ICC Blog [English]

Former President Clinton Named U.N. Envoy to Haiti

2009-05-19T12:46:00.002-04:00

Former President Bill Clinton will be named the U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti today. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, asked Mr. Clinton to become the envoy to the country in order to focus on developing the country's economy and increasing its visibility in world relations.

Clinton last visited the country with Ban Ki-moon in March, where he spent time with citizens devastated by the 2008 food crisis, as well as two hurricanes and two tropical storms that damaged the country last year. Haitian leaders are hopeful that Mr. Clinton's attentions will increase the support of international donors for the country, as well as increase economic investments that will improve the country's conditions. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and most citizens survive on less than two dollars a day. ''It is an honor to accept the secretary general's invitation to become special envoy to Haiti,'' former President Clinton said in a statement to The Miami Herald. "Last year's natural disasters took a great toll, but Haiti's government and people have the determination and ability to `build back better,' not just to repair the damage done but to lay the foundations for the long-term sustainable development that has eluded them for so long.''

There are currently about 9,000 U.N. Peacekeepers stationed in Haiti, focusing on peace-keeping and development work. However, observers encourage more intentional development that will help the creation of long-term structure that will benefit the country even after the withdrawal of U.N. forces.

For more information about Mr. Clinton's appointment, please see the Miami Herald story at this link.

Race for Grace 2009!

2009-04-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

Are you a cyclist interested in raising funds for ICC during the annual HH100 in Wichita Falls, TX? All the information you need about the Race for Grace can be found right here!

California Heights UMC Mission Education Encounter

2009-04-20T10:14:00.005-04:00

Sunday, April 19, 2009

See all the posts from Lynne's trip at her blog on www.internationalchildcare.org.

Greetings from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We are on day 2 of our trip down here staying at St. Joseph's Guest House, having arrived yesterday afternoon. We are looking forward to our first day at Grace Children's Hospital, getting there in time for devotions. After arriving yesterday we spent time getting acclimated to the Guest House which has both a lovely view and a wonderful breeze from the upstairs patio. We began our coming together by hearing the story of Gregory who is a "graduate" of Grace Children's Hospital and learning some important info for our stay here.

Today we attended the worship service at the Methodist Church in Du Plan and enjoyed the wonderful enthusiasm of the congregation. The pastor welcomed us by translating the sermon for us as he delivered it. Afterwards, we enjoyed fellowship with many from the congregation.

In the afternoon we visited the Haitian Metal Art market where we viewed (and purchased some) so many beautiful cut-out designs made from oil drums. During our own gathering after dinner, we were able to think about the many people we have seen since we have been here and how we have been touched by their own Grace and God-likeness. We feel so fortunate to have experienced just 48 hours of this country of contrasts.

Rev. Lynne Austin

See all the posts from Lynne's trip at her blog on www.internationalchildcare.org.

Join us for ICC's First Annual GOLF MARATHON!

2009-03-30T18:23:00.003-04:00

Want to play as many holes of golf as you’d like in one day? Enjoy great food and prizes, and raise money to help desperately needy children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic at the same time? Then Join us on Friday May 22nd at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club, Ajax, Ontario for our first annual golf marathon.

More information, details and to download registration and other forms.

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog - The last day

2009-03-10T21:50:00.001-04:00

Day 11

While Terry was cooling his heals, 'er knee at St. Joseph's, Cathy and I ventured forth for one last visit to the hospital, primarily to check with Dr. Margarette Jasmine about a possible English speaking nurse to assist a plastic surgeon for future trips here. His Haiti trips are becoming more frequent (more "convenient" than either Viet Nam or Pakistan), so perhaps we could be of some assistance? I couldn't stand it and had to make another "last visit" to see the children, especially Ruth, Rose Michelle and Ferrrrrrnando. Ruth appeared instantly, and with OPEN ARMS. What a joy this was for me - again! While there, I took a close-up of Grace UMC's "Beds for Grace" plaque as a reminder that THE CHILDREN need our sustained support by underwriting the cost of one bed each year. For the Ruths, Fernandos, Cynthias, Wesleys, Kenleys and Matihldas, this remains as the very least that we can do for those riddled with these terrible maladys. We will return home tomorrow, but these little gifts of God remain to struggle on - with our help. "What ever you do for the least of these, you do for Me!" "Bon Dieu beni ou", and may God bless you all!

