Have you ever had to make the difficult decision of choosing your dreams or doing what is needed in the moment? 20-year-old James is no stranger to this dilemma. In 2015, James eagerly and proudly entered high school, the first person in his family to reach that far in his education. He was thrilled for the chance to focus on his studies and work toward his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. His excitement, however, was short lived as James learned that his mother was seriously ill. As the oldest child in a single parent household, James felt the burden of caring for his family. He found a full-time job as a cook to be able to pay for his mother’s medicine, to provide financially for his four younger siblings, and pay for his school fees. He tried his best to study in his limited free time but his grades inevitably began slipping as he struggled to work full-time and care for his family. It looked like James would have to drop out of school.
Then, in 2016, James found Hope for Life and learned about our community sponsorship program. The program focuses on providing support to vulnerable families with the goal of keeping children in school and families together. Today, James no longer has to worry about choosing between school and his family. He is able to focus on his studies while also being present to help his family. He is in his last year of high school and after graduation he dreams of opening a business and being able to pay for his sibling’s school fees himself.
On school breaks, James enjoys visiting Hope for Life’s staff and the children in our rehabilitative home. He loves teaching the kids acrobatics, gymnastics and encouraging them in their faith. He is a role model to his younger siblings, to the children at Hope for Life’s home, and to his watching community.
Without your support, James would have been forced to drop out of school and he and his family would have likely remained stuck in the cycle of poverty. Thank you for your partnership that is helping make dreams a reality for families like James’!
Over 20 children in Hope for Life’s community program are waiting for a sponsor – someone to commit to providing for their school fees each month so they can achieve flourishing futures. You can become a sponsor to one of these children for less than $1.50 a day.
For more information, please visit www.hopeforlife.us/sponsor-a-child
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Formal invitation and details to follow
youth transitioned from homelessness into full time care at HFL’s rehabilitative home
youth enrolled in school who weren’t otherwise attending
total youth currently in HFL programs
children in HFL’s rehabilitative program maintaining a C+ average or higher in school
children reintegrated into homes
children equipped to start their own businesses
We’ve updated our email and website addresses!
Administrative Support: admin@hopeforlife.us US Executive Director: megan@hopeforlife.us
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Family Support & Monitoring Coordinator
Josiane is passionate about child protection and psychosocial initiatives with over 10 years experience in child protection programs, behaviour change, and community awareness activities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Rwanda and is certified in clinical Supervision through the University of Rwanda. Josiane is a registered clinical psychologist with the Rwanda Allied Health Professions Council
Family Psychologist
Anathalie enjoys working with children, adults, and families to find healthy perceptions of themselves and make positive future achievements. She is passionate about facilitating the healing process for people who have gone through traumatic experiences. Anathalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rwanda and a Master in Public Health from Mount Kenya University.
US Board Member
Tressa (she/her) has a background of more than two decades working alongside US-based, international, and cross-national nonprofits, mainly focused on relief and development. She has experience in a wide range of roles, including Human Resources, Grant Writing, Finance, and more. She was introduced to HFL through a friend and was strongly drawn to the organization’s holistic approach to addressing community needs.
SUPPORT STAFF
Esther wears many hats at HFL’s office, from clearing to preparing meals.
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Chantal is passionate about working with vulnerable children and seeing them experience holistic wellbeing. She oversees the work in the Transitional Program and serves as a child and family therapist. She has more than 17 years of experience as a therapist, school counselor, and in women empowerment programs. Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an advanced diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
RWANDA CASE ATTENDANT
Emmanuel, a former HFL beneficiary, supports youth in educational services. He leads catch-up classes, school work revision, and ensures youth who have dropped out of school are able to successfully return to the classroom.
US BOARD MEMBER
Alessandra serves as Chief of Staff for Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. She has worked on critical issues such as affordable housing, the opioid epidemic, race and social justice, developed and strengthened relationships with communities furthest from opportunity to ensure more diverse perspectives are considered in policy development, played a key role in the response to COVID-19, and led Snohomish County’s refugee resettlement efforts in collaboration with community and non-profit partners.
Alessandra was raised in Snohomish County and resides in Everett. She attended the University of Washington and holds bachelor’s degree in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior and holds a master’s degree in business administration. Alessandra enjoys biking, exploring trails, traveling, reading, playing with her Shiba Inu, and spending time with her family and friends.
Advisor, US Board of Directors
Emily works as a Washington State Auditor and is passionate about social justice, fighting homelessness, and nonprofit finance. In addition to being a CPA, Emily holds a BA in International Development, an MA in Public Administration, and certificates in Accounting and Nonprofit Management. We are grateful for her and the expertise she brings to the organization.
