Favorite Female Founder | Amanda Lorraine
by Danielle Kleist
It takes only one person to change the world. Amanda Lorraine, Founder and Executive Director of Grace Collective, has gone above and beyond to make sure her contribution to society makes everyone’s head turn. Her heartfelt story and extensive outreach are making an incredible impact on the community.
Lorraine's story began with a childhood marked by poverty, cycles of homelessness, and abuse. At 15, she found herself on the streets, battling addiction, gang violence, and destructive patterns that seemed unbreakable. Upon escaping that lifestyle in her mid-20s, she dedicated her life to helping others. When Lorraine moved to the Tri-Cities in 2014, she started serving at the women’s shelter. Lorraine found that many women in need were struggling to find employment. She began to dream about how she could provide this opportunity for the women she served.
“She has an amazing redemption story, and she has dedicated herself to working with some of our community’s most marginalized women. She is strong and selfless. She is absolutely amazing! You have to meet her!”
Jill Cullen - (nominator)
In December 2020, Grace Collective (formerly known as Grace Kitchen) first opened its doors. The mission was to give female survivors a second chance to rebuild their lives through sustainable employment. Grace Collective is more than a nonprofit, it provides women the sanctuary to learn jobs skills and gain financial stability. It also gives other development opportunities to make women successful and proud members of our community. Lorraine says, “We want to build women up, so they never have to fall back into a destructive lifestyle.”
Conveniently located next to the women’s shelter, the 8,200 square foot job training facility started out producing barbeque rubs. They now make four different barbecue rubs, 20 types of artisan pastas, nine sauces, olive oils, and are currently launching a skincare line. Lorraine purchased the 1913 historic building for $10 and was offered an exclusive catering contract with Bezos Academy. Through dedicated leadership and inspired business agreements, Grace Collective has been able to graduate 10 women from the program and assist with the reunification of 24 children with their mothers.
Within 18 months, women graduate into full-time living-wage jobs. The program consists of professional development, product production, trauma classes, and financial education.
Each woman begins with case management and assistance in establishing stable housing and food security. This year, the program has 14 women employed, along with a waiting list. The first step is attending at least four outreach Thursdays at Grace Collective. From there, women can apply for a 30 hours-a-week, paid position into the life-changing experience.
Jill Cullen, Lorraine’s nominator says, “She has an amazing redemption story, and she has dedicated herself to working with some of our community’s most marginalized women. She is strong and selfless. She is absolutely amazing! You have to meet her!”
There are over 1000 individuals and organizations who have directly donated to the mission of Grace Collective. Their largest fundraising event is happening October 25th at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The annual Grace Gala is an elegant dinner and auction that “connects like-minded individuals committed to making a difference and supporting women in need.”
Aside from Grace Collective, Lorraine is a wife and mother who continues to lead outreach teams supporting women’s ministries and various groups. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an emphasis on Trauma and pursuing a certification through the Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship. From personal to professional life, everything Lorraine does is an example of the many reasons she was selected as a Favorite Female Founder. She truly demonstrates the passion and drive to make the world a better place.
To read this article and others featured in the Spring/Summer 2024 publication click here.