- John Hill

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-09T21:08:00.005-04:00

Day 10

With our driver and new found friend Kastra deftly weaving his way thru the back streets of P-au-P, Terry and I transported Nancy, Rachel, Denise and Morgen to the airport (little did we know that President Clinton was arriving later this morning) without incident. We said our "bye-byes" and headed to Grace Children's Hospital for a few last minute details - Pick up the artwork from the children; meet with hospital Executive Director Rudy Magloire, Hospital Administator Jocelyne Arnoux, and PR liaison Robinson Lucceus; and spend some last few minutes with the children. Upon entering the children's ward, 3 yr. old Ruth (pronounced "Root", above) took one look at me, and then for Morgen who was not to be found. Being her remaining option, she reached out for me to pick her up! Along with Ruth, we played with Wesley, Fernando, Kenley, Philistine, Valencia, Jordany and Rose Michelle. Ten year old Matilda, and several other children, were too ill to even sit up, let alone attend school this day! Of all the activities conducted during our time here, the moments spent with these Gifts from God were the most lasting and poignant! Even though few of us could speak kreyol, the language spoken here was one of unconditional love, acceptance, with eyes and smiles that beckoned our return. What a wonderful gift we were given from tiny souls so very sick! Terry and I are fortunate to have more day tomorrow...

-John Hill

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-08T22:43:00.002-04:00

Day 9

Today is our final day in Haiti- although I look forward to seeing my friends and family, and telling them of my many adventures, my heart hurts thinking about leaving Ruth and the other children behind. Before Church this morning we walked up to the Carribean Market a grocery store a few blocks away, where I stocked up on Guava Jelly, Mamba (homeade peanut butter), and pure Vanilla extract.We attended Church here at St. Josephs, the weather was beautiful and the voices of the boys as than sang and read God's word was just perfect. After worship we met Rachel's good friend DeeDee, whom lives here in Haiti with a family of seven boys, and met Cathy's family for lunch. It was so nice to meet some of the people who live within the community and to spend time with them before departing tomorrow. Cathy's family is a true miracle and it was so nice to be given the opportunity to meet them as well as share lunch. I am so lucky to have met Cathy- John has always spoken so highly of her, now I am blessed with a new friend who is beautiful, smart, and funny. I look forward to keeping in touch with her, along with several other friends I have met here. We depart for the U.S tomorrow morning-- with joy, sadness and filled with hope of several trips yet to come. The people who accompanied me on this trip- were hand picked by God himself and without them I may not have had the terrific experiance I have encountered. I am so blessed and so thankful for everything God has given me.

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-07T20:28:00.002-05:00

Day 8

Bonswa! The sound of hammering, birds chirping, a donkey braying, and the sun shining in on my face- was what I woke up to this morning, and how wonderful it felt! As we ate breakfast at the hotel, our Haitian friends bargained and bought four chickens to take home. After checking out of the hotel we headed for the beach-- the beach was the most beautiful paradise I have ever seen. Having grown up on the banks of Lake Erie- I am partial to the beach, the sand, the water, and the sun- but this view of the ocean was a true tropical paradise. I sat in the sand, soaking in the sun rays, while watching a group of nearby boys play soccer and thought to myself how lucky I am to have this great opportunity, and to feel so good- while simply sitting on the beach. I suppose God gives us these simple pleasures as reminders-- just as he gives us opportunities such as the one I have been given to remind us of how blessed we are. We walked the beach, drank coconut milk, collected rocks, and before we knew it, we were out of time- and needed to make our way back to Port-au-Prince. On our way home we stopped by a small market to purchase a loaf of bread, peanut butter, chips, cookies and drinks- and as we drove through the mountains we prepared a picinic lunch, that couldn't have tasted better! Tonight we are spending the evening at St. Josephs- relaxing and preparing for our final day in Haiti.

