Hidden Gems: Meet Terry Grahl of Enchanted Makeovers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Grahl

Terry, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How Enchanted Makeovers Began

In 1992 I got married, had four children and started an interior decorating business in early 2005 called Terry’s Enchanted Cottage. It quickly became an award-winning business, and I was so very grateful. Life seemed good. I had moved on from my past, so I thought. That could have been the end of my story, but it was only just the beginning.

In December 2006 I received a call from a gentleman asking for help. I was an interior decorator, and he was a volunteer for a local shelter. He said, “We would be so grateful even if you just painted one wall.” Honestly, at the time, my first reaction was fear. I really didn’t know what to expect. I had never been to a shelter. I decided to make the visit but wasn’t convinced I would actually volunteer. What I saw at the shelter shook me:

used prison beds
duct-taped walls and cribs
nursing home bedspreads so thin I could poke my finger through them
lights hanging from wires
30 women in one dorm with no privacy
cardboard boxes for dressers under the bunk beds

Everything internally the women were feeling unloved, forgotten, ashamed, worthless – it was being reflected in their environment too. That’s unacceptable because you’re there to heal and rebuild. Your environment should be full of dignity. It should be sacred just how my mother provided for me and my siblings. That love in every little detail is critical in the healing. I believed the external transformation of the room could mirror a woman’s internal transformation. If she is surrounded by beauty, love and caring, she’ll start to integrate that and believe she is worthy of that too.

The Story Continues…

A week had passed since my first visit to the shelter. I hadn’t given it much thought. All I knew was that I had this lingering feeling of despair knowing the living conditions of the women and children. As I downloaded the pictures I had taken to my computer, there it was, THE picture. There amongst black metal used prison bunk bed, a stained mattress and an unfinished sheet-rock wall was an answer. There amongst the harshness was something dear to my heart: polka dots! Polka dots prints have been my favorite since I was a little girl. There on that seemingly ordinary pillow was an answer. It was an answer from within me but not directly from me. When I saw the polka dots in that picture, I heard, “Trust me”. I raised my right hand in the air and said, “YES”. From that moment, I knew I was prepared to do whatever I could to bring hope to the women and children. We went on to completely transform that shelter. I knew God had a greater purpose for my life. I closed my for-profit business in 2008 and started the national non-profit organization, Enchanted Makeovers.

Fast forward over a decade now and I’m so proud of what we have ALL accomplished. Enchanted Makeovers projects and programs have impacted thousands of lives. Our volunteers have made thousands of Capes, Pillowcases, Dolls, Quilts and Handmade treasures. The biggest surprise of all was how it wasn’t just the women and children in the shelters who were transformed. Each and every volunteer, schoolchild, nursing home resident, sorority sister, company employee and shelter staff member has changed the way they see their community and serve others.

In 2018, the restoration of the 1920’s Arts and Crafts home, gifted to Enchanted Makeovers, was completed! So many donors and volunteers worked tirelessly to transform this once abandoned property into our new national headquarters. We are so thankful to all in the “Village” that support our mission.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The hills and valleys for the past 16 years are a reminder of the power of Faith and Prayer. In the earlier years volunteers would share that only the basic needs were needed. Why focus on a shelter? The women and children don’t stay there for good! I have disagreed on this since day one. The very first steppingstone in rebuilding your life and healing from your trauma is a shelter. If you don’t make it through the first step, there is no second steppingstone, which is transitional housing. Humans need more then food and water. The beauty of creativity, imagination, color and the power of handmade is healing for ALL. Below is a few of the organizations that have recognized the importance of Enchanted Makeovers mission.

The U.S Department’s Health & Human Services has recognized our work.

The effectiveness of Enchanted Makeovers’ unique model has been featured on the U.S. Department’s Health and Human Services website for Homeless and Housing Resources in the article “The Four Walls Around Us”.

The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine has recognized our work.

A study called “Creating a Healing Environment” documented the correlation between a healing environment and overall patient well-being. It also found that inner-city children have greater disease burdens and worse outcomes compared to children living in a nurturing environment. The article focused on the role of the “healing environment” and aesthetic surroundings as critical to health outcomes and overall well-being.

Founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers Dubbed “The Home Healer”, by the National Center on Family Homelessness.”

Enchanted Makeovers received the Seal of Approval by GoodTherapy.org
Good Therapy honors organizations that make a positive impact in communities and help people to improve their mental and emotional well-being.

We’ve been impressed with Enchanted Makeovers, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Enchanted Makeovers mission is to not only bring women and children in shelters dignity but also to inspire our village of donors and volunteers to dream while they’re awake, heal their hearts and to find their voices. Through our transformative programs, women and children in shelters, as well as volunteers and donors are introduced to a way of life, a way of thinking that helps to shift their outlook about their lives and possibilities for the future. A path is created for creativity, self-expression, and worth.

Since 2007 Enchanted Makeovers has served women and children living in shelters that have escaped human trafficking, domestic violence and female homeless veterans. We create environments and programs for women and children that educate, empower and inspire hope for the future.

How Our Full Circle Mission Works.

We have an unmatched ability to create a connection with the shelter, its residents and the surrounding community. As our Founder Terry says, “Changing the way we serve, changes the way we see each other.”

We never see it as we’re helping the women as the women have helped us in so many ways. We’re all just walking together as one. The women and children in the shelters have taught us so much. I want people to know they have so much to teach you too. You may have never been through domestic violence. But have you been disappointed? Have you known any pain? Come and share your story. You have a story to share. Let’s all walk together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.enchantedmakeovers.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enchantedmakeovers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enchantedmakeoversmission/