Envisioning a Healthier Future for Haiti.

Since 1967, Grace Children’s Hospital has been a beacon of hope in Haiti, dedicated to transforming lives and uplifting communities through our hospital and program work. Our mission is to shatter the barriers of poverty that hinder health and well-being, building a brighter, healthier future for all.

Prevent Illness

Promote Health

Restore Health

Elderly woman cradling a baby in her arms, smiling.

Commitment to serving children and the people that support them

At Grace Children’s Hospital, our compassionate team forms the cornerstone of our impactful work. Our skilled medical professionals provide exceptional care to children and families, ensuring their well-being and growth. Alongside dedicated nurses' aides, they offer unwavering support during recovery, while also providing opportunities for education within the hospital walls.

Despite the nominal fee of $8 USD for these crucial services, many families face financial hurdles. However, reflecting our commitment, we never deny treatment to any child or family, regardless of their financial capacity.
Our History

Envisioning a Healthier Future for Haiti

Grace Children’s Hospital began more than forty years ago, when James and Virginia Snavley made their first trip to Haiti. What began as a vacation became a mission of love. The Snavleys decided to open a small clinic for boys and girls with tuberculosis. Writing to their friends in North America, they shared a vision to restore health and wholeness to hurting children—one precious life at a time.
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1961

1961

ICC Story Began

International Child Care's story began when an American couple, Jim and Virginia Snavley, visited Haiti during a stop on their cruise.

1965

1965

They returned to Haiti with their family, and in 1965 the Child Care Foundation (CCF) was formed.

1967

1967

Grace Children's Hospital, dedicated to the care of tubercular children, was officially opened in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

1972

1972

Canadian involvement grew through the auspices of Caribbean Child Care (CCC). A Haitian advisory board was formed and a year later, the inpatient capacity of the Hospital expanded from 37 to 200 and the 1,000th patient was admitted.

1974

1974

ICC, together with the Haitian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, began a national robust tuberculosis control program - the "Crusade Against Tuberculosis" (CAT). CAT included a mass vaccination campaign, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis at existing clinics throughout the country and disease specific training of community health workers. The Outpatient Program opened at Grace Children's Hospital treating 3,000+ patients per month.

1978

1978

Child Care Foundation and Caribbean Child Care merged to form International Child Care.

1979

1979

The Crusade Against Tuberculosis (CAT) expanded beyond BCG immunization to include the Case Finding, Treatment and Education (CFTE), a program which eventually targeted over 100 partner clinics throughout the country to find and treat active cases of TB.

1981

1981

By 1981, International Child Care had developed a reputation for solid expertise in the arena of TB control in Haiti. At that time, ICC had completed a mass immunization campaign, systematically vaccinating over 3 million people throughout the entire nation of Haiti. Grace Children's Hospital opened an Adult Outpatient Service and a Statistics, Evaluation and Research unit.

1983

1983

Grace Children’s Hospital opened a family planning program.

1986

1986

Grace Children’s Hospital opened a nutrition clinic.

1987

1987

As International Child Care marked its 20th anniversary, TB remained a central focus, but within the context of a growing commitment to community-based primary health care.

1988

1988

In Haiti, International Child Care is contracted by the Ministry of Health as its principal partner in the national TB program.

1992

1992

Despite the political crisis of 1991-1994 and the application of internationally imposed economic sanctions, ICC continued to successfully evolve its integrated health models. By the early 1990s, maternal/child health had emerged as an equally important program direction.

1994

1994

With the increasing global crisis of HIV/AIDS, International Child Care instituted a voluntary counseling and testing program at Grace Children´s Hospital in 1994.

2002

2002

For the first time since ICC's inception, ICC/Haiti was devoted entirely to national, Haitian leadership.

2005

2005

A major advancement in the care of HIV+ patients came in early 2005, when ICC inaugurated anti-retroviral medical treatment for children and adults with HIV/AIDS.

2010

2010

On January 12, 2010 an earthquake struck Haiti and left many people injured and homeless. The building of Grace Children's Hospital was destroyed, but knowing the great, desperate need, its staff continued to see patients in a tent community.

2014

2014

With funding from ASHA/USAID, a second floor was built onto Grace Children's Hospital for new offices for ICC Haiti and for an education and training center and conference room.

2019

2019

ICC USA completes restructuring after moving its office to Ann Arbor, MI in 2017. Restructuring ensures the organization can better serve Grace Children's Hospital.

2024

2024

International Child Care rebrands as Grace Children's Hospital, officially, to better reflect the scope of the organization's efforts.

Leadership

Haiti Board

William Brandt

Dr. Elie Nicolas

Dr. Elsie LaFosse

Jorge Reinbold

Me. Paul Rachel Cadet

Andrée L. Viard Enseignante

Dr. Gérard Joseph

USA Board

Becky Baird, TX

Emilio Bazile, MD, ON

Rev. Dr. Tommy Brumett, TX

Jehu Chesson, NY

Sveta Desai, NY

Priya Gogoi, MI

Emma Hall, MI

Jeannine Hatt, MD, TX

Lynnette Iannace, MI

Veena Katragadda, FL

Rev. Mary Martin, TX

Len Middleton, MI

Jacob McCurry, IL

Ellen L. Palmer, PhD RN, TX

Jo Ann Preissner, MI

Brad Prickett, TX

Mira Ruder-Hook, CA

Alexandra Siciliano, MI

Robyn Schindel, BC

Bethany S. Sweeny, MI

Brian Weisman, MI

Sarvani Yellayi, MI

Mika Yokoyama, MA

Staff

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Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Grace Children's Hospital, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, has stood hand-in-hand with the Haitian community for over 50 years. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. Governed by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, our members serve without compensation, ensuring our focus remains solely on our mission.

Each year, our financial records undergo rigorous independent audits by external firms, affirming our commitment to credibility. These audited statements are readily available to the public upon request, showcasing our dedication to achieving tangible, impactful results.

Stay Connected, Transform Lives!

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