Category Archives: Partners with Matanya’s Hope

Craft Fair Poster

Hope for your Skin – Hope for the World

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It’s hard to provide food for the hungry, clothing for the naked and shoes for the barefooted children without funds. Every year, Matanya’s Hope continues to focus on raising money for our outreach programs, including the provision of food, school supplies, blankets, hygiene items and safe drinking water systems.

Help comes in a variety of ways.

Just 6 weeks ago, my college friend and roommate introduced me to an organic, natural moisturizer which she is funding completely as a fundraiser for Matanya’s Hope. I must admit, I was a bit sceptical – but I tried it and the results were immediate softer, more hydrated skin! Best of all, this natural product can be used on your face, hands and body! It smells wonderful too – with a hint of lavender and camomile!

Poster for Moisturizer and Matanya's Hope Final

More to cheer about!

On Saturday August 3, Matanya’s Hope will be participating in a community event at the Flossmoor Community House located at: 2218 Hutchison Road Flossmoor, IL 60422. We will be introducing this organic, hand crafted moisturizer for the first time. Also featured will be Kenyan items such as: handmade leather and beaded sandals, jewelry and more!

Hand Beaded & Leather Sandals - Matanya's Hope

Amazon smiles Banner for blog jpg

Shop Amazon and Help our Children

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Your shopping makes a difference. Do your regular Amazon shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/13-4330919 and Amazon donates to Matanya’s Hope.

This is Sabina Nyaguthi. She dreams of going to school like the other children, but fees often prevent her from attending class.

This is Sabina Nyaguthi. She dreams of going to school like the other children, but fees often prevent her from attending class.

Shop at Amazon Smiles – Matanya’s Hope. Together, we can make this world a better place… and shop too!

Purchase your:
Groceries
Summer clothes & shoes
Toys for the kids
Health food items
Household items
Beauty Care
and so much more!

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BOY DRINKING FROM FAUCET - RAILA PRIMARY - 500 DPI

Water is Life

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It always amazes me that something as simple as water can have a life or death effect on people. Safe drinking water can help revive lethargy and help a student focus on their schoolwork. We’ve seen the miracle of safe water! It is the difference between going to the river to collect murky, brown water and putting a cup under the tank spigot to collect safe, clear hydration! The boy in the above photo is from Kibera. He is desperately trying to extract any remaining safe water from the pipe next to his school compound. Otherwise, he must depend on unsafe sewage water, infested with trash and human waste. It is through your giving that dramatic differences can occur in the lives of those in need every day!

This dirty river water in the photo above is all that remains from the mornings collection. Due to no other choice, the rest has been consumed.

This dirty river water in the photo above is all that remains from the mornings collection. Due to no other choice, the rest has been consumed.

Thanks to the support of our friends and donors, Matanya’s Hope was able to place more than 23 ten-thousand liter rainwater storage tanks during our most recent mission, just 3 months ago. And I am excited to share with you that when a child gains access to safe, clean drinking water through your donations, we are offering the gift of hope. Sometimes, for the very first time, deadly diseases such as typhoid and cholera fade into the background and crystal clear drinking water fills hearts and bellies.

This little girl is so excited as their newly donated tank is being filled with safe water.

This little girl is so excited as their newly donated tank is being filled with safe water.

Matanya’s Hope is indebted to organizations like: B’nai Torah Congregation, Living Springs Community Church, Ox of Salt and H.O.T. for collectively providing the gift of safe drinking water to remote schools, orphanages, clinics and families who otherwise had none.

The children of this Masai village gather with me around their new tank, donated this year.

The children of this Masai village gather with me around their new tank, donated this year.

Rainwater storage tanks come in a variety of sizes and range in price from $350 to $1,500. Individual placement includes building a secure (usually concrete) base for the tank to stand on and the installation of a gutter system designed to deliver the rainwater through the tank’s sieve. Finally, each tank is beautifully inscribed with the donor’s name and a message of hope. During the dry season, we strive to fill each tank upon delivery with clean drinking water.

Make a difference today! Donate a rainwater storage tank and give the gift of life to those in need. In the above photo, safe drinking water is being collected from a newly placed tank.

Make a difference today! Donate a rainwater storage tank and give the gift of life to those in need.
In the above photo, safe drinking water is being collected from a newly placed tank.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating a life saving rainwater storage tank to those in need, please contact me personally through email: [email protected] or by responding to this post. Safe water is life. What a beautiful gift to give this holiday season.

