Hope & Dignity for Elders in Ethiopia

A Story of Dignity Restored

At 82 years old, Alemitu had almost lost hope.

She lived alone, sleeping on a hard floor, often going days without proper meals. Without income or access to healthcare, even the smallest illness felt life-threatening. Like many elderly people in Ethiopia, she felt invisible AND forgotten by society.

Because of you, that changed.

Today, Alemitu receives monthly financial support, allowing her to buy food and meet her basic needs with dignity. She now sleeps on a proper mattress, no longer on the cold ground. She has health insurance, access to routine medical care, and receives emotional support through counseling and regular visits.

When we asked her how she feels now, she said,

“I am no longer waiting to die. I am living again.”

Alemitu is not alone; she is one of 100 elderly men and women whose lives you are transforming every single month.

What Your Support Made Possible

Because of your generosity, we have:

• Provided monthly cash assistance to 100 vulnerable elders, restoring independence and dignity

• Enrolled 100 elders in health insurance, ensuring access to essential medical care

• Delivered routine health checkups, helping detect and manage illness early

• Offered counseling and emotional support, reducing loneliness and restoring human connection

• Distributed mattresses, giving elders safe, comfortable, and dignified rest

The Real Impact

Your support is doing more than meeting basic needs:

• Elders eat regularly and regain strength

• Health conditions are being treated before they become life-threatening

• Loneliness is being replaced with connection and care

• Individuals who once felt forgotten are now seen, valued, and respected

The Need Is Still Urgent

While we celebrate this progress, many elderly individuals are still waiting.

• Food and healthcare costs continue to rise

• More elderly people are being identified in urgent need

• Limited funding restricts how many lives we can reach

What’s Next, With Your Help

We are committed to expanding this impact:

• Continue monthly support for 100 elders

• Expand to reach more vulnerable elderly individuals

• Maintain health insurance and routine medical care

• Strengthening counseling and emotional support services

• Provide additional mattresses and essential care items

• Build partnerships for long-term sustainability

A Message from Us to You

Because of you, elders who once felt forgotten are now living with dignity, care, and hope.

But there are still many like Alemitu waiting.

Your continued support can ensure that no elderly person is left behind.

Thank you for your support. 

Links:

• Grace Elderly Care International Inc.'s website
• Grace Elderly Care International Inc.'s LinkedIn
• Candid_Grace Elderly Care International Inc. for Form 990s

Project Summary

1. Project Overview

Malnutrition is a silent but devastating crisis among Ethiopia’s older adults. A 2023 clinical study from Jimma Medical Center found that 98% of hospitalized elders (60+) were either malnourished or at risk, yet only 2 cases were officially documented. A national meta-analysis the same year revealed that 1 in 5 elders (20.6%) are malnourished, especially in rural and displaced communities.

Despite this, older adults remain largely invisible in global health efforts, which often prioritize children and mothers. Many elders live alone, without steady income, medical care, or emotional support.

Grace Elderly Care International launched the Hope & Dignity for Malnourished Elders in Ethiopia project to change that. Through monthly stipends, medical checkups, emotional care, and essential items like blankets and mattresses, we help restore dignity and health for some of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable elders.

2. Key Achievements

• Monthly Nutrition Support:

80 elders received monthly cash stipends to help them buy food, hygiene supplies, and other necessities that support healthy, independent living.

• Medical Checkups:

All 80 elders were provided with regular health screenings, with a focus on detecting malnutrition and chronic age-related conditions. Critical cases were referred to local health providers.

• Emotional & Social Support:

One-on-one counseling and small group discussions helped elders combat loneliness, process loss, and rebuild a sense of connection and self-worth.

• Blanket Distribution:

80 warm blankets were distributed to help elders stay healthy and warm during cold nights, a small but life-saving act of care.

3. Impact

• Reduced hunger and improved nutrition
• Early detection and treatment of health risks
• Stronger emotional resilience and community connection
• Tangible dignity through clean, warm bedding and basic care
• Greater community awareness of elder needs and malnutrition

4. Challenges

• Food and healthcare costs continue to rise
• Reaching elders in remote areas requires more transportation resources
• Demand is growing, but funding remains limited

5. What’s Next

• Distribute 100 mattresses this Thanksgiving to elderly individuals sleeping on bare floors or worn bedding
• Enroll 20 additional elders into our monthly support program
• Strengthen partnerships with local clinics and volunteers
• Host educational workshops on elder care and aging with dignity
• Launch a digital fundraising campaign to sustain and expand services

6. Conclusion

The Hope & Dignity project is more than a program; it’s a movement of compassion for Ethiopia’s elders. By addressing malnutrition, isolation, and basic living needs, we are giving elders more than aid—we are giving them a reason to hope.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer, and partner standing with us.

https://elderlygrace.org/ 
100 Mattresses for 100 Elders This Thanksgiving

Links:

• Grace Elderly Care International Inc.'s website
• Grace Elderly Care International Inc.'s LinkedIn
• Grace Elderly Care International Inc.'s President's LinkedIn