About Us
Our Story
Grace Place CDC is a coordinated infrastructure platform designed to transform the social, economic, and relational landscape of our community — one family at a time.
Who We Are
Integrated Community Development
Grace Place Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization rooted in North Mobile County, Alabama. We were incorporated in 2018 out of a conviction that strong families, financial stability, and community wholeness are deeply interconnected — and that building the infrastructure to support all three is the work of a generation.
We are currently in an infrastructure-establishing phase: building partnerships, pursuing grant funding, and developing our board of directors. Our geographic focus is the communities of Prichard, Chickasaw, Eight Mile, and Whistler in North Mobile County, with housing development work extending into Mobile Midtown.
Through three integrated pillars — the Dent Leadership Academy (education and youth development), COPE (community outreach and mental health), and P2CW — Power 2 Create Wealth (economic development and homeownership) — Grace Place CDC is building an ecosystem designed to remove barriers, create pathways, and empower families to build generational wealth.
"To transform the social, economic, and relational landscape of our community, one family at a time."
Strong parents. Strong families. Strong communities.
Our Model
The Three-Pillar Model
Rather than operating isolated programs, Grace Place CDC integrates education, prevention, and economic development into one coordinated ecosystem.
Education Infrastructure
Dent Leadership Academy
- Early Childhood Readiness
- Academic Support & Mentorship
- Youth Stabilization
- Charter School Pipeline
Community Outreach & Mental Health
COPE — Community Outreach Partnership Engagement
- Substance Use Recovery
- Mental Health Services
- Trauma-Informed Support
Economic Development & Wealth Building
P2CW — Power 2 Create Wealth
- Homeownership Programs
- Financial Literacy & Counseling
- Economic Mobility
Core Values
The IMPACT Framework
Grace Place CDC operates under the IMPACT framework, which guides governance, partnerships, and community engagement at every level.
Integrity
We uphold ethical leadership, transparent decision-making, and principled stewardship of public and private resources.
Maturity
We lead with wisdom, discipline, and long-term thinking — prioritizing sustainability over short-term gain.
Passion
We are deeply committed to strengthening families and advancing generational change with focus and purpose.
Accountability
We commit to measurable outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and clear reporting to partners and stakeholders.
Character
We operate with consistency, trustworthiness, and moral responsibility in service to the community.
Teachability
We remain adaptable, data-informed, and open to collaboration — continuously learning to improve impact.
Our Origin
Born from The City of Grace
Grace Place CDC grew out of The City of Grace Mobile — a multi-ethnic, multi-generational ministry aimed at reaching and restoring people through God's grace. Co-pastored by Dr. Charles and Jabaria Dent, the church's commitment to whole-person restoration made it clear that spiritual formation and community development are not separate callings.
In 2018, the Dents incorporated Grace Place CDC as a nonprofit organization with a vision to build coordinated infrastructure that could remove barriers, create pathways, and empower families to succeed across generations. The organization was gaining momentum when COVID-19 halted active programming in 2020.
In 2021, the property at 4400 Government Street — purchased to serve as the home of both the nonprofit and the church — was destroyed by fire. The loss was significant. In the years that followed, the organization was dormant. But its founders were not.
Dr. Dent continued leading mental health initiatives across the region, focusing on veterans, Black men, and men of color — working to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health support. Jabaria worked across secondary charter school, post-secondary, and out-of-school youth development contexts, deepening her expertise in education systems, youth development, and institutional strategy.
Through their individual work, the Dents arrived at the same conclusion from different directions: the community needed a holistic infrastructure. That conviction is what brought Grace Place CDC back to life — this time with the experience, clarity, and urgency to build it right.
Incorporated
Grace Place CDC is formally incorporated as a nonprofit, growing out of The City of Grace Mobile.
COVID-19 Pause
The pandemic halts active programming. The Dents continue individual community work while the organization pauses.
Fire at 4400 Government St.
The property purchased to serve as the nonprofit and church home is destroyed by fire — a significant setback requiring a period of rebuilding.
Individual Leadership
Dr. Dent leads regional mental health initiatives. Jabaria works in secondary charter school, post-secondary, and out-of-school youth development contexts. This work collectively reveals gaps and a need for an ecosystem of success.
The Rebuild Begins
Grace Place CDC re-emerges with a clear three-pillar model, focused on North Mobile County and building the infrastructure for lasting community transformation.
Leadership
The Founders
Jabaria Dent
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jabaria Dent is a social entrepreneur, organizational strategist, and community development leader with experience spanning secondary charter schools, post-secondary education, and out-of-school youth development. Her work across these contexts revealed persistent gaps in the ecosystem of support available to families — gaps that ultimately shaped the vision for Grace Place CDC's rebuild.
As Executive Director of Grace Place CDC, she leads the organization's strategy, partnerships, and program development. She is also the creator of The Legacy League — a multigenerational financial literacy and investing universe that uses storytelling to teach principles of asset building and generational wealth.
Dr. Charles Dent
Co-Founder
Dr. Charles Dent is a pastor, community leader, and mental health advocate. He has led mental health initiatives and services across the region for clergy, lay leaders, community organizations, veterans, and Black men and men of color.
His work focuses on reducing the stigma around seeking mental health support and building awareness of the mental health needs of Black men in the South. He and Jabaria co-pastor The City of Grace in Mobile, Alabama.
