About Us
We are a faith-driven humanitarian organization dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities through sustainable healthcare, education, and development.
Empowering Communities Through Healing and Service
We are a faith-driven humanitarian organization dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities through sustainable healthcare, education, and development.
Our Story & Purpose
Touch of Grace began as a heartfelt mission to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved communities. Deeply rooted in faith, our founders envisioned a future where no one would be denied essential medical care because of geography or means.
Our purpose is clear: to deliver lasting and compassionate support through medical outreach, education, and local development. We prioritize sustainable transformation — not just temporary solutions — by working hand-in-hand with communities, leveraging local knowledge, and building programs that resonate with local needs.
Our Approach & Impact Philosophy
Community Collaboration
We partner with local leaders and stakeholders to build trust and align every project to real needs.
Holistic Care
Our services span medical, educational, and development work to address root causes, not just symptoms.
Sustainable Development
Every initiative is designed for long-term impact, from building infrastructure to training local professionals.
Capacity Building
We empower future leaders through education and training, ensuring communities are equipped to care for themselves.
Meet Our Leadership
Founder & CEO
Mrs. Alima Sammarie
Mrs. Alima Sammarie is the Founder and CEO of Touch of Grace. She is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 22 years of diverse clinical experience spanning pediatrics, medical-surgical care, rehabilitation, geriatrics, home health, and hospice services.
Her career includes significant leadership roles as a Unit Manager and Assistant Director of Nursing Services, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care management, team leadership, and healthcare administration.
Driven by deep compassion and a calling to uplift underserved communities, Mrs. Alima established Touch of Grace to bring quality healthcare, hope, and empowerment to vulnerable populations. Her vision continues to shape every initiative and partnership within the organization.
Board of Advisers
Mr Obinna Okoye
Mr. Obinna is a corporate professor at Harrisburg University of Technology, where he teaches postgraduate courses in strategy, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, and management. He also serves as the Director of Prime Business School, providing online training in Business Process Development and Project Management.
He coordinates programs and projects for GEANCO Foundation in Africa — including orthopedic surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, maternal care, and scholarships. Previously, he worked at the International Finance Corporation (the World Bank’s investment arm) in Washington, D.C., gaining valuable experience in investment project development across multiple sectors. Based in Maryland, he is married and a proud father of three.
Mrs Beatrice Mulwanda
Mrs. Beatrice is a dedicated Sierra Leonean professional with a strong background in financial services. She grew up in Freetown, attended St. Joseph’s schools, and later graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Business Management in Zambia. After returning to the U.S., she spent over 15 years at Navy Federal Credit Union in roles culminating in her current position as Staff Assistant in the Savings & Membership Department.
She holds an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a Certified IRA Professional (CIP) and licensed Realtor in Virginia. She has also been deeply involved in nonprofit organizations, advocating for education and humanitarian relief within the Sierra Leonean community in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Patricia Ayuk
Dr. Patricia Ayuk is an accomplished Clinical Pharmacist with more than 28 years of expertise in cardiovascular and immunology/rheumatology disease states. Her extensive clinical, research, and academic background enables her to contribute exceptional insight to Touch of Grace’s mission of improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
She has led and collaborated on 100+ scientific projects and facilitated interdisciplinary patient discussions across dermatology, respiratory, immunology, and cardiometabolic disease states. Her work has resulted in more than 50 posters and platform presentations, 20+ peer-reviewed publications, and 10 funded research grants.
Awards & Accolades
A reflection of our commitment and community impact.
Certificate of Recognition – Yengema, Sierra Leone
Mrs. Alima Sammarie was honored by the Big Sisters Social Club of Yengema Town for her commitment to community empowerment and her dedication to improving healthcare access for underserved families.
This recognition reflects her genuine love for the people of Yengema and her continuous work to uplift the community.
Sierra Leone NGO Awards 2023 – Outstanding NGO Performance
Touch of Grace was honored at the 8th Annual Sierra Leone NGO Awards for its outstanding performance in the nonprofit sector. This recognition celebrates our commitment to excellence, best practices, and our contribution to community development and humanitarian services in Sierra Leone.
Humanitarian Excellence Award – 1st Edition (2024)
Touch of Grace received the Humanitarian Excellence Award from the African CEO Media Corporation at the 1st Annual Sierra Leone Corporate Excellence Awards ceremony.
This award recognizes our significant and positive impact on improving social livelihoods and advancing human development in Sierra Leone.
It highlights our dedication to humanitarian support, healthcare outreach, and community empowerment across underserved regions.
Future Goals & Vision
At Touch of Grace, our journey is just beginning. Our strategic goals include:
Building a teaching hospital to provide quality medical training and services.
Establishing a nursing school to cultivate local healthcare professionals.
Supporting economic development through agro-business projects that empower communities.
Expanding medical mission outreach, especially in Sierra Leone’s underserved regions.
Promoting health education and research, improving community resilience through knowledge.
Guided by the belief that health is a human right, we remain focused on sustainable impact rooted in compassion, faith, and long-term partnership.
