Daily Inspiration: Meet Jim Grant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Grant.

Hi Jim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After 21 years in IT, I was left feeling unfulfilled and looking for something to dedicate myself to that had more meaning than money. In 2006 I heard a presentation from Dr. Stan Shaffer, a neo-natal pediatrician who had co-founded a maternal and infant health care center, Maison de Naissance (MN, “Home of Birth” in French), in a remote, rural region of SW Haiti. His compassion and purpose were inspirational, but I wasn’t prepared to jump at that point, although I had left IT and was looking for a new occupation.

In early 2008, I encountered the same doctor in a local restaurant, where he was meeting with potential volunteers to support his organization’s work. After a lengthy discussion about MN, he suggested I go there. That July, I traveled to Haiti on my own for 2 weeks and spent my time at the center doing whatever I could to help out, including facilities maintenance, vehicle repairs, IT support, and, more importantly, learning MN’s mission to prevent maternal and newborn deaths.

I came home inspired by what I had seen and heard and how fulfilling the work was. I presented Dr. Shaffer with a proposal outlining all the work I could do to support MN and asked for a job. Shortly afterward, I became the contract Logistics Director for MN’s US-based support organization, Global Birthing Home Foundation. By 2011, I was the executive director and have held that position ever since. Despite taking a massive salary reduction compared to my IT career, I have no plans to do anything else because this work is so gratifying.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all! I had a lot to learn about operating a nonprofit and the sacrifices required to dedicate my career to this pursuit. Haiti is a troubled country, but the people and their culture are amazing. They are very misunderstood due to how US media reports on Haiti, but it’s easy to see past that once you get to know the Haitian people. Fundraising and advocacy can be challenging when faced with the ignorance enforced by skewed media reports and the complete inability of most US citizens to relate to the incredible difficulties faced by everyday Haitian citizens. Grinding poverty, a broken government and health care system, poor infrastructure, a poor education system, and almost non-existent social services make life very hard for 98% of the population.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in maternal and infant health care, including pre- and post-natal care, deliveries, family planning, well-baby care, STD testing and treatment (including HIV and HPV), reproductive health, and community health outreach services. We are known for our commitment to quality, inclusiveness, and respectful healthcare services. The center has been open 24×7 since October 2004, with only a few days spent on disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and an August 2021 earthquake that severely damaged our campus and destroyed several staff homes. We are proud of our status as a community institution, nicknamed Lopital Lanaj (Larnage Hospital), after the small village where Maison de Naissance operates. Our vision sets us apart from others: We believe every mother and every infant, regardless of skin color, country of origin, religion, economic or social status, deserves the opportunity for culturally relevant healthcare, especially a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

• Dr. Stan Shaffer: co-founder of Maison de Naissance and mentor
• Dr. Elizabeth Wickstrom: co-founder and board president, staunch supporter of my role as Executive Director
• Demi Lloyd: former board member and donor of the foundation office space for 13 years
• Marian Philip: A tireless advocate within the Episcopal Church since the very beginning
• Mary Grant: my wife and chief supporter of my career choice

Pricing:

• $50 pays for a full suite of 6 prenatal care visits, lab tests, and delivery
• $350 pays an obstetric nurse’s salary for one month.
• $550 pays a midwife’s salary for one month.
• $5,000 pays for the midwifery center’s medical supplies for one month.
• $15,000 pays for two weeks of total operating expenses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.globalbirthinghomefoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhf_haiti/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHFound
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-birthing-home-foundation/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mnhaiti
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MNHaiti/videos

Image Credits
Daphnee Boncoeur, Kolette Bury