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“Stand with Grace” in Haitian Creole.

Birth Center Construction

The Birth Center is nearing completion, but as you have likely heard there are significant struggles impacting the lives of Haitians and thus the building of the Birth Center. Haitians are grappling with the best way to move their country forward and they are facing extreme inflation, fuel and food shortages, and cholera outbreaks.

Grace’s Director, Ninotte Lubin, perseveres. Her steadfast commitment to her community and calling to improve the lives of families has guided the project forward and the workers have proceeded at a time when other projects have not been able to do so. Our contractor, Ryan Eley of RWE Builds, shared this about the project:

“I am really encouraged by the project and calls with my group and Ninotte. Fuel is scarce and inflation is rising much faster in Haiti than it is globally. Most foreign-led organizations and projects have been closed or put on hold. I think this is because they rely on non-Haitians in the field. I suspect our project has continued largely because Haitian professionals, such as Ninotte, are leading. I was confident that my team would perform and Ninotte has quickly earned my confidence and that of the crew. It seems like the crew have developed a more defiant attitude to finish this project in spite of the terrible conditions they face daily - that is in large part due to their relationship with Ninotte.”

For more photos and a report on the progress of construction, please visit the website:

Supporting Haiti’s Families

The situation in Haiti has dramatically impacted supply chains, has impeded our ability to move supplies into Haiti, and has increased the cost of labor. The project is now projected to be completed in January with roughly $50,000 added to the cost of the birth center.

We have a long time donor, Mary Jankowski, who has pledged $5,000 and a foundation who has granted us $25,000 (stay tuned for that formal announcement), but we need you to STAND WITH GRACE and continue your generous donating to the women, babies, and families of Haiti.

As you consider this end of year donation, please consider making it a monthly donation that begins in January. Grace is moving into the operating phase of the project and these unforeseen circumstances have forced us to dip into funds that were set aside for operations. We need a stable operating budget and small monthly donations can do that!

Thirty donors contributing $15 each month funds a midwife.

Ten donors contributing $50 each month funds our budget for supplies and equipment.

As you can see, a handful of donors making modest monthly donations goes a very long way in the Grace budget so whatever you can contribute on a monthly basis will give Grace more financial stability.

The Director’s Update

When you stand with GRACE you stand with Haitians, especially women who, with dignity, are fighting everyday to provide their children with food during these scarce times and to keep them healthy. You are standing with resilient people who at the end of the day are extremely tired and need love and support to bolster them for the next day. A woman on a prenatal consultation told me a couple weeks ago, “I don't know where you get the strength to continue caring for us. You are an inspiration to us and most certainly to our children. We thank you for all you do for us!”

Thank you so much everyone for your continuing support and love. It keeps all of the Grace Community moving forward!

Ninotte

BOD Updates

The board is busy facilitating change orders to the building contract, fundraising, hiring staff, and working with Director Lubin to launch birth center operations. One key fund raiser to watch for in January is Fast with Ninotte - please watch for details in the January update.

Interested in further details of BOD decisions/discussion on facilitating the building progress, fundraising, and birth center operations? Please visit the website.

We have board seats that will be vacated in the new year. Have skills you feel would benefit GCBC and want to consider joining the BOD? Please email Lynette Biery at lynette.biery@gmail.com and request an application.

If you would like to donate by check, please make it out to ‘Bay Eye Charitable Foundation’ with a note that it is intended for Grace Community Birth Center and mail it to Grace Community Birth Center, 530 W. 11th Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

As always, you can find more updates by visiting our website.