09/04/2026
For more than 30 years, Ella McGruder has stood right beside Jeannie, helping carry the vision, the work, and the heart of Project Unity.
Three decades of service cannot be measured simply in years. It is measured in the lives touched, the families strengthened, the difficult seasons weathered, the victories celebrated, and the countless hours spent doing the work when no one was watching.
Ella has been more than a colleague in this journey. She has been a steady presence, a trusted leader, and an important part of the foundation upon which Project Unity has continued to grow. Through changing programs, expanding services, new challenges, and new opportunities, Ella has remained committed to the mission and to the people we serve.
When you look at more than 30 years of Jeannie and Ella serving side by side, you are looking at legacy. You are looking at friendship, loyalty, perseverance, sacrifice, and a shared belief that strong communities are built when people are willing to give themselves to something bigger than themselves.
Ella, thank you for more than three decades of showing up, standing alongside Jeannie, and pouring into Project Unity and our community. Your fingerprints are woven throughout this organization, and your legacy continues.