Bringing hope, changing children's lives:
Making a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children,
one child at a time, community by community.

Dear friends of Graceworks, greetings and Happy Holidays!

As I reflect on this year (2009), I am amazed at the wonderful things that have occurred due to your generous support and prayers. As many of you know, I just returned from Kenya where I spent almost the entire month of November and once again had the privilege of seeing firsthand the accomplishments of the Graceworks program there. The rural community of Rwika, Kenya, has literally been transformed by the work being carried out through Graceworks. This year, over 100 children ranging in age from three to 19 years old have been helped with food, clothes, medical care (including mosquito nets to protect them from malaria) and schooling.

Listening to the testimonies of the children and caregivers always brings tears to my eyes. Hope is now alive and well in the lives of these people because of the support being rendered through the program. The children look well and happy and have a spring in their step and a sparkle in their eye. I wish to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Graceworks.

Of course the Graceworks program has completely outgrown its current home at Rwika market. The current building can barely accommodate all the children when they come for their weekend activities. Furthermore, there is now a desperate need for a children’s home to house those children who have nowhere else to go because their parents are dead and their relatives (guardians) are no longer able to keep them for various reasons.

Thanks to your support, we are in the process of constructing a temporary shelter for these children at the current site of the Graceworks program at Rwika market. The really good news, however, is that we have located nine acres of land which have been offered for sale to the Graceworks program. The land which is a little removed from Rwika market is ideal for the needs of the program because it would not only be better suited for a more permanent children’s home, but also would offer space for other facilities including a school, which will also help the program become self sustaining.  In addition, the land would provide a place to farm, reducing the need for buying food for the children while teaching the children how to grow their own food.  We hope to raise the necessary funds to purchase the land soon.

I am very excited at what you all have helped us accomplish so far and look with great anticipation at the coming year (2010).  On behalf of the children I say, “Asante Sana! Thank You!” for your continued support. Many blessings to you and yours!

Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Njemanze Ed.D, L.C.S.W.
Founder/President: Graceworks