what matters is how we treat each other IMAGE

Matanya’s Hope Wishes You All A Happy 2016!

Dear friends and Matanya’s Hope family,

Boarding on flight 2015 has been announced….

We hpe you have checked in only the best souvenirs from 2015 in your luggage….

The BAD and SAD moments if carried, must be thrown away in the garbage bins on arrival…..

The flight will be 12 months long.
So loosen your seat belts, jingle and mingle.

The stop-overs will be:

Health
Love
Joy
Harmony
Well-being
Peace

Refueling will be at:
Giving
Sharing
Caring

The following menu is offered and will be served during the flight…..

Cocktail of Friendship
Soup of Good Health
Seasoned with Prosperity
Mixed Bowl of Faith, Hope and Love
Salad of Honesty
Cake of Peace

All accompanied by incredible bursts of laughter…
But remember you will enjoy these meals and the journey better if you talk, share, smile and laugh together. Sitting silent will make the flight seem longer.

Wishing you and your families an enjoyable trip on board the flight.

Before flight 2015 ends,
Allow me to thank you, our beautiful and valued friends.
You impacted and blessed 2015 for Matanya’s Hope.
Your support directly helped us serve thousands of needy children and communities with love!
May you be blessed with an awesome year ahead!

Hand in Hand - our vision!

Hand in Hand – our vision!

It’s Christmas. New Year’s is Next. Does Anything Change for Him?

Photographer, Unknown.  Subject REAL.  Let's join hands and become the messengers of  hope.

Photographer, Unknown. Subject REAL. Let’s join hands and become the messengers of hope.

It is Christmas. New Year’s is fast approaching. Maybe by the time you read this, that, too, will have passed. Events change….
But What changes for him?

Water is life.
Right?

In some cases, it is also the cause of sickness and death.

Countless people are forced to walk miles in search of water.
Any water.
Like animals, they kneel down and drink.

The surrounding mud wreaks of urine….and the tell tale signs of animal presence is highlighted by the vast array of hoof, paw and footprints on the earth. This water is shared. It has to be. It’s all that there is.

Help us make a difference.
Your donation of any amount will help to provide a life saving Rainwater Storage Tank to someone in need.

"Prior to the donation of 10,000 liter rainwater storage tank, students like Naini Rarin (pictured above) had to walk great distances to collect bacteria filled river water for drinking"

“Prior to the donation of 10,000 liter rainwater storage tank, students like Naini Rarin (pictured above) had to walk great distances to collect bacteria filled river water for drinking”

This child is holding water gathered from a 10,000 liter Rainwater Storage Tank.  Irura Primary School

This child is holding water gathered from a 10,000 liter Rainwater Storage Tank. Irura Primary School

.

We may be a small part but we make a big difference!

The Last Words of Steve Jobs…

I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.
In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.
However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.
At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.
In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.
Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.
It should be something more important:
For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.
No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.
I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.
This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.
Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.
What is the world’s most expensive bed? The hospital bed.
You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.
Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.
Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.
Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends…
Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.

Will you give in December and help us deliver HOPE to a child in need?

Will you give in December and help us deliver HOPE to a child in need?

Nancy Wambui with Jogoo IMG_8690

123 GIVE

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!

IMG_1421

My Name is Shelmith

My name is Shelmith Njeri Karuri.

I vividly recall how difficult my life was before I was enrolled in the Matanya’s Hope Sponsorship program. My dad passed away when I was at a tender age of 9 years old. He left four young children with my mom who is a housewife. She was not able to raise school fees for us. Even getting a simple pair of shoes was hard. Sometimes we had to go without and we walked to school barefooted on many cold, chilly mornings. Most of the time, I was sent away from school due to lack of school fees. When I got to grade 7, I was even more worried. I lost hope of ever joining secondary (High) school. With hopelessness darkening my days, I began to relax academically.

This is me in 2007.  I am front left.  It was a happy moment for me to be in the presence of other Matanya's Hope girls.

This is me in 2007. I am front left. It was a happy moment for me to be in the presence of other Matanya’s Hope girls.

It was during this time that Matanya’s Hope learned of my story. I was enrolled in their program. Because my situation was so desperate, they enrolled me in a boarding school as they began their search for a sponsor. Michelle did everything to ensure me that I was loved and that all would be ok. I had not ever had someone to care about me like this before.