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-06T21:28:00.002-05:00

Day 7
This morning we awoke at 4:00 am to travel to Jacmel, a town on the south eastern coast of Haiti. The view of the rolling hills and mountains was beyond what words could describe. For as far as the eye can see -rows of crops, tropical foliage, and palm trees covered the terrain. Our first stop was the ICC administrative office, where we were graciously welcomed, and given a tour of the facility. Afterwards we visited the largest general hospital in the southeastern region, St. Michel where ICC has an HIV and TB clinic. In the clinics in Jacmel, ICC works with Haiti's ministry of health - who provides the facilities and staff - to track reports and statistics for TB and HIV patients in order to further prevent the diseases from spreading. Thankfully due to ICC's crusade against Tuberculosis, a mass vaccination campaign, this disease has been radically reduced in this region of the country. We ate lunch at Cap Lamandou Hotel, overlooking a tropical paradise while enjoying the warm sunrays and ocean breeze. After a busy afternoon we dropped by at Trinity House, a boy's home affiliated with St. Josephs (the guest house we are staying at Port-au-Prince). The rest of the evening was spent relaxing at a quaint local hotel. I am looking forward to visiting the beaches here at Jacmel tomorrow morning, and shopping in the local markets before our journey back to Port-au-Prince.--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-05T20:33:00.002-05:00

Day 6

Today we traveled out to Grand Riviere du Nord where ICC has a small hospital. We took a tour of the facility which included a Maternity ward, Pediatric unit, and reproductive health outpatient services. Over 200 patients per day are seen at the hospital and HIV testing is available for free. After visiting the hospital we traveled on extremely rough roads (imagine potholes larger than vehicles!) to the rural village of Bahon.The view of the river and tropical forest was breathtaking-- as we traveled above the riverside. Bahon is one of the many remote communities where ICC provides community health development. We then traveled to Milo where we visited and ate lunch at Lakou Lakay a local Cultural Center. The director's wife, fixed us a delicious home cooked Haitian meal : BBQ goat, Creole chicken, fried plantains, beans and rice, and various fresh vegetables. During our meal we were welcomed with music from a Haitian combo. This was a terrific treat- and we were all so grateful for the hearty meal! Afterwards we returned to Cap Haitian to catch our flight back to Port-au-Prince. Tomorrow we plan to depart from St. Josephs at 5:00 am to head to Jacmel, were we are anxious to spend time at the ICC sites and visit the beach!

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-05T19:42:00.003-05:00

Day 5
We awoke bright and early to catch our morning flight to Cap Haitian, on a fifteen passenger airplane. Once we arrived and checked into the Roi Christophe Hotel, eager to begin our work. Due to the weather and road conditions we were unable to visit the ICC rural sites, but God had another plan for us. We loaded into the truck and headed for a Vitimin Peanut Butter factory, that makes and distributes Medicated Peanut Butter to malnutritioned children throughout Haiti. The tour was excellent and such a blessing for the children of Haiti. After lunch our next visit was to the Cap Haitian Dental Institute. Dr. Ihor Suszko and his associates are collaborating with their Haitian counterparts to establish a clinic for education, prevention, and restoration of dental disease. Dr. Charles LaFontane was gracious enough to give us a tour of the facility as well as his concerns as a dentist Haiti. After a long day, we were all grateful to relax with the beautiful, lush scenery.
--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-03T20:39:00.004-05:00

Day 4

What a beautiful day-- with the love of God surrounding us! We arrived at Grace Children's hospital at 8:30 am this morning and were lucky enough to be able to join the children for baths and breakfast! My dear girl Ruth- immediately latched on to me (although I must admit I am not sure who latched on tighter- her or I) and we spent the entire morning this way. Together the team, children and I made crafts, sang songs, colored pictures as well as face painting, nail painting, and hair styling! My heart sank as we began cleaning up- preparing for our departure. The children have imprinted my heart- and I am forever grateful for their love and acceptance. After our sad fairwell- we headed up the mountain to The Baptist Mission for lunch and then to visit and tour Wings of Hope a home for children with disabilities. The children whom live in Wings of Hope are miracles- one little girl by the name of Josephine sang Jesus Loves Me in the best English I have yet to hear! It took all the strength I had to fight back the tears that this little girls faith and love had brought to my eyes. It makes me feel so content that no matter where you are in the World- we are all identified as God's children and through them he shows us love.

