Elizabethtown College alumna Candace “Candy” Abel ’02 recently started Second Grace, a two-year program that works to support, empower, and transform the lives of at-risk, single mothers in Central Pennsylvania through mentorship, education, and employment. The program’s goal is to help young mothers develop confidence in both the professional world and with parenting.

Abel created Second Grace in January 2020 after noticing a lack of resources and support for single mothers involved in child welfare. She felt it was crucial that they have a mentor or positive role model to support them through this challenging time in their lives.

Second Grace matches single mothers under the age of 25, known as “Graces,” with trained mentors, called “Sages.” The role of a Sage is to encourage the mothers’ natural talents, empower them as they work through their daily challenges, offer support and advice, and ultimately, be a reliable and positive role model.

“We take a trained volunteer, and we teach them about the trauma these young mothers have gone through,” Abel said. “They step into their life with understanding and without judgment, and they try to nudge them into a healthier direction.”

To provide the young mothers with work experience, Abel’s goal is to eventually employ the Graces at her other organization, Girl Crush.

Founded in 2017 after retiring from Brittany’s Hope, a non-profit organization she created that advocates for the rights of orphaned and at-risk children, Abel was inspired to start Girl Crush when her hobby of soap making turned into a passion for providing children with safe, nutrient-rich, artisan bath and body products that are free from harmful chemicals.

“Girl Crush gives the Graces a place where they’re doing meaningful work in a group with a manager that’s fully understanding,” Abel said. “They can’t be fired from the position; it’s all about focus and experience.”

Abel’s ultimate wish for Second Grace is that it provides a positive light in the lives of struggling mothers.

“I would feel honored if our program is able to create a meaningful bond between a Grace and a Sage that acts as a kind of guiding light in their lives,” Abel said. “My hope is that, as more issues come their way, the relationship will remain strong enough to be a strong force for good in their lives.”

Abel has been inspired by Etown’s motto of “Educate for Service” throughout her career, and she believes service is an essential part of finding true happiness in life.

“I think that if we are taught at a young age to be of service, it would make us more mindful of the benefits of making service part of our natural routines,” Abel said. “You feel much happier when you do things for other people rather than focusing solely on your own issues.”

Both Girl Crush and Second Grace are always looking for volunteers and interns. Learn how you can get involved.