Help Grace Prosper in Post-War Sri Lanka

By any definition, the girls of the Grace Care Center didn't have much of a childhood. A brutal civil war dominated their lives, harsh poverty crippled the region, and prospects for the future were rare or nonexistent in northeast Sri Lanka.

The war appears to be history; the future now to be written. Our friends at Grace need help that can be provided for as little as 30 cents a day.

The challenges facing Sri Lanka's children -- the first generation in 30 years to come of age in peace time -- are many: Civil rights, equal opportunities, education, and coming to terms (psychologically) with the tragedies of the past. The Grace Care Center has the opportunity to empower these young women, to offer a better future for themselves ... and their children.

Peace offers many opportunities, yet brings new challenges to be met. Prices have gone up, for everything from staples (rice, milk powder) to school fees and educational needs. On the plus side, signs of economic improvement bring employment and trade opportunities that were simply not possible a few short years ago.

VeAhavta and the staff at Grace are working toward self-sufficiency for the compound and its programs (Grace and Mercy Homes, Vocational Training and Day Care), and a sustainable future for the children. Working with local businessmen, service organizations, non-profit groups and others, projects have been identified for Grace to develop the resources and skills needed to provide for itself.

Grace's challenge is our challenge. For Grace to provide opportunities for its residents, VeAhavta needs to increase our monthly support to Grace by $5,000. To reach this goal, we've launched the 'Trinco 500' campaign, a grass-roots effort to add 500 'friends' to the Grace family ... each 'friend' being a person who makes a $10 monthly contribution. We're asking our extended family of supporters -- new and old -- to reach out to their friends and colleagues and build a truly global support network for these children.

Our friends at Grace need a hand up, not a hand out, which can be provided for as little as 30 cents a day. What can $10 a month do? In Trincomalee, that amount can purchase shoes for 15 girls, supply two seniors with medicine, or pay school costs for 10 children. Your support will allow VeAhavta to plant the seeds for self-sustaining programs at Grace.

Post-war Sri Lanka offers possibilities and promise for the first time in a generation. Help us make sure that the next generation can enjoy the benefits of peace. Please share this message with your friends, and visit the Trinco 500 page at www.you-shall-love.org/Donation/Trinco500.aspx.

Thank you,
James Mitchell
President, VeAhavta

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