Grace Centers of Hope will host an old-fashioned hoedown in Oxford to celebrate 75 years of helping those struggling with addiction and homelessness in Oakland County.

The hoedown will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at a private residence located at 3695 Lakeville Rd.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Complimentary food and beverages will be provided– including popcorn, snow cones and a BBQ dinner.

The hoedown will include outdoor games and activities like corn hole, a bounce house, face painting, horse shoes, pie eating contests, pumpkin painting, hayrides, square dancing and line dancing, with country music provided by a local DJ.

Grace Centers of Hope is a nonprofit, Christian organization committed to positively changing the lives of the addicted and homeless through the gospel of Jesus Christ, personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs.

The organization provides meals, clothing, a 30-day emergency shelter, and the One Year Life Skills Program for men and women who are struggling with addiction and homelessness. In addition, Grace Centers of Hope offers Hands of Hope Childcare Center, to allow parents to fully focus on their recovery. Once residents graduate from the One Year Life Skills Program, they are then eligible to enter the Aftercare Program which provides transitional housing.

According to its website, Grace Centers of Hope provides services to 150-200 men, women, and children on a daily basis.

For the past 75 years, Grace Centers of Hope Chief Executive Officer Pastor Kent Clark said the organization has aimed to better the lives of people who are struggling with addiction and homelessness in Oakland County.

Approximately 98 percent of people that enter the program are addicted to drugs or alcohol, according to Clark.

“We like to see people get their life back… our emphasis really is on change from the inside-out. People sedating the pains of life, whether those pains are abuse, loss of family, whatever they’re sedating… change has to come from the inside-out and that’s the position we take and we see great success,” said Clark. “It’s all about seeing moms and dads and kids getting their life back. Seeing them live successfully in the community. The most rewarding thing about what we do is seeing that happen.”

The Grace Centers of Hope Hoedown is a drug-free and alcohol-free event.

Pets will not be permitted.

For more information, or to register, visit gracecentersofhope.org/Hoedown.

To learn about volunteer opportunities or to donate to Grace Centers of Hope, call (248) 334-2187.