A place where hope and new beginnings are made possible.
We provide a refuge where young unwed mothers have access to education and programs that instill new values, promote well-being, and nurture the life skills to achieve security and become productive members of the Gulu community.
We are called by God to share his blessings,
to foster new beginnings and to transform lives.
Who We Help
Their stories began in the the streets of Gulu, Uganda during the COVID lockdown. Many young, unwed women—through no fault of their own—were abandoned by the biological fathers of their unwanted children. But their stories do not need to end there. We can help them build hope for the future.
"Through targeted education and support, we can help these young women become change agents for a better world." – Helen Mutono, Founder
How We Make
a Difference
Counseling
We provide counseling to overcome trauma and gain a renewed sense of self.
Education
We organize educational programs and training to develop vocational and life skills for success.
Sponsorship
We connect mothers and children with sponsors for ongoing financial support.
Donate
PayPal
Donate once or set up recurring donations.
DONATE
PayPal will automatically send you a receipt.
Wire Transfer
Send money directly from your bank account to GCMI's account.
Bank: Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited
Account Name: Grace Christian Ministries International - Gulu
Customer Number (CIF): 20301157501
Branch Code: 031017
Swift Code: SBICUGK
You will receive confirmation of the transfer from your bank.
Please send an email to GCMI.uganda@gmail.com to let us know to expect the transfer, the amount, and where to send the receipt.
Meet the team that is transforming lives
Our board members give their time and support to help us make a difference in the lives of unwed mothers in Gulu.
Helen Mutono
Founder and Executive Director
Over her 30-year career, Helen Mutono has served in multiple leadership and project management roles in nonprofit organizations providing services in Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia. Her experience includes founding a school for disadvantaged children in Gulu, Uganda; developing and managing child sponsorship programs across central Africa; and serving in financial management, community outreach and environmental conservation roles. She founded Grace Christian Ministries International in 2021. She has a B.A. in Education from LaSalle University and a post-graduate certificate in Biblical counseling from Westminster Seminary.
Lucy Lawor Lutara
Project Director
Lucy Lutara has more than 10 years of experience as founder and leader of charitable organizations in the U.K., and as a pastoral assistant and pastor. More recently, she has served as an elderly care provider in Tonbridge, U.K. She is a founding member of Grace Christian Ministries International, Uganda. She graduated from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda with honors, where she earned a BSc. in Botany and Zoology. She also has a Certificate in Higher Education Bookkeeping from London Accounting Institute, and a Diploma of Higher Education in Christian Ministries and Studies from the International Institute of London.
Doris Opiyo
Nurse
Doris Opio has worked as a registered nurse and midwife in Uganda and the U.K., including the Princess Royal University Hospital in London, England. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of Grace Christian Ministries International (GCMI Uganda), she serves as Assistant Chairperson at Women in Unity, a charity organization dedicated to empowering women to improve their lives. Doris graduated with distinction from Croydon College in London and earned an an advanced degree in
Adult Nursing from the King's College University London Program.
Eva Aber
Board Secretary
and Lawyer
Anne Kankunda Lutara
Environmental Worker
Christine Akello Financial Advisor
See what our sponsors and volunteers have to say
"My heartfelt desire is that these young women and their children experience the boundless love of Jesus Christ and build hope for the future."
– Father Tony, Jesuits Midwest
"Spending time with the women and children and seeing the positive impact of a few days of initial counseling was such a rewarding experience. We must continue the good work we started."
– Mr. Terence Okwonga, Local Council Chairman
We are grateful for Father Tony's support.
Read his full letter here.
About Us
Our foundation is a registered non-government organization (NGO) under the laws of Uganda, dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable unwed mothers and their children. We bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to provide education and training to help those who need it the most.
Connect with us
Grace Christian Ministries International
P.O. Box 48, Gulu, Uganda
gcmi.uganda@gmail.com
Plot 2-18 School Road, Gulu City, Gulu, Uganda
"For I know the plans that I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for welfare
and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11