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Grace E. Mitchell, MSWLegacy of Service Award
Commemorating individuals who have made enduring contributions to our community over the course of their lifetime, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact as exemplified by Mrs. Rhodes throughout her life.
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Grace E. Mitchell’s life and work are a powerful example of resilience, faith, and lifelong service. She moved to Urbana-Champaign in 1978 from Baltimore, Maryland, where her grandmother raised her in the McCollum Homes housing community. As a single parent and welfare recipient, Grace knew firsthand the struggle of raising a child while trying to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Even during her own difficult season, Grace poured into others. She became actively involved with adolescents in her community, encouraging them to stay in school and believe they could accomplish more than their circumstances suggested. Her gift for helping young people was evident to Ms. Maude Parker, a housing authority social worker, who encouraged Grace to consider becoming a social worker herself.
At first, Grace did not believe college was possible. After all, as she often says, “doing hair” was her claim to fame. But with encouragement, determination, and faith, Grace enrolled at Morgan State University and earned her undergraduate degree in social work. It was not an easy journey, especially since she had graduated from high school 14 years earlier. Still, by the Grace of God, she persevered and graduated in the top 5% of a class of 962 students. Her academic success led to a fellowship at the University of Illinois, beginning what would become decades of service in Champaign County.
Grace has been deeply involved in numerous community organizations and agencies throughout the years. She has served as a commissioner on the Planned Parenthood Board, the Urban League Board, the Youth Detention Center Advisory Board, and the Champaign County Housing Authority Board. She also served as President of the Frances Nelson Health Center Board. She currently serves as Chair of the Civilian Police Review Board, Personnel Committee Chair of the Champaign Schools Employee Credit Union, and President of the Champaign-Urbana Optimist Club.
Professionally, Grace dedicated 34 years to the Urbana School District, serving as a social worker at Urbana High School, Department Chairperson for the high school’s Special Education Department, and Director of Alternative Education. She also served as union president for two years and as a member of the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors.
After two years of retirement, Grace returned to service as Director of the Family Advocacy Center of Champaign County, where she has continued her mission of supporting families and youth for the past four years. Her work has touched countless lives and continues to reflect her passion for advocacy, guidance, and community care.
When asked why she has not simply relaxed in retirement, Grace shared, “Because I have been blessed in so many ways, I feel my service to the community is my way of giving back. Working with families and youth in the community is my mission. We must let those we serve know that there is someone there who cares and wants them to succeed. Our children are our future, and we must support, encourage, and guide them in every way we can. Not only in talking the talk, but having been in their shoes, I can honestly say I have walked the walk. As I age, I know I will not be able to do the work I do and am so passionately committed to forever. However, when my service to my community, families, and youth is over, I would like to believe that the work I have done speaks for me.”
Grace E. Mitchell is a true legacy builder. Her life’s work speaks through the students she has guided, the families she has supported, the organizations she has strengthened, and the community she continues to serve.
Even during her own difficult season, Grace poured into others. She became actively involved with adolescents in her community, encouraging them to stay in school and believe they could accomplish more than their circumstances suggested. Her gift for helping young people was evident to Ms. Maude Parker, a housing authority social worker, who encouraged Grace to consider becoming a social worker herself.
At first, Grace did not believe college was possible. After all, as she often says, “doing hair” was her claim to fame. But with encouragement, determination, and faith, Grace enrolled at Morgan State University and earned her undergraduate degree in social work. It was not an easy journey, especially since she had graduated from high school 14 years earlier. Still, by the Grace of God, she persevered and graduated in the top 5% of a class of 962 students. Her academic success led to a fellowship at the University of Illinois, beginning what would become decades of service in Champaign County.
Grace has been deeply involved in numerous community organizations and agencies throughout the years. She has served as a commissioner on the Planned Parenthood Board, the Urban League Board, the Youth Detention Center Advisory Board, and the Champaign County Housing Authority Board. She also served as President of the Frances Nelson Health Center Board. She currently serves as Chair of the Civilian Police Review Board, Personnel Committee Chair of the Champaign Schools Employee Credit Union, and President of the Champaign-Urbana Optimist Club.
Professionally, Grace dedicated 34 years to the Urbana School District, serving as a social worker at Urbana High School, Department Chairperson for the high school’s Special Education Department, and Director of Alternative Education. She also served as union president for two years and as a member of the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors.
After two years of retirement, Grace returned to service as Director of the Family Advocacy Center of Champaign County, where she has continued her mission of supporting families and youth for the past four years. Her work has touched countless lives and continues to reflect her passion for advocacy, guidance, and community care.
When asked why she has not simply relaxed in retirement, Grace shared, “Because I have been blessed in so many ways, I feel my service to the community is my way of giving back. Working with families and youth in the community is my mission. We must let those we serve know that there is someone there who cares and wants them to succeed. Our children are our future, and we must support, encourage, and guide them in every way we can. Not only in talking the talk, but having been in their shoes, I can honestly say I have walked the walk. As I age, I know I will not be able to do the work I do and am so passionately committed to forever. However, when my service to my community, families, and youth is over, I would like to believe that the work I have done speaks for me.”
Grace E. Mitchell is a true legacy builder. Her life’s work speaks through the students she has guided, the families she has supported, the organizations she has strengthened, and the community she continues to serve.
Previous Honorees:
2024 - Will Patterson (Posthumous)
2025 - Dr. Barbara Gillespie
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2024 - Will Patterson (Posthumous)
2025 - Dr. Barbara Gillespie
202