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Grace Update:
Mercy, Grace homes among best in region
Six months ago, the future was uncertain for the Grace Care Center children’s home and elder care facility. The end of the 26-year civil conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam allowed the hope of peace, but the mission of VeAhavta to support the needy children and destitute seniors faced a number of challenges.
Among other issues: The government’s Probation Office of child welfare had concerns about the management of Grace, including whether the facility was offering the required opportunities for education and religious freedom; sponsorships and donor contributions were declining while expenses increased; communications between VeAhavta and Grace were inconsistent, at times, leaving many questions unanswered.
That was then, this is now. With changes taking place both with VeAhavta USA and in northeast Sri Lanka, the opportunities now appear limitless. Along with the transfer of the organization from California to Michigan, newly-appointed president James Mitchell spent more than three months in Trincomalee.
As of November, the situation has improved considerably:
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Last month, the government recognized Mercy Home as the best facility of its kind in the Eastern Province; likewise, social service workers told Mitchell that Grace Home is among the most improved facilities in the region, and that each item of concern from six months ago has been properly addressed;
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Avenues of communication between Grace and VeAhavta have increased, with regular contact between the operating directors and the orphanage. Further, the use of video-conferencing technology is opening up opportunities for the children to communicate with classrooms, VeAhavta volunteers and others;
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A review of expenses and income opportunities in Trincomalee provided the directors with an understanding of what is needed to maintain the facility, and for the Grace staff to pursue locally-generated contributions in Trincomalee; and
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A multi-faith prayer station was installed on the compound. Religiously-appropriate symbols for Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and the Muslim faith are now provided to encourage residents to practice their respective traditions. Efforts have been made to improve the education of the children, with tutoring in select subjects and the installation of the Rosetta Stone English-language instruction program.
The global outreach includes the launch of the Grace Care Center page on the social website, Facebook. Listed as a non-profit organization, the 170-plus ‘Fans’ of Grace can stay in touch with activities and developments. Joining the Grace community are friends new and old, with previous visitors reconnecting with their friends in Trincomalee.
The struggle, however, continues as VeAhavta is now making a determined push to increase sponsorships and donations. A newly-appointed Board of Directors (see related story) is making a priority of locating sponsors and contributions. In accepting responsibility for the Grace Care Center and all its residents and staff, the Michigan volunteers are ready to continue the promise offered when Grace first opened in 2002.
Six months ago, the future seemed uncertain in Trincomalee. Since opening its doors, the Grace Care Center has survived war, poverty and disaster, has welcomed visitors and made friends in the local community, and the relationship across the planet continues. Now considered one of the best facilities of its kind in the region, Grace stands poised to help a nation realize peace for the first time in a generation.
