The island nation Sri Lanka now faces a future where peace is a condition, not a wish. In the impoverished, war-torn northeast, opportunities to help a struggling population have never been greater.
A diverse range of Michigan talent and experience will guide the nonprofit group VeAhavta in supporting and administering the Grace Care Center children's home and elder care facility in the northeast port town, Trincomalee. Victims of poverty and survivors of Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war, the children and elders of Grace are in greater need than ever of educational and vocational opportunities.
In October 2009, VeAhavta relocated from California to Ypsilanti, Michigan, with a five-member Board of Directors providing oversight to a hands-on team of operating officers. Reporter James Mitchell, author of "But For the Grace: Profiles in Peace From a Nation at War" chronicling the story of Grace and VeAhavta, was unanimously chosen to serve as President of VeAhavta USA.
"It is both an honor and challenge for us to continue the work started by Eric Parkinson," said Mitchell. "His astonishing efforts for these past seven years leave pretty sizeable shoes to fill; it will take many of us to live up to that challenge."
Along with Mitchell, the five-member team of officers includes: Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam, Vice President of Community Outreach; Dr. Cheryl Huckins, Vice President of Operations; Lynn Helland, Secretary; and Lori Kostoff, Treasurer. Each of the officers has been to Grace; Mitchell recently spent a total of three months at the compound.
Oversight will be provided by a five-member voting Board of Directors. Chaired by Dr. Doug Edema, a vice president with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and past visitor to Grace, the panel includes retiring anesthesiologist and VeAhavta donor Siraj Alseri; internist and Grace visitor Dr. Mohammed Nadeemullah; donor and MBA Rosemary Esch; and geriatrician and infectious disease specialist Dr. Preeti Malani.
Parkinson said that stepping aside from VeAhavta was a difficult decision, but his journey has taught him that the VeAhavta imperative, "You Shall Love," is more than just a phrase.
"Love is the best thing that any of us can offer to another human being," Parkinson said. "Economic support may fill a belly, but it won't fill a soul. Only love can do that."
Of the volunteers, board of directors and friends and supporters, Parkinson said he is confident that their commitment will keep Grace living up to its promise.
"Your love has built a home," Parkinson said.

Permalink