Grapevine community gives women, children a home in which to heal

In March, the dream of a group of friends came to fruition when they unveiled a 61-acre, faith-based living community called The Gatehouse for women in crisis and their children.

Gatehouse supporters held a high-profile grand opening that drew, among others, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the mayors of Grapevine, Fort Worth and Dallas.

“The Gatehouse will be a passageway to a new beginning for these women — a safe, guarded, protected way,” said Lisa Rose, founder of The Gatehouse.

The site, which will eventually house up to 96 families, was about 80 percent complete that day. This week, supporters showed off what has been accomplished since then — including providing new homes for 21 families.

Each apartment is move-in ready, with a stocked pantry and decor specific to the resident’s wishes.

“We start with nothing in the apartment and it comes together,” said Katie Simpson, one of about 200 registered volunteers with a group called the God Squad. “I’m not just decorating. I am making a new home. I am making a new life.”

The Gatehouse offers housing, transportation, food, education, job training, medical care, clothing, counseling and life skills mentoring.

Rose said the need for the refuge is great, explaining that many women — some victims of domestic abuse, underemployed and in crisis — arrive feeling helpless, angry, terrified, lost, alone, worthless and exhausted.

‘Start living immediately’

Since its inception Rose has said she and friends wanted to develop not a shelter, but a community. In August 2012, Rose and her team went before the Grapevine City Council where city leaders approved the venture. Ground was broken in October 2013.

Each neighborhood is comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Each unit provides enhanced outdoor living space overlooking the neighborhood green and adjacent units to perpetuate development of close relationships and accountability with neighbors and staff.

As supporters toured the community earlier this week, they also were introduced to a general store for food and household supplies and the Keeps Boutique, which features clothing and accessories.

Kim Taylor, The Gatehouse community engagement director, said hundreds of volunteers have signed on. Kayleen Allen was among a group of quilters who made about 200 quilts. Casey Lapham made 24 daisy paintings for her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

“When women walk in, many times they have nothing,” Taylor said. “They’ll be able to start living immediately.”

‘God blessed us’

More than 700 volunteers have been trained to work at The Gatehouse since last September.

The Grapevine Caring Crafters knitted and crocheted hundreds of items, including a welcome kitchen package with dish towels, potholders and coasters, as well as afghans, mittens, scarves and table runners.

“God blessed us with a talent and we like to use that to help others in the community,” knitter Linda Mitchell said.

Simpson of the God Squad said there is nothing more rewarding than helping families in need.

“Our goal is to make them go in and cry and say, ‘Wow. This is so special. I feel like a queen for a day.’”

‘You made us happy’

For the children living there, Mark Miller made 20 toy boxes for his Eagle Scout Project and filled them with stuffed animals, games and balls.

“They are probably scared and it’s probably a big comfort to them,” the scout said.

Miller was touched by a letter from one of the moms who received a toy box.

Addressed to her “treasure box angel,” it said, in part, “Thank you for the treasure box. It is a blessing to have it. Good memories going inside. God bless you for doing this. You made us happy. My daughter loves it.”

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 3:59 PM with the headline "Grapevine community gives women, children a home in which to heal."