Governance
Board of Directors
Grace Place CDC is governed by a volunteer board of directors who bring expertise in finance, healthcare, real estate, education, human services, and community development. Select any board member to read their full biography.
Officers
Dr. Charles Dent
Board President
Resident Glasser Scholar
Dr. Charles Dent serves as Board President of Grace Place Community Development Corporation. A respected faith leader, educator, and community advocate, he is committed to strengthening families and expanding opportunities for underserved communities in Mobile. Through his leadership in ministry, education, and community initiatives, Dr. Dent works to bridge faith, economic empowerment, and social impact. His service on the board reflects a deep dedication to collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and advancing programs that promote stability, dignity, and long-term community flourishing.
Dr. Cicone Prince
Vice President
Governance Think Tank Chair · CEO, CiconePrince.com
Dr. Cicone Prince is an international motivational speaker, award-winning author, and personal development strategist. As CEO of CiconePrince.com, he is known for helping individuals examine limiting beliefs and discover their personal purpose. With degrees in Electronic Engineering, Dr. Prince combines technical training with lifelong learning and communicates powerful life lessons through engaging stories and practical insight in his speaking and teaching.
Dakota Pratt-Caudill
Treasurer
Finance Think Tank Chair · CFO, Three Cord Holdings
Dakota Pratt-Caudill oversees the organization's finances, budgeting, and compliance. As CFO of Three Cord Holdings and founder of Growth Dominion, he brings logistics experience in supply chain and safety that sharpens fiscal efficiency. An active real estate investor and accounting student at Grand Canyon University, his blend of operations and finance ensures organizational stability.
Avery Robinson
Secretary
Personal Choices Counselor, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission
Avery L. Robinson is a proud native of Mobile, Alabama, and a graduate of Troy State University. She serves as a Personal Choices Counselor with the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, where she compassionately advocates for individuals and families navigating long-term care services. With over a decade of experience in human services, higher education, public safety communications, and grant-supported programs, she is committed to serving with integrity and excellence.
Members at Large
Catherine Black
Board Member
Site Supervisor & Club Director, Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama
Catherine Hicks-Black is a dedicated youth development professional and cosmetology educator committed to empowering young people through mentorship, leadership, and career exposure. As a Site Supervisor and Club Director with the Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama, she leads programs that promote personal growth, life skills, and workforce readiness. With a background as a former Cosmetology Program Chair and instructor, she has consistently used education as a tool to build confidence and opportunity in underserved communities.
Patrice Cox
Board Member
Associate Broker, Real Estate
Patrice N. Cox is a dedicated community advocate and Associate Broker with over 10 years of experience serving families throughout the Mobile area. Having assisted more than 300 individuals and families, she is passionate about helping others build stability, generational wealth, and stronger foundations through homeownership and education. Patrice is deeply committed to uplifting her community through service, leadership, and meaningful outreach initiatives.
Katie Gramling
Board Member
Territory Manager, Bradford Health Services
Katie Gramling is a Territory Manager for Bradford Health Services, where she leads strategic outreach and partnership development across the Gulf Coast to expand access to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services. She holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University of Shreveport, along with degrees in Psychology (Industrial and Organizational) and Human Services (Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation). Katie is also Co-Founder of the AL South Spiritual Care Network with Dr. Charles Dent, bridging the gap between mental health and faith.
Derrick Foster, Jr.
Board Member
Senior Case Manager, SSVF Department — Hope For All Gulf Coast
Derrick Foster Jr. is a dedicated community professional and Senior Case Manager of the SSVF Department with Hope For All Gulf Coast, where he works to support the unhoused and at-risk veteran community and families through advocacy, resource coordination, and case management services. With a background spanning housing services and community resource development, Derrick brings a diverse skill set grounded in a strong commitment to community impact. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Design Technology from Bishop State Community College and is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Human Services at Troy University. Known for his leadership and community involvement, he has received several honors and has been actively engaged in mentorship and civic initiatives in the Mobile, Alabama community.
Lawrence Franklin
Board Member
Operations Manager, Ransom Solutions, Inc. | Co-Founder, Three Cord LLC
Lawrence Franklin serves as Operations Manager at Ransom Solutions, Inc., where he oversees key operational functions and supports program development. His leadership focuses on organization, accountability, and helping the team operate at its highest potential. He is also a founding member of Three Cord LLC, committed to creating opportunities that strengthen communities while generating sustainable financial growth.
Ralph Littlejohn
Board Member
Director of Development & Partnerships, Ransom Solutions, Inc. | CEO, Three Cord Holdings LLC
Ralph Littlejohn serves as Director of Development and Partnerships at Ransom Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive change in the community by helping returning citizens who have experienced homelessness, addiction, or incarceration successfully reenter the workforce. He is also the CEO of Three Cord Holdings LLC, a real estate investment company focused on developing and investing in affordable housing opportunities that strengthen communities and expand access to stable housing. In addition, Ralph is an owner of Graceworks Auto Sales LLC, a local business committed to serving the transportation needs of the community. With a strong passion for community development and restoration, Ralph brings both nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurial experience to his role on the Board of Directors for Grace Place CDC.
Board composition as of March 2026. Grace Place CDC's board of directors provides strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and institutional guidance in alignment with the organization's IMPACT values framework. The board is actively recruiting additional members with expertise in legal affairs, philanthropy, and housing development.
Transparency & Accountability
Grace Place CDC is committed to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and clear reporting to all partners and stakeholders.