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-02T20:26:00.005-05:00

Day 3

God's grace has surrounded us- today on March 2nd we made our way to Grace Children's Hospital. Within minutes of arrival I had two small arms wrapped tightly around my legs- and as I peered down, those arms went straight into the air for me to pick her up. My heart was immediately filled with joy. Although Ruth's smile was big and beautiful, her eyes were sad and longing for love. Needless to say I carried her around nearly the entire afternoon- and again later once we returned for more fun! All of the children are so precious- there were nineteen children, between the general pediatric and intensive care units, every single child had the face of an angel. After visiting for a while we made our way to the Pure Water for Haiti factory. The organization produces bio-sand filter systems, and then distributes the water filters all throughout Port-au-Prince. Since May 2008, 1,800 filters have been distributed to both schools and homes. This is a true blessing in the city of Port-au- Prince, due to the high risk of unsanitary water and disease. Our next stop was an absolute treat- we were able to visit three of the school sites that use the Pure Water filters. The schools were located in Haiti's most infamous slum- Cite Soleil ( City of the Sun). The children attending the schools were equally excited to meet us, as we were them and we were able to see the Pure Water filters in full use. (Photograph above was taken at Centre Deducition Chretienne- Eden Kindergarten) All of our many visits today were true eye openers and reminders for us to count our many blessings!

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-03-01T22:10:00.003-05:00

Day 2

Today March 1st, 2009 we awoke to the sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking. We attended church at College Bird Methodist Church- were we graciously took communion alongside other members of the community. The worship service was a beautiful- and powerful service full of prayers, scripture, and song. After our Sunday service we at lunch at Hotel Olafson accompanied by our dear friend and translator Marie Cathy Jacquet. Marie Cathy Jacquet and her family are a true miracle and inspiration to everyone- she is attending college in Port-au-Prince and is the single most intelligent person I have ever met. Following lunch we toured the Historical and Cultural Center in downtown Port-au- Prince. On our way out of the Museum we passed a group of students who were kind enough to chat and take a picture with us-- how blessed are we?! This evening we had the pleasure of attending Resurrection Dance Theater- all of the performers are boys that either presently live, or have lived in St. Joesphs. The performance was phenominal and by the end- we were all clapping, singing and dancing along too! It's so great to see God's love shine through these boys and appear in the form of dance, song, and smiles! I am personally- extremely excited for our first visit to Grace Children's Hospital tomorrow- God shows his love in so many ways, I am anxious about all I have yet to learn from our Haitian brothers and sisters.

--Morgen Wilson

Grace United Methodist Church: Mission Education Encounter Blog

2009-02-28T19:35:00.008-05:00

Grace United Methodist Church is traveling with International Child Care on a Mission Education Encounter to Haiti. The team members include John Hill, Terry Gadness, Morgen Wilson, Nancy Finch, Denise Cyrek and Rachel Mills.

Day One:

Bonjour! Today February 28th, 2009 we arrived in Port-au-Prince Haiti- anxious to see the faces of our Haitian brothers and sisters awaiting outside the doors of the airport. All of our arrangements, flights, scheduling and transportation worked out beautifully and as we arrived the sun was shining as people were smiling. We departed from the Grace United Methodist Chuch at 3:00 am this morning, our flight itentirary was from Cleveland to Chicago, to Miami and our final destination Port-au-Prince. As we sat in the Cleveland airport this morning discussing our thoughts and worries for the trip, we sat shivering and watching snow fall on the ground beneath. I am now writing to you with a warm breeze blowing lightly on my face as I sit around a table admiring the beautiful artwork, listening to the sound of laughter, a nearby baby crying, cats meowing in the distance and the soft pitter patter of a nightly rainshower. As I sat in seat A22 on our flight to Haiti I attempted to make a list of what I wanted to gain on this adventure given to us by God, as well as what made me decide to embrace this trip: my journal remained blank. I have full confidence that God will open my eyes to these answers all I have done is simply followed where my heart has led me. As we drove to St. Josephs we watched out the window at the bright colors, the buildings, homes, people and culture that is so far from anything and everything I have ever known, yet all that our friends have ever known. I look forward to the days ahead and all that I have to learn- Tomorrow we will be attending College Bird Methodist Church as well as getting our official tour of Port-au-Prince. Thank you all for all of your continued prayers and support. We have now put all of our faith in God's Grace, for he has blessed all- for we are all God's children in his world.

--Morgen Wilson

Vermilion, Ohio's Grace United Methodist Church Travels to Haiti

2009-02-26T13:33:00.004-05:00

A team from Grace United Methodist Church in Vermilion, OH will be traveling to Haiti from February 28 through March 9.