This is me in 2008.  I was enrolled in Slopesview Academy.  I had all I needed to succeed: love, encouragement, school supplies, food.... and a good school.

This is me in 2008. I was enrolled in Slopesview Academy. I had all I needed to succeed: love, encouragement, school supplies, food…. and a good school.

She bought me a pair of shoes and everything else I was in need of. I will never forget that day when I entered Slopesview Academy. It was a great school and my learning was very smooth!

Since then, my life completely changed. The Grad family offered to sponsor me. After primary school, the Grad’s sent me to one of the best high schools. They made sure I got everything and none of the days was I ever sent out of school due to lack of fees! They even came to visit me in school! I could not believe my eyes!

Though the help of Matanya’s Hope, as I write this now, I am a second year student pursuing the course I have always been dreaming of. I attend one of the best Universities in Kenya. I am humbled as I write to tell you that God has blessed me! I am reaching my goals and surely, life is not a hopeless mess. Still under sponsorship, the Grad family has made sure that I get my academic fees and my transport to and from school…and everything else. Matanya’s Hope is REAL. Much thanks to our founder Michelle Stark and our kind sponsors.

My sponsors give me so much inspiration.  They encourage me through letters they write and books they send.

My sponsors give me so much inspiration. They encourage me through letters they write and books they send.

You have All changed the lives of many children. And that is just the beginning. As we marry, our future generations will be educated and will suffer less at the gripping hands of poverty. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for all that you do. I know now that I have a bright future.

God bless Matanya’s Hope.

Shelmith Njeri Karuri

YUP! IT’S THAT EASY!

YUP! IT’S THAT EASY!

2 minutes of your time and a few dollars can change the world for a child in need

2 minutes of your time and a few dollars can change the world for a child in need

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE TO A NEEDY CHILD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

SEND YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO:
Matanya’s Hope
PO Box 562
Homewood, IL 60430

or donate on line right here. DONATE NOW

Nancy was just sponsored!  She is pictured above in class at Matanya Primary School. Dream big sweet girl!

Nancy was just sponsored! She is pictured above in class at Matanya Primary School.
Dream big sweet girl!

THANK YOU!

IMG_1026

# GIVING TUESDAY – ONE DONATION – ONE LIFE CHANGED

Pamela is in 5th grade.  She is an orphan.  Thanks to sponsors in Boca Raton, Florida, Pamela can now go to school.

Pamela is in 5th grade. She is an orphan. Thanks to sponsors in Boca Raton, Florida, Pamela can now go to school.

The philanthropic season has begun! December 1 is GIVING TUESDAY and a great opportunity for you to create change for the betterment of humanity.

Matanya’s Hope needs your help today to help more than 1,500 hungry children eat, learn and most of all, HOPE for a better future.

Your donation of any amount will help Matanya’s Hope reach thousands of hungry, orphaned, once forgotten children across the globe. This holiday season, let our message be WE CARE.

MATANYA’S HOPE sends more than 250 orphaned and impoverished children to school in Kenya, East Africa. Your donation will help us provide clean drinking water to families, villages, schools and medical clinics who otherwise have to depend on bacteria infected water from local rivers. Thousands of people in need will receive donations from the 3,500 pounds of blankets, shoes, clothing, school supplies, soap and medical supplies we distribute every year. Most of all, your donation will help us deliver HOPE. As the festive season begins, please DONATE to Matanya’s Hope. Help us change the future for a child in need.

Malala Yousafzai says it best: “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Thousands of impoverished children across Kenya are touched by your generosity.

Thousands of impoverished children across Kenya are touched by your generosity.

DONATE TODAY

IMG_4794

ANNITAH

Annitah and her Sintoyei, sponsored by the same couple, now call themselves "sisters".

Annitah and her Sintoyei, sponsored by the same couple, now call themselves “sisters”.

I see her hurrying as she walks past me. her head is newly shaven. She wears a clean uniform and has toothbrush in hand.
Her round cheeks let me know she is called Annitah. Even in the darkness of early morning, I know her well.

My heart swells with a love and joy uncountable in this physical life. In my mind, I also see last year’s pictures where Annitah wore rags. I feel the pain again as I recall watching her bend over a basin of river water, scrubbing dishes and washing floors by hand. I smile briefly as I recall her standing closely to her cucu (grandmother) working on the shamba (farm) to help her earn a coin for school – for food – for life.

