established through HopeChest.
established through HopeChest.
from sponsors to children
At Children’s HopeChest, we believe that true transformation happens when communities come together—when individuals unite around a shared vision, support each other, and grow together. This Year-End, as we look forward to building on 30 years of impact, we’re shining a spotlight on the power of community.
Through the stories of people like Fikrite in Ethiopia, Hatib in Uganda, and the students in Russia, we see how building community not only changes individual lives but creates a ripple effect that transforms entire neighborhoods.
Why Community Matters: Where Transformation Begins
As we reflect on 30 years of building community partnerships around the world, we are reminded that it’s not just about the projects or the programs—it’s about the people. It’s about the connections we make, the ways we support each other, and the lasting relationships that form when we come together with a shared purpose.
Whether it’s a group of youth performing together in Uganda, a single mother finding strength and passing it on in Ethiopia, or a community of women saving together in Guatemala, we see that true transformation happens when we build up those around us. Together, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what any one person or organization can do alone.
This Year-End, we invite you to continue building alongside us. Your partnership is a key part of this community—together, we can continue to create change that lasts for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
Community in Ethiopia
Fikrite, a single mother of six, was struggling when she first joined the I Care for the Nation CarePoint. Emotionally and financially exhausted, Fikrite faced many challenges as she tried to care for her children alone. But when she connected with the CarePoint’s psychosocial support program, she began a journey of healing and empowerment.
Through training and involvement in savings groups, Fikrite gained the confidence to start a small business. Today, Fikrite is a confident, financially stable woman who is setting an example for other mothers in her community. She’s no longer the woman who struggled in isolation; she’s become a role model for other destitute women, showing them that with the right support, they too can rise above their challenges. This is what it means to build a strong, interconnected community—one where individuals are not only lifted up but are empowered to lift others.
Community in Guatemala: Women Supporting Women
At Ceiba Blanca CarePoint in Guatemala, the community is coming together in powerful ways. Women in the savings group are supporting each other to create a brighter future. Each participant invites a friend or family member to join the group, expanding the circle of support. Through shared testimonies and personal connections, these women are learning how to save, how to plan, and how to grow together.
One woman shared her personal journey of joining the savings group: she came in looking for a way to improve her life and found a community of women who not only shared the same struggles but offered encouragement and wisdom. Together, they are transforming their futures, one saved dollar at a time. This is the heart of building community—where individuals unite and support each other to build a more sustainable future.
As we continue to build trust in our CarePoint communities with leaders like Jomara, we see a powerful ripple effect. We are thankful for Jomara, and others, who are committed to their communities. Together, we’re building a future where children and families have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Community in Uganda
At Katuba CarePoint, Rose is a powerful example of how building community can create lasting change. As a project guardian, Rose was introduced to a poultry farming training through the CarePoint, which sparked a passion in her for chicken rearing. She quickly realized that the business could offer not just quick returns but also an opportunity to provide for her family and become an active contributor to her community.
After receiving training and a loan from the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), Rose started her poultry business. Since then, she has completed four cycles of chicken production, each time reinvesting her profits into growing her business. But what truly sets Rose apart is her deep commitment to community-building.
Rose and Her Mentee, Rachael
Rather than keeping her success to herself, Rose is actively working to share her knowledge and empower others in her community, particularly single mothers who face similar challenges. She has taken it upon herself to train and mentor other women, showing them how they, too, can create sustainable businesses and become financially independent. One of her mentees, Racheal, is currently under Rose’s mentorship, learning how to raise chickens and start her own small business.
Rose’s journey is a perfect example of how community-building works in practice. Through the CarePoint’s training programs and the support of the VSLA, Rose was able to create a successful business. But rather than keeping her success to herself, she’s using it as a platform to lift up others. This willingness to share knowledge creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond her individual success. As Rose trains and encourages others, she is helping to build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What’s powerful about Rose’s story is that it reflects the essence of community empowerment: when individuals come together, share resources, and support one another, everyone benefits. By teaching other women the skills she learned, Rose is fostering a culture of mutual support where people lift each other up and work towards common goals. Her mentorship creates a cycle of empowerment, where women are not just surviving—they are thriving and giving back to the community.
In a community like Katuba, where opportunities are scarce, this kind of peer-to-peer mentorship is vital. It helps to create a network of support that provides both practical skills and the emotional encouragement needed to overcome obstacles. Through community collaboration, Rose and other women are building a foundation of trust and solidarity that strengthens the fabric of their entire community.
Rose’s story demonstrates the power of community and how when people come together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen. Training programs like the one offered at the CarePoint don’t just teach people new skills—they build relationships, create networks, and foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. By focusing on empowering one another, the community in Katuba is building a legacy of strength, where women like Rose are not only improving their own lives but are also helping to create opportunities for others.
In the end, community-building isn’t just about individual success—it’s about creating a shared vision for a better future, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. And that’s exactly what Rose is doing: building a community where everyone is empowered to reach their potential and help others do the same.
The story of Rose and her work in Katuba illustrates that true community-building happens when individuals come together to share knowledge, support each other, and create lasting change. When people like Rose take the initiative to mentor, encourage, and train others, they don’t just change individual lives—they transform entire communities. This is the power of community-driven change: when one person’s success becomes the catalyst for the success of many.
Your Role in Building Lasting Change
As we look forward to the next 30 years, we invite you to continue building community alongside us. Your partnership plays a critical role in this shared mission. Together, we can continue to create change that lasts for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we can continue to build a future where communities thrive, support each other, and create lasting transformation. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss a single update!
As we reflect on 30 years of building community partnerships around the world, we are reminded that it’s not just about the projects or the programs—it’s about the people. It’s about the connections we make, the ways we support each other, and the lasting relationships that form when we come together with a shared purpose.
Whether it’s a group of youth performing together in Uganda, a single mother finding strength and passing it on in Ethiopia, or a community of women saving together in Guatemala, we see that true transformation happens when we build up those around us. Together, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what any one person or organization can do alone.
This Year-End, we invite you to continue building alongside us. Your partnership is a key part of this community—together, we can continue to create change that lasts for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
