Callie Tomblin's title may be program coordinator for Second Grace, but she's actually an investment adviser. She's helping her clients invest in themselves.

"I really believe in the social capital theory, where if people don't have resources that many of us take for granted, they are kind of behind," she said. "A lot of the women in our program are in that situation."

Second Grace pairs young single mothers - "Graces" - with trained advocates called "Sages." Each Sage helps a Grace navigate life, whether that's providing transportation to appointments or getting a Grace connected to community services like food banks or GED classes. Sages might also just spend time with their Grace in a positive way, socializing and offering connection.

There are currently eight women in the Second Grace program, which focuses on women between the ages of 18 and 25, although the organization will accept Graces outside of that age range depending on the circumstances.

Tomblin, who is pursuing a master's degree in social work, said the program coordinator position appealed to her because she wants to make a difference.

She came on board in May, and she's excited about the goals she's set for herself.

"Because we're a nonprofit, there is so much we want to achieve, but it's not always easy," she shared. "My main goal right now is to get the program a vehicle, because over half of our girls don't have transportation. Maybe we can teach the girls how to drive and also try to get vehicles for these girls. Not having reliable transportation is a struggle in Lancaster. It's difficult for these girls to get to jobs or child care without transportation."

Tomblin's role also includes applying for grants, which she is currently in the midst of doing as she looks for a donated vehicle.

"This program isn't like anything I have ever seen before, and I think it's a program that's really needed," said Tomblin, noting that many of the women in the program are completely on their own. "I was telling someone the other day, 'If I ended up homeless tomorrow, I would have 10 people who would take me in, but these girls don't have that.' They don't have that support system."

She compared Second Grace to programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters for the social supports it provides. "Many of these women are just now entering adult life and the workforce, and they don't have any help or resources," she said. "We call them 'at risk' because they're just surviving and trying to get through."

She's eager to work alongside the women as they find stability.

"We're trying to help them with mentorship and anything we can help them with," she said. "This is not a one-size-fits-all program. We want to ask each person, 'What do you specifically need?' and then we try to help them as much as we can."

Second Grace began in 2021 when founder Candace Abel was moved to start the organization after volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and noting that support was lacking for young mothers in the program.

"She saw this need, and she believes in this program," Tomblin said. "She's the reason this program is so amazing." Abel founded the program in Mount Joy, but it currently operates out of Community Place on Washington, 105 E. Washington St., Elizabethtown. It serves women throughout Lancaster County.

Many of the Sages in the program have had personal experiences that help them connect with their Grace.

"A lot of the mentors involved with us have said things like, 'I had a baby at 17, and I would have loved to have a program like this when I was that age,'" Tomblin remarked.

The organization is always looking for women to serve as mentors or help in any capacity as a volunteer.

"We definitely need Sages, but if someone doesn't want to be a mentor or they think that's too much on their plate, we are looking for people who want to drive or provide child care at our meetings, or if someone is an expert on something, we'd love to have them come in and talk to the girls," said Tomblin.

Women who are interested in becoming Sages may sign up for a training to be held on Saturday, Sept. 27. The comprehensive program will provide background on expectations and responsibilities of the Sages.

After the training, Sages are expected to set aside six to 10 hours a month to meet with their Grace.

"That can look like texting every week, phone calls, getting together to fill out a resume," Tomblin said. "It can look like a lot of different areas of contact."

She noted that the program is never lacking for Graces, so the need for mentors is great.

"We really need volunteers," she said. "This program can help so many people out, and it doesn't take a lot to make a difference in a Grace's life."

For more information on volunteering or details on the upcoming training, visit https://secondgrace.org/mentor, call ‭717-435-0207 or email Tomblin at Callie.secondgrace@gmail.com.