It is my prayer that through donations, Matanya's Hope will be able to provide this little boy and his family with safe water for the very first time.

It is my prayer that through donations, Matanya’s Hope will be able to provide this little boy and his family with safe water for the very first time.

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Sean Martin is overjoyed to receive clothing and school supplies during mission.

Look Who Just Got Sponsored!

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You may already be a part of miraculous stories in your life, or maybe you are eager to be a part of the miracles unfolding right here at Matanya’s Hope. To every sponsor, prayer warrior and donor, thank you for helping us give love and hope to thousands of children in need. This story is about Sean Martin, a boy who touched founder Michelle Stark’s heart the moment she met him.

Stark tells us, “My entire being ached when I heard Sean’s story from the Director of his school.” Desperate to get her grandchildren educated, Sean’s jobless grandmother walked barefooted and hungry to a “local” primary school. The trek was monumental, demanding this elderly woman to sustain a long climb up the steep, rocky mountain roads until she reached the school gates. There, she told the director that she had no money but would bring some soon. She explained, “Sean has just been orphaned and his cousin Valerie is orphaned as well”. The director took the two children in, but months passed and the promissory fees were not paid. The children’s grandmother was unable to manage the bill. Sean and Valerie were to be sent home… Their hope for education faded. That is when I met them.

Sean smiled but I could see the pain beneath his sweet face. He needed the absolute basic necessities in life: food,shelter and love. When his mother never returned from a recent outing, Sean’s only hope was his jobless grandmother who took him into her 11 X 11 rented room. She did all she could already to support 7 orphaned grandchildren. Sean Martin now made 8.

Sean Martin, pictured after spending a day with Matanya's Hope Mission Team

Sean Martin, pictured after spending a day with Matanya’s Hope Mission Team

Stark recalls, “When I was a child, I rode my bicycle all day and played with my friends.” Sean Martin prays for a meal to eat and an education to carry him throughout his lifetime. He promised his grandmother, “One day, Grandmother, I will be educated and I will get a good job and build you a house.” He held the crayons we gave him and drew a picture of this house of his dreams.

So what does it take to help a child like Sean? It takes action and understanding that not every child has been given a chance to experience life like our children. When bad things happen to these kids, there is no way out… unless we help them. Stark says, “When I see a child finally get sponsored, when they begin to understand that their life matters and that other people care about them – when I see that, it is like experiencing a sunrise in my soul!”

This is Sean with other Matanya's Hope students at school. Founder, Michelle Stark is pictured in the back row.

This is Sean with other Matanya’s Hope students at school. Founder, Michelle Stark is pictured in the back row.

To Sean’s sponsor. Thank you! You have changed the world for this beautiful boy!

To sponsor a child in need, please contact Matanya’s Hope: 708-822-HOPE (4673) or email us at: [email protected]

Donations are needed to help us continue the programs which reach children like Sean.

WAYS TO DONATE NOW:
Matanya’s Hope
PO Box 562
Homewood, IL 60430

Donate on this blog.

DONATE THROUGH VENMO (search for Matanya’s Hope)

Naishorwua Poster

Help Me Go To School

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Yes! I Want to Help Naishorwua!

At the end of each day, I take some time to reflect. Today is one of those days.
It’s 46 minutes passed midnight. I should be asleep, but the story of a little girl named Naishorwua is weighing heavily on my heart.

I must share her story.

I ask this: please share this post.

Naishorwua after receiving shoes from MH donations.

Naishorwua after receiving shoes from MH donations.

I know that many of you will see Naishorwua’s photo and her story.
Someone out there will read it and they will feel touched to change Naishorwua’s life through her dream of education.

SPONSORSHIP:
Sponsorship positively changes lives and sometimes even saves them. Naishorwua comes from a small village in the Maasai Mara. The girl child in many Maasai villages is often sold into marriage by the time she is 9 years old. Naishorwua represents hundreds if not thousands of girl children just like her. Reaching them is critical. Many who go unsponsored are subjected to female genital cutting and forced early marriage. One at a time, we are making the difference these children hope for. By sponsoring Naishorwua, you are advocating her choice for education.

I just got word from Naishorwua’s father that on March 24, their house burned down completely. The family has no place to live and no belongings to their name. This is a critical time. Sponsoring Naishorwua means more now than ever!

Sponsorship motivates the child sponsored, their family members and the community at large.
Please: reply to this post for more information on sponsorship.

