Dear Friends,

OPTIONS. The lack of, disconnection to, or inability to access options are the roots of poverty, abandonment, neglect, violence and disease. This recurring perspective on options has been in my mind for years.  It still persists and begs attention in my mind today. I make no excuses for its persistence. Instead I am compelled to satisfy its declaration by taking action.

The Declaration of Independence supports the notion that if one is in a position to take action then it is one’s responsibility to do so. In the ancient Chinese philosophies, Taoism and Confucianism, two very important ideas emerge. Every individual’s well being is intrinsically linked to the well being of others and a moral society relies on the sense of responsibility of each of its members.

Even in the midst of the global economic crisis, 2009 has given The Grace Children’s Foundation (TGCF) ample opportunity to pursue its vision of moving forward programs of healing and learning for orphaned and disadvantaged children in China and to implement a method for the delivery of vital resources through TGCF’s Resource Exchange Center. We have taken action.

With China in a leadership position, TGCF’s Resource Exchange Center provides options for those children who have little or no hope, those who are left bereft, without resources relating to their wellbeing. TGCF has established a resource “hub” in New York City and we are working to expand our outreach by opening global headquarters in Beijing in partnership with the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund, governed by the All China Women’s Federation.  This mechanism can be replicated worldwide.

Without systematic change that connects the need to the remedy there is no hope for children in dire circumstances— those without enough to eat and basic necessities, without medical care and those children who are left uneducated. All of these children are our future.

Perhaps with the full implementation of TGCF’s Resource Exchange Center policies will be transformed, alleviating the disconnect between people and options. Perhaps this replicable mechanism of healing and learning offers a dignified way to bring the children back into the light. Perhaps there will be at least one mother who will find a way to connect her child with a remedy that was previously out of reach—enabling her to keep her precious child.

We have received pleas for help from those in dire need all over the globe. They are asking us to please bring TGCF’s Resource Exchange Center to their communities. Our vision is to provide options where few exist, to see the children beyond survival to a place where they will flourish and have a chance for lives with dignity and purpose.

Sincerely,

Nancy Robertson
President and CEO