking to you to help.

Robert:  Yes, indeed. Every night as I walked home from the gym, I would see people around the railroad tracks and I would ask them if they would like something to eat and their answer was always yes. Some of the people were homeless families that fled dire situations in Central America and took the train north and got off in Puerto Peñasco with the hope of a better life. As time went by, I would buy Cup of Noodles for them. People heard about what I was doing in town and so many of my friends and family from the states would donate hygiene products, clothing, pillows, blankets, or anything to assist their needs.

Marco: So awesome, we all have so much extra items stored in our garages, cupboards, closets. It’s refreshing to clear it out and give it to someone who can really use it and desperately needs it. How did the first aid come about that the foundation includes in its goal?

Robert: One day a lady came knocking at my door and said a man across the street needed my help. I went over to see what happened and the man had an open wound on his ankle. He told me he had been run over by some Americans. The Americans offered to take him to the emergency room, but he didn’t want to go. He finally agreed to let me take him to the ER and pay for his treatment and first aid items. A year later in April of 2016, we had our grand opening at our current location.

Marco: Where is the church and foundation located?

Robert: We are located at Avenida Del Venustiano Carranza between 24th and 25th streets. We are on the other side of the tracks from Super Ley.

Marco:  I have heard that there is a dire situation with the building. Can you tell me more about this?

Robert: Yes, thank you. I have been paying someone who I thought was the owner of the building for 5 years. We have painted, remodeled, cleaned up the building over the years. Then one day, a woman arrived with the deed to the building and proved she was the owner. She agreed to a price of $35,000 for the building. I was able to raise $5,000 down payment and she has given me 6 months to come up with the balance. So, we are in desperate need of $30,000 to save the building, the Foundation and our fellow citizens of Rocky Point.

Marco: Well, I am in! How can I help? Do you have PayPal or can I write a check?

Robert: Thank you so much! Yes, you can use PayPal and the way to pay his by my cell phone at 480-273-7141 or by mailing a check to God’s Grace Foundation at 5090 W. Laredo Street Chandler, AZ 85226. If anyone would like more information, they can call me at my cell number or by my Mexico number at (52) 638-384-1006.

Marco: Well, I am going to get the word out. I know everyone has something to give to save the building and if we all chip in with God’s love, this will become a reality.  Can people drop off donated items at any time at the foundation?

Robert: Yes, we take everything, and we are open daily as people come throughout the week for help. We also take meals once a week to people in the jail as they are only fed once every 3 days, so our service is always needed.

Marco: Well, your calling to help those in need is truly remarkable and I am so very proud of all you have done and continue to do!

Well, I just finished writing my check and mailing it off to start the campaign to save the building. Please find it in your heart to give whatever money you can to help save a foundation that is desperately needed in our community. In addition, talk to your friends and neighbors and organize a clothing, first aid, and food drive and be a hero. Your actions will always be remembered, and your support will be felt by hundreds forever.

“You might lose battles in your lifetime. However, every person that stands bravely on the side of justice, for people that have no voice, wins the true battle—Gods.”
Shannon L. Alder

WE GOT THIS ROCKY POINT!

Adios Amigos

GOD BLESS

Marco