Naishorwua, front row center, lighter blue jacket and other Matanya's Hope students. That is me in back. Members of our Matanya's Hope team: Patrick front center. Henry Front far right. MH STUDENTS: Back: Taiyana, Lilian Kirokor, Valerie, Everline, Rose Muthoni FRONT: Mugo, Sean Martins, Naini Rarin

Naishorwua, front row center, lighter blue jacket and other Matanya’s Hope students. That is me in back. Members of our Matanya’s Hope team: Patrick front center. Henry Front far right. MH STUDENTS: Back: Taiyana, Lilian Kirokor, Valerie, Everline, Rose Muthoni FRONT: Mugo, Sean Martins, Naini Rarin

DONATE
on line at www.journeytohelpafrica.com
or send your tax deductible check to:
PO BOX 562 Homewood, IL 60430
A general gift of any amount is appreciated.

Your tax deductible donation will help us reach many children like Naishorwua.
Your support means the world to us.

A Tribute of Thanks

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5.10.11 Photos from Iphone 126

One year ago, I sat on the plane en route to Kenya and wrote the following:
Tribute to my wonderful Mom.

As you read these words, you are beautiful mom. In you I have a guiding spirit and friend. Your unselfish ways cradled me as I spent otherwise sleepless nights preparing for the mission. You drove, shopped, called and endured the onslaught of demands. You never complained but instead, rose to the occasion by tackling the ever changing list of to do’s.

Storms threw umbrellas to the fields and tore branches from trees, all the while, you told me you were not afraid because you want to live life to the fullest.

I did not know how it would be, mom, having you stay with me while I was in the throws of preparing documents and financial reports for hundreds of children. I was afraid I’d disappoint you. But, these past 7 days have been filled with a gift I shall carry with me always. You are my hero… my friend and my treasure.

Thank you dad for sharing your wife with me – for giving her up to make sure that this mission and I have the support I need to trumpet success. Thank you Dad for believing in me – in my dreams and my calling – and for believing in the lives of each child we are helping through Matanya’s Hope. You are my greatest spokesperson!

I missed having you here this year Mom! I missed you every day! But I am so glad that you and Dad are enjoying Israel!
Mom and Dad Israel 2016

To our sponsors:
I thank each one of you for your continued support. Together, we are making this world a better place and that is the magic. Never Stop Believing. If you ever doubt your effect on the child you sponsor, just ask them what life was like before you entered their world. Through your student’s eyes, you are their angel and with your gift of sponsorship, hopelessness gives way to hope more every day!

Together, we are helping pave the way for a better life for some of the world’s orphans and vulnerable children.

I can't wait to serve these precious children porridge and love!

I can’t wait to serve these precious children porridge and love!

To George, thank you for coming through and organizing us, even when I am in Kenya. Shana, thank you for your time helping me navigate through documents and to do’s…and for the laughter we shared. Jeannette, Ann, Bob, Heidi, Xuan, Susan, Christian… thank you! Matanya’s Hope USA is finally a family! You are each so important and valued in my heart! I could write a book on answered prayers! To Adrienne and Cody, thank you from me and Tiger. Without your welcoming arms, this precious life may not have made it. To Carla, thank you for your countless hours of prayer and friendship. I could not do this without my own faith and dependency on God. And to our neighbors, thank you for your kind help during this time of service.

You are all part of what makes this light of hope shine!

Michelle Stark
Founder, Matanya’s Hope

Your donations are still very much needed.
Please donate at the top of this page or send your tax deductible donation to:
Matanya’s Hope
PO Box 562
Homewood, IL 60430

a persons most useful asset is love

Thank You – from Patrick – a Matanya’s Hope Student

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Dear sponsors, donors and friends of Matanya`s Hope,

My name is Patrick. I know this might not be the first blog entry some of you are reading from me – I have written several, but this one is distinctive in that it reveals insights I could only gather after spending time serving with Matanya’s Hope. It is SPECIAL to me and I invite you to read and share with a friend. This would mean a lot to me.

Two years ago, Michelle Stark visited me at school – I was still in High school. She asked me to describe MH in three words and I said, `MH is Hope’. Honestly, I meant it…….and I still do! But if someone asked me the question again today, I would have a totally different answer. To me today, MH is ‘DOING LIFE TOGETHER’. It is being a blessing to other peoples` lives – making the world a better place to live in, not just for ourselves, but for others. It is being sensitive enough and courageous enough to raise awareness so that we can become blessings to those same others that so many in this world close their eyes to – turn their backs on – ignore – and let rot in their own hunger, homelessness and hopelessness. Matanya’s Hope is different and I am different because of Matanya’s Hope.

