GCA raises $130K for typhoon recovery, repairs continue

Grace Christian Academy has received about $130,000 in donations as it continues recovering from super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with roughly $95,000 currently set aside for construction work on its damaged campus, according to board chair pastor Mike Rodgers.

Rodgers said some of the donations received by GCA were specifically designated for disaster relief rather than repairs to the school itself. About $30,000 went back into the community, including assistance for Tinian and Rota.

“If we count all the donations that were brought in, we're probably around $130,000. Many of the donations, though, were designated for disaster relief.”

Rodgers said the remaining funds—about $95,000—are earmarked for construction at GCA.

“We're pushing right ahead, but we still need to raise a lot more money.”

GCA previously announced a goal of raising $500,000 to help finance its recovery. Rodgers said the total cost of all needed repairs could reach about $2 million, but the school hopes to reach the $500,000 mark and undertake projects in phases while seeking reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Rodgers said having money available upfront would allow GCA to move more quickly on repairs while going through the FEMA reimbursement process.

“The more money we can raise, the more we can actually do the projects in a faster time.”

The school continues to operate despite considerable damage sustained during Super Typhoon Sinlaku and the subsequent effects of Super Typhoon Bavi.

Rodgers said all of Building B is usable for classrooms and other activities, although the chapel still requires ceiling repairs and boards remain over windows at the front of the campus.

In Building A, Rodgers said the upstairs and downstairs rooms are usable except for a damaged wing. The bus shelter was also damaged, while rooms A-1, A-2 and A-3 lost their roof.

“That part, that wing of Building A, is going to be under construction probably for the next year or so.”

Despite the ongoing recovery, GCA welcomed approximately 165 students for the new school year.

“The typhoon has hit us hard, but it's not going to hold us down. And we're moving forward in Jesus' name.”

Alongside its recovery efforts, GCA has introduced a scholarship and financial aid program intended to make enrollment more accessible to families based on their financial circumstances.

Rodgers said assistance can range from a 10% discount to a full 100% discount based on financial need. Interested families can obtain an application from the school office, and GCA is pairing the assistance with other federal programs where applicable.

He stressed that the program is based on need rather than academic performance, although applicants are expected to have passing grades.

“This is not an academic scholarship, this is a financial aid scholarship based on the need.”

GCA has also introduced a new kindergarten-through-third-grade program this school year and is in the final stages of seeking approval for its Child Care and Development Fund program.

As the academy continues rebuilding, Rodgers said the return of students and parents has been encouraging.

“No storm can keep you down, right? Really, as long as you keep a positive attitude, and more important, that you trust in the Lord, you can overcome just about anything in your life.”