Ninotte and Maya are two people fiercely driven by self-determination. Though demographically different from one another, both are doing “hard stuff” with great heart and resilience.
I first met Maya years ago when her mom, Ann, called me at the Traverse City Human Rights Commission to share the family’s difficulties in finding local, ADA accessible parks. As chair of the HRC, I asked Ann to speak to the entire commission, which she did.
Ann’s daughter, “Mighty Miss Maya” as she’s referred to, is a Traverse City 5th-grader. She was born with cerebral palsy and has had serious surgeries and various therapies. Maya uses an array of mobility aids and she’s able to walk specific distances unassisted. She loves many things: Her family and dog Abby, sports, school and acting in Old Town Playhouse’s youth company productions. Currently, she’s playing Lucy in OTP’s “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”
In October, Maya and her mom were on stage with me at the Grand Traverse Resort’s Governors Hall for the annual Michigan Library Association conference.
The attendees learned a great deal from them.
Since the conference, Maya has been doing lots of speaking in area classrooms and working to get the two books they wrote, donated to the hundreds of libraries in Michigan. In Maya’s books, readers have a window into Maya’s life. Additionally, kids with disabilities aren’t depicted as the ones always needing help. They are also the helpers and the leads in their stories. The books offer a mirror reflecting their image. To follow Maya and support her efforts, go to: www.mightymissmaya.org
I first met Ninotte through my friend, local midwife, Kathi Mulder. Kathi and her daughter, had gone to Haiti to volunteer, and returned with ways for our circle of friends to continue helping. The Mulders were especially impressed with Ninotte, a Haitian born, dynamo midwife, completing her training.
After many years of schooling and apprenticeship, planning and fundraising, Ninotte, is the director of the new Haitian-centered Grace Community Birth Center in Grand Bassin. It opened in spring 2023. Ninotte, initially shy and fearful of public speaking, is now a leader others emulate.
The Haitian people have lived under violent political instability for decades. Currently, the US State Department advises “do not travel to Haiti.”
Yet under these conditions, Ninotte assists pregnant women in bringing their babies into the world. She and her team provide families with general health care and health education. The GCBC also employs other Haitians, while growing and raising their own food. Ninotte is a leader filled with faith and a vision of “Haiti for Haitians.”
To follow Ninotte and support her efforts, go to: www.Gracecommunitybirthcenter.org. At the holiday season, I’m inundated with appeals for financial assistance from nonprofits and charities. I’m looking for real progress.
Sadly, several use “inspiration porn” in their solicitations. Some say they aim to give vulnerable folks a voice. I’ve rarely met a vulnerable person who didn’t have something to say. It’s access they lack.
In too few of these letters have I read that their goal is self-determination or the equalization of power. There is no “disability screen” used. I see little mention of the people they serve directing the organization through managerial roles. Or direction by way of serving on the organization’s boards and committees.
That’s why I love Ninotte and Maya.