This photo of me was taken a few years ago. I was a high school student sponsored by Matanya's Hope. Without this support, I can not imagine where my life might be today.

This photo of me was taken a few years ago. I was a high school student sponsored by Matanya’s Hope. Without this support, I can not imagine where my life might be today.

I spent my December holiday (I am now a first year economics student at TUK – Technical University of Nairobi) delivering donations….food stuffs, chickens, blankets, clothes and mattresses to needy families in Kenya. It was tiring. That I won’t lie, but as days went by, I got to like the idea of giving people a reason to smile. It was amazing to see a person’s eyes sparkle for one of the few times in their lives they may have felt relief, loved or valued by others. I can’t even describe how amazing it was to watch the recipients of MH gifts receive something even more than the gift itself; love. Its awesome. I want to do this over and over again – as far as God wants me to.

Cucu (Grandmother to Matanay's Hope student Jackline Gachohie) takes care of her 8 orphaned grandchildren. When Matanya's Hope donated 2 mattresses to her several years ago, she gave them to her grandchildren while she continued to sleep on the floor. Your donations helped us bring the blessing of a new mattress to cucu this Christmas.

Cucu (Grandmother to Matanay’s Hope student Jackline Gachohie) takes care of her 8 orphaned grandchildren. When Matanya’s Hope donated 2 mattresses to her several years ago, she gave them to her grandchildren while she continued to sleep on the floor. Your donations helped us bring the blessing of a new mattress to cucu this Christmas.

There are so many scriptural references to God instructing us to love one another. Isaiah 58:7 is a perfect example. He instructs us to feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked…to help those in need. At times, we feel like we don’t have a lot to give out. This is when we think of life in terms of material possessions. But material possessions do not define life. There is more to the human experience than just material possessions………. Someone somewhere is dying for love….all they need is someone who can smile, laugh, hug or even pray with them. Be that person. Be that blessing. Be that miracle. If someone is hungry, share what you have. That’s what I have learned. One day it could be me – or my mother – or my child. I can’t even imagine the hurt I would feel if I watched people turn their backs on my own family. But each time we turn our own backs, we are shunning someone’s child, someone’s parent, someones sister or brother…and in some ways, even ourselves. And each time we help, we are helping to heal the world.

I want to thank all of those who donated toward the Matanya’s Hope Christmas outreach. To those who donated to the chicken project, the mattress project, the blanket project and the food project, thank you for standing with us! I can`t mention all of you by name – you are so many………Michelle Stark – MY ANGEL, The entire MH family, The accounting firm: CJBS LLC, Kelly and Dave Golding, Kaitlin and Bill Bell……gosh, I want to mention every one. Thank you so much for being a blessing – a miracle.

8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother. Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya's Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible! Thank you to Kelly and Dave Golding who made this food possible as a Christmas gift honoring their daughter Jackline!

8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother. Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya’s Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible! Thank you to Kelly and Dave Golding who made this food possible as a Christmas gift honoring their daughter Jackline!

Thank you for making love happen.

Patrick Muriuki Wambui
Matanya’s Hope

Nancy Wambui with Jogoo IMG_8690

123 GIVE

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8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother. Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya's Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible! Thank you Patrick Muriuki, Matanya's Hope student, for delivering this blessed gift!

8 orphaned children live with their one widowed grandmother. Food has been a constant issue in their lives, but today, Matanya’s Hope donors make more than a Christmas meal possible! Thank you Patrick Muriuki, Matanya’s Hope student, for delivering this blessed gift!

There is still time to boost donations for the holidays.

Cash has already been transformed into meals, chickens and more and handed out to the needy in Kenya. Families who would have gone hungry will have food for the holidays! Your donations are creating miracles!

Thank you for your participation in Making The World a Better Place through Matanya’s Hope.

It is the PERFECT DAY to give.
Our children are looking all around them. They see those who have food – and wonder oh what it would be like to experience that sweet taste of a meal.

These children have received the gift of food. Thank you!

These children have received the gift of food. Thank you!

In January, some will return to school… while the desperate are forced to stay home worrying about the lack of fees. For only $125 a month you can sponsor a child and send them to boarding school, where they will eat, learn and have a safe place to sleep.

Will there be a Christmas angel in these lives? Will it be you?
Donate today.

