Small but Mighty Nonprofit Healthcare Hospitality House.
Grace House is an independent, faith-fueled nonprofit organizations that relies upon the community’s support to fulfill its mission. Grace eases access to healthcare for families, both patients and caregivers, addressing social determinants of housing, food, and transportation that can make the difference for a family’s receipt of good quality healthcare and a caregiver’s ability to participate in that care.
We believe patients do better when loved ones can be at the hospital bedside, actively participating in their caregiving. At Grace, families are given a private, ensuite room, nutritious food, and private transportation regardless of their ability to make a donation. That’s our promise.
Mission
We support patients and their families by providing a haven and place of respite when receiving care at regional healthcare facilities.
Vision
We envision a world where families are able to receive health care, or participate in a loved one’s care, without barriers.
Values
Faith
Grace is fueled by faith and the Golden Rule. We are rooted in compassion, empathy, fairness, justice, and equity. Whatever your faith, you have a place at Grace.
Family
Medical crises can separate people from the support of their families. When they come to Grace, they often say “we felt like we were home…like we were family.”
Love
Love breaks down barriers that might otherwise separate us and loving kindness encircles guests so they know they are not alone in their journey.
Service
We exist to walk alongside each guest during their stay with Grace, humbly attuned to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Our Story
Grace House was founded by Cynthia Battista (Cindy), a lifelong resident of Western New York. In October 2013, Cindy’s colleague, Mike Celej, shared that his son had suffered traumatic injuries from a motorcycle crash in North Carolina. His family traveled from Western New York to Asheville, NC, where they were welcomed at a local healthcare hospitality house. Staying there brought peace and relief during a terrible time.
Meanwhile, for many years Cindy had felt inspired to answer a calling—to help people in her community with lodging. A ministry focused on hospitality. But she was looking for just the right project.
When Mike returned to work, he was animated as he described his experience at the guest house. After a long day at the hospital, his family could return to a clean and comfortable place to rest and share a meal. They would feel restored for whatever the next day might hold. Cindy immediately knew Mike’s story provided clarity on her calling and purpose, and she was called to action.
The very same night after hearing Mike’s story, Cindy started working to create a small healthcare hospitality house in her neighborhood for Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. On February 12, 2014, Grace Guest House was formed. “The name I chose was based upon the Grace of God, because I knew from the start that it was only through Him that this could happen.” With the support of family, friends, and the community, she was able to turn her vision into reality. In November 2017, Grace House opened its doors and welcomed its first families, and Grace House now serves 5+ regional hospitals.
Isn’t it amazing how the simple act of sharing a personal story can profoundly impact others? Check out our Stories page to hear about our guests’ experiences.
Our Team
Our Staff
Stephanie Lawson
Executive Director
stephanie@graceguesthouse.org
Christine Kiebzak
Development Manager
christine@graceguesthouse.org
Gianna Totaro
Operations Manager
gianna@graceguesthouse.org
Rita Carluccio
Guest Services Associate
Jaden Joyce
Guest Services Associate
Julie Hughes
Guest Services Associate
Teresa Humber
Guest Services Associate
Justin Niemera
House & Grounds Associate
Board of Directors
Cynthia (Cindy) Battista
Board Chairperson
Foundress
Grace Guest House
Keith Pace
Vice Chairperson
Retired
Linde
Samantha Guyett, CPA
Treasurer
Senior Manager
CTBK
John Tammaro
Secretary
Retired
National Fuel
Grace Ayoub
Member
Implementation Administrator – Strategic Growth
Catholic Health
Julia Berchou
Member
Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff to the CEO
M&T Bank
Teresa O’Loughlin
Member
Chief Development Officer
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes
Charles G. Pressley, Esq.
Member
Staff Counsel, Office of General Counsel
Erie County Medical Center Corporation
Angela Rossi
Member
Program Manager, Economic Development
New York Power Authority
Jerry Sheldon
Member
Founder
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Buffalo Chapter
Join the Hands of Grace today
Thank you to our hospital & community partners.
Address
Grace House
2315 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14210