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Marcie Erickson, native of Naples, began a life-changing journey at 18, answering God’s call to become a missionary in Ethiopia. In 2006, she founded Grace Center Foundation after adopting her first three children.
Now, alongside her husband Sefinew, they lovingly raise a family of 12 children. What began with a vision and five foster children has evolved into a mission
impacting over 50,000 individuals annually.
Unlike many projects addressing specific needs, Grace Center recognizes each person as an individual with unique gifts, callings, and goals. Their mission extends across various programs and services, providing daily meals for over 1,000 people and clean water to all those in need. The foundation operates a tuition-free private Christian school, a preschool, the sole special needs school and day program in Ethiopia, supporting children with disabilities. Additionally, they offer business starting programs for adults and pioneered the first infant daycare program in the country. Grace Center extends its assistance to women and children in prison, where children often accompany their mothers to keep the children safe from revenge killing.
Eyob was found outside the back wall of Grace Center. His mother gave birth, unaware of the help within, and didn’t know what to do, so she left him. Sadly, it’s not uncommon that newborn babies are left alone and abandoned. These moms are often young, and many have conceived their children through rape.
When he was found, his arm was swollen from being in the cold night. You can see Eyob just a few months later. His life was saved. Grace Center always tries to locate the immediate family or relatives, and there are times where the child is reunited with a family member. However, there are many times where no family can be found.
Here is Eyob meeting his new adoptive family. Grace Center pioneered the entire adoption program within Ethiopia, a population of over 110 million people. This couple, married for 17 years and unable to have children, have met the child they always dreamed of, and this sweet baby Eyob now has a family of his own.
In efforts to prevent abandoned babies, Grace Center initiated the first emergency hotline in Ethiopia. With no equivalent to 9-1-1, mothers who feel desperate can call or text for help and receive the life transforming support they need. The impact of this hotline became evident immediately, with over 500 calls within the first few days. Hundreds of lives are being saved through this phone line.
Eyayu Genet is a world renown artist with showings in the US, Europe, Brazil and UAE. One of his paintings auctioned for $50,000 in the US. At the Experience Ethiopia event on March 2, 2024, Eyayu’s artwork “Reconciliation” and another one of his paintings will be available in the silent auction. “Reconciliation” envisions Eyayu’s dream to see an end to this brutal war and see peace in Ethiopia. Bidding is possible before and during the event through the Qr code in our event add.
YOU’R INVITED!
MARCH 2, 2024
Please join Grace Center in saving and transforming lives in Ethiopia. Join us at our Experience Ethiopia event and enjoy African Dance and Drumming by Delou Africa, Chad Craig and The Sea Gate Malleteers, Live Auction by Rick Gallo, Silent Auction, Ethiopian marketplace, hear touching stories from Marcie Erickson and more.
Or go to www.GraceCenterFoundation.org to give.
239-465-6435
www.GraceCenterFoundation.org