Linzy Njeri receives the gift of roosters from CJBS LLC donors in Northbrook, IL.

Linzy Njeri receives the gift of roosters from CJBS LLC donors in Northbrook, IL.

See what YOUR donation can do!

Michelle Stark
Founder, Matanya’s Hope

PS For those who have already donated, THANK YOU! Happy holidays!

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Sophie’s Blog

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SOPHIES MITZVAH PROJECT

Message from Sophie:

Hi everyone,

Thank you for visiting my Blog – I am hoping we can make a difference together one child at time.

To learn about my Mitzvah Project please read below.

If you are interested in helping out and contributing you can make a donation – feel free to contact me or my parents with any questions.

I invite you to watch the video located on this blog, just after my signature. Here you will see the story of this family unfold as I explain their condition and need for the latrine.

TO MAKE A DONATION:
1. SCROLL TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE AND LOOK ON THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER.
2. CLICK THE “DONATE” BUTTON.

Thank you for any support!
Sophie
XOXO

It was amazing to see how happy these children were to get a simple gift of an undershirt or some crayons.

It was amazing to see how happy these children were to get a simple gift of an undershirt or some crayons.Last year, my sister Madison and I contributed to a wonderful charity for orphaned and deeply impoverished children in Kenya called Matanya’s Hope. We donated much needed clothing and essentials for these less fortunate children.This little orphaned girl is holding our picture - and behind that is a pair of pajamas we donated for her to wear. This little orphaned girl is holding our picture – and behind that is a pair of pajamas we donated for her to wear. 

 

This little boy is also an orphan. He was happy to get one of the many boxes of crayons our family sent for the children.

This little boy is also an orphan. He was happy to get one of the many boxes of crayons our family sent for the children.

It was wonderful and so sad at the same time to view photos of each of our donations as they were held in the hands of these children. I heard many of their stories, and after one in particular: The Story of Pamela, I was determined to raise enough money to build a safe latrine (outdoor toilet) for her family of 2 orphaned girls and their two elderly and jobless grandparents.

This is Pamela; she is in 5th grade. She is an orphan. People in the impoverished community contributed money until they could make her a dress. Thanks to my Synagogue, Pamela is sponsored and can now go to school.

This is Pamela; she is in 5th grade. She is an orphan. People in the impoverished community contributed money until they could make her a dress. Thanks to my Synagogue, Pamela is sponsored and can now go to school.

Currently, their latrine is made of rotted, unstable wood and poses a potential lethal risk of someone falling through into the pit below.

PAMELA KATHAMBI - IMG_2997

The cost of this new latrine is approximately $1,500. It will change the world for this family and will send them the message that someone, somewhere hears their story and cares enough to help.

Let’s not close our eyes to this family in need just because we can’t see them next door.

TO MAKE A DONATION:
1. SCROLL TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE AND LOOK ON THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER.
2. CLICK THE “DONATE” BUTTON.

Thank you for any support!
Sophie
XOXO

 

Michelle, founder of Matanya’s hope, is pictured below handing out supplies to needy children in a rural Kenyan day school. She is the one who will go to Kenya and oversee the building of Pamela’s new latrine.

IMG_6730

Thank You Office Depot!

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Laurie of Office Depot, Homewood, presents Matanya's Hope with a shopping cart full of donations for our kids in Kenya!

Laurie of Office Depot, Homewood, presents Matanya’s Hope with a shopping cart full of donations for our kids in Kenya!

Thank you Office Depot!

What an incredible surprise I was blessed with two days ago! I went in to Office Depot in Homewood for my fairly routine purchase of ink, paper and miscellaneous printing. Laurie was there to help me. You have to understand… I’ve shopped Office Max / Office Depot for almost 10 years and Laurie is the epitome of “that wonderful salesperson” I always hope to get.

Today was another joy filled experience, printing and sharing ideas.

But it was far from routine! After paying for my printing and ink, Laurie asked me if I wanted any school supplies for our kids in Kenya. I could hardly believe my ears. “Yes!” I said. “Thank you!” With those words, Laurie went to the back of the store and moments later, presented me – or Matanya’s Hope, with shopping cart overflowing with school supplies for our kids in Kenya.

I don’t know if there are enough words to thank you, Laurie for thinking of us, and Office Depot for making this donation possible.

Today you were a blessing to hundreds of children in Kenya.
May you be even more fulfilled by the overflow of this great gift!

Can’t wait to share pictures with you from Kenya!

Michelle

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