La Gonave Massage Program

Who am I?
I am a wife, mom, friend, sister, daughter, massage therapist, Pilates instructor and most importantly, a follower of Christ. I am the owner of 2theCore,inc. which oversees a small outreach program called Tender Touch Ministries.

What is Tender Touch Ministries?
TTM is a small outreach program designed to teach caregivers infant massage. I believe that God is calling Tender Touch Ministries back into action. I believe in the answered prayer of Jabez that God is blessing the ministry indeed and is working to expand our territories for the sake of His children! Last year, God used the Haitian Creole translated TTM books to help me start an amazing Massage Program with 4 young women on the island of island of La Gonave.





What I need:
Since my first trip in July 2016  to La Gonave, I partnered with Renee Janofsky of Okipe to oversee the small business startup for four young women from The Children's Village orphanage. Eleven young ladies filled out applications and four were accepted into the first massage training sessions. They learned basic massage techniques, safety protocol, and simple anatomy. With the help of a nursing school instructor, Allison Hiatt, they were able to practice on a regular basis for the first 4 months until my return in Dec. 2016. 

 After their second week of training in Dec. 2016 which included ethics and communication, time management, self-care and injury prevention, chair massage and lots and lots of practice, the girls have been able to set up a temporary massage space, accept clients and receive a monthly salary and commissions at a reduced rate. They had 23 sessions in the month of March 2017! 



Client Reviews: 
Most of these young ladies had never even heard of massage therapy and had certainly never received a massage! Now, listen to some of their reviews:

Youssantha: "This massage was as good as I have had at Reid Health (in Indiana). Technique on head and neck very good. Found the right spots on calf and thigh. Thank you very much!" "Nice job!! I appreciated you speaking English!"

Cartine Flore: "Great job with tense muscles. We didn't talk much, but that was because I felt super relaxed. Her translated verbal commands were excellent."

Nadelta: "Excellent, a little more pressure on the lower extremity pressure points would be good, but overall excellent job. Would definitely compare to a massage in the States." "Massage almost put me to sleep. Wonderful!"

Francesca: "Francesca did a great job! It was so relaxing and much needed! She was very great at finding my problem areas and working them. She is also very strong, so great."

What's next?
I am currently raising money to go back to offer Week #4 of their massage training for July 2018.

This campaign is set for $2,500 and will provide for airfare, ground transportation, accommodations, translators, and meals. Luggage fees for the supplies will add up on the way in and hopefully be less on the way back. 

**Would you consider financially supporting this mission in some way?  

**Would you consider praying for the La Gonave Massage Program on a regular basis? 

Needs: 

1) Prayers for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength

2) Traveling safety and smooth transitions

3) Discernment and patience to trust God's leading

4) Financial assistance to help cover expenses for supplies, travel, translation, etc.

5) Health and protection from sickness

6) Haitian Creole language learning and wisdom in teaching in a different culture

I am so thankful that you took a moment of your time to consider supporting Tender Touch Ministries and the NEW La Gonave Massage Program. Your prayers and support will be what carries me through. 



Forever Grateful,
Essie C.
Owner 2theCore,inc
Founder, Tender Touch Ministries