By: Jordyn Walden
Grounds of Grace is a for-profit business that funds Sponsored by GRACE, a non-profit that aims to release children from poverty. The founder, Ron Armstrong, started Sponsored by GRACE after completing a mission trip in Brazil. Fueled by inspiration, Armstrong felt a need and desire to bring that same hope to Jacksonville. He began his journey in 2018, at what the city calls the murder capital apartment complex, Old Cleveland Arms Apartments on 45th and Moncrief. Armstrong and his team have been pouring into that community for the last 7 years.
In 2020, right in the middle of COVID-19, Armstrong had a vision to create an employment avenue for the communities’ young men and women where they could learn skills such as customer service and money management. He and his team purchased an old, abandoned school bus and flipped it into an espresso bar. This would become known as Grounds of Grace. Over the last two years, the faith-based coffee shop has expanded to five locations across Jacksonville.
Grounds of Grace is a hub for people from all walks of life. No matter what location you visit, it is obvious that Grounds of Grace is more than a coffee shop. It is a place for connection, hope, and growth. Rebecca Louis, a loyal customer, expressed “how she could feel the love of God” at Grounds of Grace.
The Grounds of Grace team hopes to continue to expand and help one child with one cup of coffee at a time.