Mary Grace Mangano

Mary Grace Mangano is a high school English teacher in Harlem, having previously taught middle school in Chicago. Mary Grace also loves writing poetry, running, reading, exploring, and learning new things. She finds inspiration everywhere.

Read about how to get connected with others to learn about how to help the homeless.

You Can Help the Homeless by Giving Your Time — and a Listening Ear

Article / Volunteer

Give your time and friendship to individuals with intellectual disabilities — they don't want your volunteer services.

People with Intellectual Disabilities Want Your Friendship, not Your Service

Article / Volunteer

Know these critical points about being a human trafficking volunteer.

Get Involved in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Article / Volunteer

Read "Room with No View", a poem about freedom.

“Room with No View”

Article / Volunteer

Find the right words for what to say to someone with cancer by following this author's advice.

What to Say to Someone with Cancer

Learn how to help with climate change in 3 simple ways.

3 Essential Ways You Can Save the Planet

Article / Volunteer

How-to-Use-Social-Media-Mindfully

Using Intentionality to Transform Your Instagram Use

Article / Health & Wellness

This author deepened her faith by using running as a spiritual practice. Read how a running community helped that.

How I Found Spiritual Peace in My Running Routine

Article / Belief

Read this poem that details why the speaker of this poem is thankful for music.

“Thank You for the Music”

Article / Community

This Grotto poetry is a poem about workday subway car rides home.

“End of the Day Subway”

Article / Career & Finance

Explore more Grotto

Read these different ways to help the homeless.

3 Ways to Care for People Living on the Streets

Read this reflective narrative about why thrifting is good and how there's more than just good deals to be found.

There’s More to a Thrift Shop Than a Great Deal

Wondering how to create a community to make friends? Watch how this rock climber did just that.

Rock Climbing: How to Form Community

Watch why Joyce Wanjiku Kair spends time taking care of the elderly, a service most Kenyan families cannot afford.

Stories of People Who Found Where They Belong

Read here about volunteer opportunities in Chicago if you live in the Windy City.

#GrottoChicago | 3 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

Learn how to create a home bar setup that will increase your hospitality!

How to Build Your At-Home Bar and Level Up Your Hospitality

Need help finding your community in Chicago? Good news — Grotto can help!

Guess Who’s New in Town? Grotto Chicago

Download these free Advent coloring pages to help reflect on the holiday season.

Free Download: Advent Coloring Pages

Download this free recipe for vegan stew.

Comfort in Cold Weather: Winter Beefless Stew

Learn why you should watch "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" and what it has to teach you.

What Makes ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ an Extraordinary Show