The vision of GRACE MINISTRIES came from Mary Lou Brown, founding Executive Director, who had over 20 years'  experience working with non-profit social agencies in the area. Participating in the SC White House Conference in April of 2005, Ms. Brown became very aware of the increasing needs of the elderly population. She identified care management and access to health care as two of the most pressing needs of this population to live healthier lives and remain connected to the community in which they live.

Responding to this need, Ms. Brown and other community members pursued the development of a new private, non-profit corporation to help elderly and chronically ill citizens stay in their own homes as they age.  GRACE MINISTRIES received its Certificate of Incorporation in August of 2005.  The first organizational meeting was held in February of 2006, with seven  members present. The By-laws were adopted on March 14, 2006 during the initial Board of Directors meeting, the first officers were elected and Ms. Brown was appointed Executive Director.  The IRS tax exempt status was received on May 20, 2006.

During the first year of service, GRACE MINISTRIES provided assistance to 50 homebound senior citizens and their families. A wide array of services was offered, including care consultations, referrals, information, Medicaid application assistance, and housing rehabilitation. Monthly distribution of Angel Food Ministry Food boxes was distributed to 15 older adults.

In January of 2007 a generous grant was received from Ocean View Baptist Church.  A small office was leased from the SC Chapter of the Red Cross and  GRACE MINISTRIES was accepted as a new program by the Horry County United Way.  In April of 2008, GRACE MINISTRIES recruited Harry Campbell to develop the Neighbor to Neighbor program, a volunteer non-medical support service for the elderly and chronically ill persons in Horry County. 

With the support of the Horry County Council on Aging and an ElderCare Trust Fund grant from the Lt. Governor’s Office,  the Neighbor to Neighbor program began.  Initially, housed  in a small office in the Council on Aging facility, the program gradually expanded and moved to its current location  in the Waccamaw Medical Complex adjacent to the Conway Medical Center.

In  November of 2008, Ms. Brown resigned as Executive Director to accept a position in Georgetown. Mr. Campbell was appointed Interim Executive Director and continued in that position until October, 2009.  He now serves as a volunteer for the organization, providing training for new volunteers and continued involvement in building the community and church coalition.  

Joy Hanner was approved by the Board of Directors as the new Executive Director for the organization with the goal to expand beyond the Horry County borders.