ICC Board member John Hill organized the trip, which will be accompanied by ICC staff member Rachel Mills. The trip participants include Terry Gadness (an ICC affiliate board member), Denise Cyrik, Morgen Wilson, all of Vermilion and Nancy Finch of Schoolcraft, Mich. The group will visit Grace Children's Hospita l in Port-au-Prince, as well as ICC clinics in the rural northern region of Haiti.

Members of the group will be blogging throughout the trip on the ICC website, so please check back here for updates throughout the week! You can also subscribe to the blog using the RSS options at the bottom

As you follow the journey of this group, please consider making a gift to ICC using our website, or supporting ICC by joining our Facebook group "I Support International Child Care in Haiti and the Dominican Republic!" You can also become a fan of ICC using the Causes application.

Grace! Winter 2009

2009-02-24T13:14:00.003-05:00

Thousands of Rural Haitians Get Medical Treatment - Thanks To You!
an article from the Grace! Winter 2009 newsletter.

The line of patients at the Jolitrou clinic stretched out the door of the neat green-and-white building; a line so long that not all of the patients could be shaded by the tarp loosely strung across the entrance to the clinic. Many more patients waited under an awning next to the building, and still more waited under the young banana trees on the other side of the clinic, snatching up shade and getting a little reprieve from the tropical heat. Inside, people were crammed into every available crevice, waiting for treatment from the North American doctors who were working feverishly in the small, dim exam rooms.

The day before, as the visitors met with village leaders and ICC community health workers around the large table in the clinic's reception area, the building had seemed airy and spacious. The three exam rooms were tidied and ready for the next day, exam equipment covered with clean white sheets, the pharmacy shelves bare but clean. In the laboratory, tiled countertops waited for the portable equipment that would arrive with Haitian technicians for the bi-monthly open clinics held in the remote Jolitrou clinic. On this day, however, the building was cramped and ready to burst with the influx of people who lined up before dawn for examinations and treatment. The pharmacy shelves were stocked with donated medicine which was going fast.

Haitian staff assigned patients to the doctors in each exam room, but the result was a tangled line that rendered the inside hallway nearly impassible and spilled out the back door of the clinic. Crowded into each exam room, patients, assistants, translators and medical professionals were filling out charts, answering questions, and dispensing prescriptions and smiley-face stickers.

As the day wore on in Jolitrou, the lines outside the clinic grew, but people remained patient. Two health workers, sitting outside in the shade, offered confidential HIV testing to the constant line of patients.

Back on the unpaved road leading up to the medical clinic, masses of people meandered, waiting to line up for treatment or clutching small bags of medication and soap issued at the clinic's pharmacy. A few women were cooking over charcoal fires in the shade of a thorny hedge, selling cupfuls of stew. The Jolitrou clinic is the culmination of hard work and shrewd determination of women in that region who pooled profits from their micro enterprise businesses to purchase the land the building now stands on. Students from Valparaiso University in Indiana also raised money to help construct this much-needed facility.

More funding is urgently needed for this clinic to provide more medical equipment and additional Haitian staff so it can open more than two days per month. Funding shortages require ICC to shift Haitian health professionals from their regular jobs to meet the needs of the Jolitrou clinic, resulting in dangerous shortages elsewhere. With your ongoing support, we will be able to provide more funding to the region and more frequent clinic hours. Meanwhile, ICC has initiated a Medical Mission Education Encounter program so that North American doctors can help provide urgent health care to people living in remote communities in rural Haiti.

Dr. Jeannine Hatt, an ICC affiliate board member and pediatrician from Denison, Texas, led the medical team working at the Jolitrou clinic. The team and support staff was made up of people from Shawnee United Methodist Church in Lima, Ohio, as well as Dr. Hatt's colleagues from Texas. They spent the week traveling through the northern region of Haiti and providing care at a number of rural clinics. In addition to two days spent in Jolitrou, the team also toiled away in the villages of Bas Limbe, Port Margot, Petite Port Margot and Grand Riviere du Nord. All told, the group examined and treated around 1,400 patients. They passed out 15,000 chewable vitamins and various donated prescription drugs. The doctors diagnosed many routine problems such as gastrointestinal illness, skin diseases, respiratory infections and malnutrition in children. They identified several cases of malaria and at least one new case of pediatric HIV infection. The doctors also treated a great number of adults throughout each day. The adult maladies varied from general aches and pains, skin diseases, cataracts, hearing loss, to malignancies and trauma, as well as frequent cases of hypertension.

