Child Protection Thailand Project #28056

Prevent Trafficking: Educate 130 Thai Children

by Global Relief Association for Crises & Emergencies, Inc.

Project Report | Dec 8, 2025
Thirteen Years of GRACE in Thailand: Dr. Jon's Message

By Jonathan Sullivan, Ph.D. | Founder

The GRACE organization began in the early 2000’s as I traveled the globe and witnessed some of the most vulnerable among us being exploited to the benefit of others. In my circle, there was nothing being done to address the problem of exploitation. Granted, it is dirty work and far from the comfort of which most are accustomed.

That experience was enhanced as my travels became more extensive. I saw exploitation in several cultures and in varying contexts. One of those destinations was Peru. In a small village in the Andes mountains I was accused of being a trafficker. I was sharing with some teenagers in the village about a youth event taking place that weekend. In the midst of our conversation, a mother came running out of her house crying and shouting. Her tears and words were directed at me. She was telling the teens to stay away from me as I had plans of taking them back to America to sell them.

The fear and terror in the eyes of that mother humanized trafficking for me. For some time I had heard news of trafficking rings and arrests being made in various parts of the world. Until then, to me, trafficking was something that happened in another place. Trafficking was more theoretical than reality—until I looked into the eyes of that distraught mother and began to see the impact the problem has on families.

October 2012 proved to be a pivotal year as the Global Relief Association for Crises & Emergencies was incorporated in the state of Georgia, USA. Today, our home office is based in Millen, Georgia, and the work was started in Thailand. Today, we have a Family Resource Center operating in Pattaya, Thailand. We have had over 200 children come through the sponsorship program, many of which still stand in need of a sponsor. The future is bright and the vision is clear to take this work deeper into Thailand and also globally. There is no limit.

What began with one moment of fear and truth has grown into 13 years of serving children and families, building hope, and working to end exploitation.

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Aug 4, 2025
Jasmine's Smile: Pride & Joy

By Angie Sullivan | Cofounder, Project Leader

Jasmine and Ultra sporting their new caps.

"Khun Mai, I want to tell him that I'm so glad that they came to visit us. He made me so happy. And my smile went on the hat that they're going to take home. It's my smile. I want to thank him."

They journeyed an ocean away to spend time at GRACE Family Resource Center in Thailand. They shared stories, taught English language, provided arts and crafts activities, connected through music, enjoyed meals together, and created memories not soon forgotten. The encouragement a team brings when they sacrifice their time and resources to travel across the globe is beyond measure.

Jasmine knows the joy and hope brought in with the teams. As the younger of three siblings, Jasmine recently celebrated his thirteenth birthday. His family has been a part of Baan GRACE since it's inception in March of 2013. His mother has worked with GRACE since the inaugural opening of the first GRACE Family Resource Center in Thailand.

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. Jasmine penned the smile in his heart on a scrap piece of paper expressing his happiness with those who came to visit. Pure joy expressed his love and broke through language barriers as he gifted a team member with the paper. The gentleman was so touched by Jasmine's expression that he took the paper to a local embroidry shop. Requesting the drawing to be expressed on the front of the caps and "GRACE" in Thai language on the side of the caps, he purchased many in a variety of colors.

Upon gifting Jasmine with a cap, which captivated the design, the team witnessed an unforgettable moment of gratitude and pride. Jasmine buried his head into Mai's shoulder as he was filled with great honor. Tearfully, Jasmine asked the team to never forget the smiles of Thailand.

They journeyed back home doning caps that captivates Jasmine's unforgettable smile.

Jasmine's smile design embroidered on caps

Jasmine sporting the side profile of the new cap

Links:

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Apr 3, 2025
Summertime Impact in Thailand

By Angie Sullivan | Cofounder, Project Leader

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