GraceToChange

🚨 A store shelf is not a safety guarantee.

At Grace To Change, we are seeing the impact of kratom use in our community—and more news stories are bringing attention to the risks.

Kratom products sold in v**e and smoke shops can look harmless. Packaging and words like “natural,” “energy,” or “wellness” can leave people unaware of the potential for dependence and withdrawal. Concentrated products labeled 7-OH raise additional serious concerns.

We are referring people to medically supervised detox because the withdrawal they are experiencing is so severe. These are people in our community—our neighbors, friends, and families.

Some kratom products can be purchased legally, but legal does not mean safe. Being sold openly does not mean a product is FDA-approved.

BREAKING: Two Mississippi v**e store clerks face federal drug charges after investigators linked their shops to purchases made by two Ole Miss students before their deaths.

A DEA affidavit says bank records tied Aidan Hamilton to Puffs V**e To***co & B**r and Robert Strang to Express Mart #7, with suspected kratom products recovered at both death scenes.

Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Yahya Mosleh are each charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, court documents show.

Full story here https://www.foxnews.com/us/ole-miss-v**e-store-clerks-jailed-facing-federal-drug-charges

Okay, who’s ready to bid? 👀🎉

Our silent auction already has more than 50 items, and donations are still coming in! We’re getting more excited by the day to bring everyone together for a night that supports Grace To Change’s mission.

To the businesses and individuals who have donated: thank you for showing up for our community in such a generous way. You’re helping make this gala something special, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s up for bid! Stay tuned for a more sneak peeks…

Grace To Change Executive Director Shannon White, LCDC, had the opportunity to speak at MISD Parent Night about kratom—what it is, how it’s being marketed and sold, and the risks parents need to be aware of.
Our teens are constantly being exposed to new products and trends, and education is one of the most powerful tools we can give parents. Staying informed helps families recognize concerns early and start important conversations at home.

MISD has 3 more parent education sessions coming up! These sessions are designed to help parents stay current on the latest trends affecting teens and give them practical information to help protect their children.

This week, Grace To Change attended three different cities chamber events to stay informed, strengthen community connections, and share our mission.

These conversations help us better understand the needs of our neighbors and connect more people with the support available to them. We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up, listens, and works together to create change.

A heartfelt thank you to the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) for sponsoring our Fiesta for Our Future gala and supporting the mission of Grace To Change. MCDC’s investment sends a powerful message: our city cares about people working toward recovery and the families walking alongside them.

We are grateful to have MCDC standing with us as we work to change lives and strengthen our community!

A heartfelt thank you to Lone Star Neurology for generously restocking our client supplies through our Amazon Wish List! Your donation of snacks, coffee, puzzles, and other thoughtful items will make a meaningful difference at Grace To Change.

We provide complimentary snacks and coffee throughout the day to help create a welcoming, comfortable environment where clients feel cared for and supported as they participate in treatment. These everyday comforts may seem small, but they can provide encouragement during some of life’s most difficult moments. Thank you, Lone Star Neurology, for believing in our mission and helping us care for our clients in such a tangible way. 🧡

🌟Sponsor Spotlight 🌟
We are incredibly grateful to The Garner Firm, P.C. for the sponsorship of the Grace To Change’s annual gala, Fiesta for Our Future!

For years, The Garner Firm has proudly served the McKinney community, providing experienced and compassionate representation in criminal, civil, and family law. Their commitment to supporting local individuals and families reflects the true spirit of commitment. Thank you, The Garner Firm, for investing in our mission and helping provide hope, healing, and lasting recovery to those we serve!

Learn More: www.thegarnerfirm.com

Grace To Change is grateful to have attended the McKinney State of Education this week and hear from McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt among other local leaders. Staying informed about the opportunities, challenges, and priorities within our local schools helps us better serve the youth and families who depend on us. Actively participating in our local school districts isn’t optional—it is a priority. When schools and community organizations work together, we create stronger support systems and better futures for our youth.

On North Texas Giving Day, your gift becomes more than a donation—it becomes hope, healing, and a new beginning. 💙 Give here: https://mtyc.co/37jcwf

By supporting Grace To Change, you help adolescents and adults break the cycle of addiction and build a lifetime of recovery. Together, we can change lives—one person, one family, and one gift at a time.

Advocating for Change in McKinney

When many people hear “v**e shop,” they picture a store selling ni****ne v**es. But today, some shops carry a much wider range of products—including intoxicating hemp-derived products that can be packaged in bright, familiar-looking ways.

At Grace To Change, we see the real-life impact substance use can have on individuals and families. That’s why we believe education, responsible practices, and community conversations matter.

This isn’t about attacking local businesses. It’s about asking important questions: What is being sold? How is it marketed? Who can access it? And are families aware of what these products actually contain?

We will continue advocating for awareness and meaningful change that helps protect our youth, supports families, and strengthens our McKinney community. What looks legal or harmless on the shelf can still have very real consequences.