While ICC's Haitian medical staff is doing a tremendous work to improve health conditions in Haiti, the needs are more than they can cope with at the moment. With support from faithful people like you, ICC is planning to bring other medical personnel in the future to offer treatment and assistance and to improve the health conditions of Haitians.

Download the Grace! Winter 2009 newsletter

Grace! Fall 2008

2009-02-24T13:08:00.004-05:00

From the Director
an article in the Grace! Fall 2008 newsletter.

For many years we have focused the themes of Grace Newsletter on the health development programs that International Child Care operates on the island of Hispaniola. We feel it is important to keep you, our donors, up-to date on not only the services being offered at Grace Children's Hospital, but also the various community health development and rehabilitation initiatives ICC oversees throughout Haiti and the Dominican Republic. As always, there are many exciting things happening in the field, but there are also exciting things happening right here at home. Therefore we are dedicating this issue to updating you on some of our many important US based initiatives.

I spent much of the last few months traveling in an effort to reconnect with long-standing supporters of ICC and also forge new partnerships with individuals and churches that want to join in our ministry. My travels began with a trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. ICC is currently in the process of establishing a Volunteer in Missions program for medical professionals in partnership with the United Methodist Church. In May, a US Board Member, Dr. Jeannine Hatt, and I led a team of doctors and nurses as they conducted medical clinics in ICC program sites in the Dominican Republic. We also met with colleagues in Haiti to establish some future mobile clinic opportunities there.

Our goal is to recruit medical professionals to provide much needed hands-on medical services in the remote regions of Northern Haiti. You can learn more about this pilot program and our May trip by checking out Dr. Jeannine Hatt's post on the General Board of Global Ministries new health blog here.

In June, I had the privilege of traveling to New York with Dr. Ellen Palmer - a current ICC/USA board member - to meet with Advance Special staff at the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and key staff at the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). For over forty years, International Child Care has been partnering with UMCOR and we currently have four Advance Special projects: Grace Children's Hospital (#418520), Integrated Community Health (#418847), Community Health Development (#410215) and Child to Child Health Promotion (#418242). The GBGM has generously offered to host our ICC/USA board meeting in January 2009.

After leaving New York, Dr. Palmer and I headed to Washington D.C. to visit the US headquarters of USAID. There we hand delivered a grant proposal for American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) requesting funding to expand the facilities at Grace Children's Hospital. We will find out if our grant proposal was accepted around this time next year.

I also spent more than two weeks over the summer traveling around California and meeting with individuals and churches in the California-Pacific Annual Conference (Cal-Pac) of the United Methodist Church. This conference spans from San Diego to Los Angeles. With the help of Reverend Lynne Austin, a new recruit to the ICC/USA board, and her husband Dr. Ray Aller, I reconnected with some long-dedicated donors in this conference as well as met with numerous new potential partners. Over the course of 17 days I had the opportunity to update or present ICC to 16 churches, 4 Rotary groups, 1 Kiwanis group and various individuals. I also met with key persons at the Cal-Pac District Office for the United Methodist Church.

In addition, I had the opportunity to submit a project proposal to ExecMAP - a program of the University of Michigan's Masters of Business Administration - which was accepted. Over the course of 15 weeks, a team of 6 executive MBA participants will be thoroughly analyzing International Child Care to evaluate the current operational and fundraising practices of our US office. This team of executive MBA students will also recommend changes that will help us increase our funding base and become a more effective organization. This, of course, is an excellent opportunity for ICC/USA and should greatly benefit our ability to support our ongoing health development programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

I hope this update gives you a good sampling of the exciting things that have been going on with ICC/USA. As always, we appreciate your dedication and support of our programs on the island of Hispaniola. Because of you, ICC is able to impact health and restore hope to thousands of people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is our desire to keep up the current momentum in raising awareness and funds for our field programs. If you would like to discuss how you can become more involved with our ministry, or would like for an ICC representative to speak to your church or civic organization, please contact us at 800-722-4453.

