Thomas and Cindie Juul-Larsen met Grace 13 years ago.  She works at the Lifestyle Resort at the Kid's Club and cared for their children when they were young.  (Now they are all grown).  She was always kind and warm-hearted. They have remained close and they love her dearly.  

During their visit in October, 2024, they found her struggling and desperate to find ways that she can support her family, so desperate that she was considering trying to get a job on a cruise ship and leaving them for several years just so that she could someday have a home of her own.  

Grace also supports her daughter, Nicole (25) who lives with her and her two grandchildren, Jaiden 10, and Axcel 11 months. She also has a 17 year old son Erick.

Though she works 12 hour days, her low salary of $339 monthly doesn't  cover her rent and food.  She can only feed her family once a day.  The children are not able to take food to school.  

We were able to convince her that leaving the family to work on a cruise ship was not the answer.  We spoke with others who made that choice and regretted it. 

We discussed privately that the best solution would be to build her a home so she would have something she owned and never have to pay rent again.  

Louise ZoBell, director of Dominican Starfish Foundation introduced Thomas and Cindie from Denmark to Walt and Roxane  from North Carolina. They graciously donated land for Grace to have a home and also agreed to help the Juul-Larsen family with fundraising.  When we returned later in the day to give Grace the news, she responded with such joy and appreciation. 

Grace had a $2 tip on her desk.  Though that could buy some much-needed food, she insisted on giving it to us so that she could pay the first $2 for her home. (We are planning to frame it and put it in her new home.) We hope that many of you will match her $2 and much, much more!  

Thank you in advance for helping Grace and her family.