Tuneko Purnell Founder & Executive Director Grace and Mercy Establishment (G.A.M.E.) My name is Tuneko Purnell, and I am the proud founder of Grace and Mercy Establishment (G.A.M.E.), a nonprofit organization launched in 2011 and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) in 2023. I created this organization because I’ve lived the very pain we are committed to healing. I am a survivor of sexual assault from the ages of 7 to 15. My perpetrator was ultimately brought to justice and sentenced to prison. Walking through that process—carrying the trauma, navigating the legal system, and reclaiming my voice—taught me not only the depth of the wounds, but also the courage it takes to seek justice and healing. That lived experience is what drives everything I do. I know what it feels like to suffer in silence. I also know the strength it takes to rise from it—and that’s why I founded G.A.M.E., Gastonia’s only standalone sexual assault recovery center. This isn’t just an organization to me—it’s a calling. It’s a sacred space built for survivors by a survivor. At Grace and Mercy Establishment, we offer trauma-informed counseling, peer support groups, transportation assistance, advocacy, and healing-centered resources. Our services are open to all survivors—regardless of age, gender, or background—and grounded in compassion, dignity, and hope. Today, I am proud to say I no longer walk this journey alone. I’ve been blessed to hire a team of qualified, passionate professionals who stand beside me in this mission. Together, we create safe spaces for survivors to heal, grow, and reclaim their power. My story is one of pain, but also of purpose. If you’re a survivor, I want you to know: you are not alone. Healing is possible. Justice is possible. And at G.A.M.E., we’re here to walk with you—every step of the way.