Download the Grace! Fall 2008 newsletter

International Child Care and Grace Children's Hospital featured on Manitoba Council for International Cooperation video

2009-02-11T09:38:00.004-05:00

Feb. 1 to 7 was designated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as International Development Week, a time to reflect on the role of Canada in providing aid and assistance to developing countries.

The Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) funds many programs around the world through various agencies.

In honour of International Development Week MCIC contacted Manitobans who are associated with agencies which have received funding for programs meeting one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Sarah (Pascoe) Enns, who has visited Haiti several times and volunteered at Grace Childrens Hospital for the month of May 2007, was asked to speak on behalf of International Child Care and how Grace Childrens Hospital meets Millennium Development Goal #4 , Reducing Child Mortality.

Please click on the link http://www.youtube.com/mcicvideo and choose MDG#4 to see a video of the interview with Sarah.

Making a Difference: "One Soul at a Time"

2009-01-28T15:05:00.005-05:00

International Child Care is unique from other organizations because we offer opportunities for our supporters to offer more than just their checkbooks. ICC staff members lead
Mission Education Encounter Trips to visit ICC programs- but they are not there strictly as observers. The members of the first MEET of 2009 recently returned from their trip, and Suzanne, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, New Jersey wrote to share some of her experiences:

"I wanted to reach out and say hello and let you know that I arrived home safely on Saturday night from my trip to Haiti. I had the most amazing, life changing experience...in so many ways. I cried most of Sunday wishing it hadn't ended. There were so many components to this trip. There were so many happy and rewarding moments. There were so many overwhelming and sad moments. There was the love we gave to the children...giving them human touch, distraction, smiles, hugs, and love for a few hours. There was the ability to deliver $20,000 of collected supplies and $7,000 cash to various places...all collected from each of you. There was the exposure to the Haitian culture. To see so many people with so little, yet thankful to God even though they may eat only one meal a day, drink water that makes them sick and have a small house with only a dirt floor. There are the new Haitian friends that I met and who have already contacted me via email. Which has made me smile!

There was the bonding with the 12 members on my team, throughout the trip. I learned so much from each and every one of them. ...And then, the hardest place of all for me. Mother Teresa's Orphanage. We arrived on our last day and walked into a very simple, concrete building that housed 160 orphans. Mostly babies, but some young children as well. When we first walked in, I continued walking through the rooms, not sure what to do. I finally entered the last room. A room filled with 20 small, rusty cribs. Most cribs held a baby with outstretched arms, hoping to be picked up. I went to the first one, 15 month old Edmund.

I picked him up, realized he was wet and placed him back down to change him. He cried immediately and it took me some time to change him, his sheet etc. I again picked Edmund up and walked to a corner of the room. And then, all of a sudden, my head started to spin and I felt dizzy and weak. I thought that I might pass out and I told my team member Ginny, please help me, keep an eye on me. I don't think I can do this. I began to cry and cry because it was at that moment that I realized the suffering that was going on all around me, in this building. The endless children that lay in their cribs, day after day, lucky to have a home, meals and care. But they just exist. For the moment. And that is a powerful realization that so many of us are not exposed to. And I would not have felt the emotion that I felt that day, had I not stood in that room, and walked among the suffering. So I held Edmund for 2 hours, stepped out into the sunlight, showed him the sky, the trees, let him feel the fresh air. And I could tell that he loved every minute. It was important for me to send this email to all of you. Your love, support and interest in my trip to Haiti has meant so much to me. I couldn't help but share a little about the experience. So that each of you can think about how we really can make a difference...one soul at a time."

Suzanne's powerful words barely begin to relay the power of a Mission Education Encounter trip. If you would like to share this experience with others from your church, school or civic group, please contact ICC using the Contact Us form on our website, or by emailing iccusa@intlchildcare.org. Plans are being made now for trips in 2010.

International Child Care Announces New Haiti National Director

2008-12-30T09:43:00.004-05:00

International Child Care is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rudolph Magloire, MD-OBGYN to the position of Director General for ICC/Haiti. Dr. Rudolph will direct all of International Child Care's programs and services throughout Haiti including Grace Children's Hospital, the National Tuberculosis programs and Community Health Development projects.

