Gracefully Broken, a nonprofit organization founded by Antioch native Randi Garcia, has spent the past three and a half years helping residents in need through resource distribution, family events and volunteer outreach based on dignity and compassion.
Garcia, who was born and raised in Antioch, said her connection to the community runs deep, having attended local schools before finally settling in Oakley. The inspiration for Gracefully Broken came when she donated her first clothes. Along with the clothes, Garcia put together a “blessings bag” full of hygiene essentials.
“A little boy about 8 years old asked if he could have it,” she said. “He shouted across the room, ‘Mom, I got a new toothbrush.’ I had to go … the most basic thing anyone can have, and here the little boy is happy about it.”
That same day, a grieving mother approached Garcia, unsure of how to buy school clothes after losing her husband months earlier. The encounter changed Garcia’s perspective.
“Although basic needs are important, emotional support is also needed,” she said. “I started meeting people face to face … and had conversations.”
Gracefully Broken originally operated as part of the Antioch Covenant Church (antiochcovenant.org), where Garcia hosted outreach events. As attendance grew, he saw the need to expand. Last July, the organization became an independent nonprofit — a move Garcia said he intended.
“We saw such a great need … not just basic needs but love, support, kindness and respect,” she said. “Many people tend to run away from ‘the church.’ We want our community to see us as a safe place that welcomes everyone.”
Although it still operates in a church, Gracefully Broken does not require religious affiliation.
“We do not force any kind of religion on our participants,” said Garcia. “That’s where respect comes in.”
Garcia says the nonprofit group’s name reflects the shared humanity he sees in those he serves.
“I feel like we’re all broken … but we’ve been given grace,” she said. “People tell me how lost, scared and broken they feel. As we meet and talk … it helps them feel more comfortable and hopefully less broken.”
He says the group’s goal is simple: “Treating people with love and respect. Serving them with a happy heart and compassion.”
Gracefully Broken hosts quarterly clothing giveaways and seasonal events such as Easter egg hunts, trunk-or-treat celebrations and “Christmas with the Grinch.” Plans for community bathing of children and school distribution are underway.
Garcia said communication happens through social media, school partnerships and word of mouth in the congregation. The non-profit organization is funded entirely by donations, including food, clothing and monetary donations. Local businesses can sponsor events, and the group begins the grant writing process.
Community partnerships include the Contra Costa and Solano Food Banks, the Sweet Beginnings Diaper Bank and the Antioch CIWP (Community Integrated Work Program) center for adults with disabilities. For the recipients, the impact is palpable. Barbara Blaser, 80, of Pittsburgh, first met Gracefully Broken through Antioch Covenant Church.
“There’s such a sense of warmth and connection there,” Blaser said. “I might be able to get salad mix, a few potatoes … eggs … hair products if I need them – but what I appreciate most are volunteers … who read my name and welcome me.”
Blaser now volunteers alongside her daughter.
“It strengthened our relationship,” he said. “We have a common goal … to show love and compassion without discrimination.”
He recalled the joy he saw at events – from giving to other people at school to holiday parties where children received birthday party supplies.
“I saw the joy on the children’s faces,” said Blaser.
Danika Phillips of Pittsburg is a volunteer and former host. A single parent who lives in public housing, said food delivery is important during difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We rely heavily on food donations,” Phillips said. “I was a host for years until I started volunteering.”
Philips praised Garcia’s leadership as the need grew.
“He moved quickly to get permits, attend meetings and manage an ever-changing team of volunteers,” Phillips said. “He doesn’t stop, he says, ‘Who else can we help?’ “
Garcia said that what motivates him the most is to see discrimination eliminated in society.
“It’s a very humbling experience to come for free food and clothes,” she said. “You feel vulnerable … I want to end the terrible shame of getting help.”
Garcia said he prefers not to name the “clients” he serves.
“To me they are friends,” he said.
Looking ahead, Garcia envisions classes on couponing, meal preparation and family nights designed to build connections alongside resources.
“We would like to create a place that people will tell others about,” he said. “Where they feel safe and welcome no matter what their circumstances are.”
His personal philosophy guides his work.
“Appearance doesn’t matter, we all have a story behind us,” Garcia said. “We have all been given a gift, and we must do our best to use it.”
Visit them on Facebook at “Gracefully Broken” (facebook.com/groups/1290318332878672). For more information or to donate, contact Randi Garcia at randimiller73@yahoo.com.
Reach Charleen Earley, freelance writer and journalism professor at Diablo Valley College, at charleenbearley@gmail.com or 925-383-3072.