Dr. Rudolph, who obtained his degree from the Independent National University of Mexico, brings over 20 years of experience to this broad and demanding position. His avid advocacy for family health began in the 1980s when he became the medical director for a hospital dedicated to women and children in Bon Repos, Haiti. Over the years Dr. Rudolph has worked closely with USAID as a project manager, medical advisor and reproductive health specialist. Dr. Rudolph also spent over four years as a national consultant for the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative funded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO) in Haiti.

In addition to his extensive experience in reproductive health - including maternal health, STDs, family planning and HIV/AIDS - Dr. Rudolph has a wealth of knowledge regarding child survival as well as tuberculosis and malaria prevention. Dr. Rudolph currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the University Hospital of Haiti.

Give a Gift of Grace

2008-12-08T13:39:00.007-05:00

It happens every year about this time...you begin the search for the perfect present for everyone on your shopping list. Whether you fight the crowds at the shopping mall or spend hours searching online, it is never easy to find a memorable gift. Why not consider giving an alternative gift this year? By using ICC's Gift of Grace catalog, you have the opportunity to give a gift that will mean new life for a child in Haiti or the Dominican Republic. It is a gift that will bring joy for that child, their family, and you - not just the fleeting joy of ripping into wrapping paper on Christmas morning, but a deep and abiding joy that comes from knowing you have changed a life.

To view the ICC USA Gift of Grace catalog click here.

To view the ICC Canada Gift of Grace catalog click here.

If you already have the perfect gift in mind please consider ordering the gift through Amazon.com. If you use the Amazon link on the right side of this page International Child Care can receive as much as 4% of the sale of each purchase you make.

Haiti To Host International AIDS Event

2008-12-02T13:33:00.003-05:00

HIV/AIDS is the greatest health crisis our world faces today. In Haiti, 5.6% of the population is suffering from HIV/AIDS. Since the mid 1990s, Grace Children's Hospital has been bringing medical and psycho-social support to patients living with HIV. In 2005, critical Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatment services were also added, thanks to partnerships with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Center for Disease Control and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Funding from these partners allows International Child Care to diagnose, treat and monitor children and adults who are infected with HIV using World Health Organization guidelines.

Over the past 40 years, International Child Care has earned an excellent reputation for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Due to the fact that HIV infection is the most potent risk factor for developing tuberculosis and that TB is the most common cause of death in HIV-positive persons, offering Anti-Retroviral treatment services against HIV/AIDS was a natural extension of International Child Care's ongoing work in Haiti. Protecting against the double threat of TB and HIV and finding innovative ways to treat patients with both illnesses has become a critical objective for organizations like ICC that work in the developing world.

The Global Health Counsel just announced that a ceremony for the opening of an AIDS memorial in Port-au-Prince, Haiti will take place in May 2009 as an ongoing effort to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS. To learn more about this memorial click here.

Grace Children's Hospital Responds to School Collapse in Haiti

2008-11-10T11:29:00.004-05:00

Aid workers from around the world have launched a swift response to the November 8 collapse of the College La Promesse Evangelique in Petionville, near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The school collapsed about 10 a.m. on Friday as an estimated 700 students filled the school and playground in the middle of their school day. Presently, 90 children have been confirmed dead and hundreds more have suffered catastrophic injury. Rescue efforts continue around the clock with the cooperation of several international aid organizations as well as the Haitian government.

Two of the city's three hospitals are closed due to striking workers and labor disputes, so the need for critical care remains urgent. While Grace Children's Hospital provides important services to the children of Haiti, the hospital does not have any surgery or emergency care facilities. The board and leadership team at ICC Haiti is working on developing a long-term response to how to best help the children and families affected by the disaster. The new state-of-the-art eye clinic at Grace Children's Hospital will be able to offer treatment to children who were injured in the collapse, and the hospital will be able to provide counseling for families and children affected as well.

Please continue to pray for the children of Haiti affected by the school's collapse, and consider making a gift to ICC's emergency fund as we offer hope and healing to the students of Petionville.

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ICC USA Board Member Named Mentor of the Year

2008-11-03T13:51:00.005-05:00

Dr. Jeannine Hatt, an ICC USA Board member, was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year for Women of Visionary Influence (WOVI). WOVI is a non-profit organization that develops programs and activities designed to lead, educate and mentor women.

To learn more about Women of Visionary Influence and this prestigious award click here