Annitah during last year's mission.  Today she is sponsored and has the hope of a life blessed by education.

Annitah during last year’s mission. Today she is sponsored and has the hope of a life blessed by education.

I feel overjoyed. Our little girl is sponsored. Today she is in uniform. She is going to school.

The house bustles with energy. More than 20 Matanya’s Hope children scurry about washing, packing and getting ready to go to their perspective boarding schools facilities. The holiday is over. Those with long hair are carefully braided. Many shades of brown skin glow from the newly applied oil. Names are shouted into the morning air. Quincy. Naishorwua. Lanto. Jennifer. Pendo. Christine, Felister. Nasieku. Lilian. Nashula. Naini. Resui. Sintoyei. Wewe (“You”). The names are more than 20 in one house!

Taiyana holding a new set of markers for school.

Taiyana holding a new set of markers for school.

Let me be honest here. How many of us would give up our personal privacy to allow more than 20 children from different families – different cultures – different backgrounds and personalities to stay with us – to promote their education – to help them study and to develop a family? Most of these 20 are teens. If you have even one child of your own, you know, raising another soul is not easy. I don’t know how well I myself could do this. But I see it here. the 20+ students who live here during breaks range in age from 10-22. They come from all directions of Kenya and Tanzania (a neighboring country). I recall the day we traveled 17.5 hours to find Pendo and Witness in 2009 in Arusha Tanzania – and all we knew was their town and Witness’ name. God is SO good!

Moreen holding toothbrush and toothpaste, some of the many items donated to her for school.

Moreen holding toothbrush and toothpaste, some of the many items donated to her for school.

Last night I watched another procedure as Mrs. Mugo divided school supplies among the students. Bars of soap for washing clothes. Bars of soap for bathing. Colgate. Toothbrushes. Shoe polish. Toilette paper. Pens, pencils, erasers…supplies overflowed. You make them possible. Thank you Matanya’s hope for every contribution to these children’s lives. There are no adequate words to say what you are doing for these kids. You are hope to their souls. Let them grow, God, to become Your next servants to lift this nation.

Jeff Wambugu proudly displays his two new uniforms sweaters!  He is ready to go back to school.

Jeff Wambugu proudly displays his two new uniforms sweaters! He is ready to go back to school.

For all that I see, for all the joys, for all the triumphs over the challenges we face in every direction, thank you.

I don’t know how to express to you, our donors and sponsors, the magnitude of your gifts of love, education and even life support that you are giving to these souls.

I pray for strength as we continue together. Let us touch these lives to forever change the world for the better. Amen

Resui holds her new bookbag!.  What a great gift!

Resui holds her new bookbag!. What a great gift!

Michelle

Sophie’s Blog

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

IMG_7688

B’nai Torah Mitzvah Day

On Sunday, November 1, B’nai Torah Congregation of Boca Raton, Florida held it’s second annual Mitzvah Day.

Matanya’s Hope joined over 45 agencies and projects representing aid to those in need both in the USA, Israel and Kenya. Over 900 volunteers contributed to making this event a huge success.

School children participated in letter writing to Pamela, a 5th grade Matanya’s Hope student in Kenya who is sponsored by B’nai Torah 3rd graders. The children wrote letters to other Matanya’s Hope students in need of sponsorship. One girl who won the hearts of many is Naishorwua: a young student whose tribal customs are known to promote the marriage of girls at the tender age of 9 or 10. Naishorwua is 10 and desperately needs a sponsor to remain in school. Her parents are in full support of Naishorwua remaining in school.

Naishorwua holding a thank you sign for B'nai Torah during the 2015 mission.

Naishorwua holding a thank you sign for B’nai Torah during the 2015 mission.

Sponsorship is currently being discussed for Linzy, one of Matanya’s Hope’s university age students, wanting desperately to become a nurse. Linzy herself is a victim of abuse and is frequently threatened by her step father who denies her an education. Linzy’s motivation is her younger 5-year-old sister who suffers from a brain tumor. “I want to help my sister”, Linzy states, “and I want to be able to help other children like her.”

Though beaten down by cruelty, Linzy carries hope in her heart that she will become a nurse and help those in need.

Though beaten down by cruelty, Linzy carries hope in her heart that she will become a nurse and help those in need.

We offer much thanks to Jewel Prince and all volunteer knitters who joined hands to make lovable dolls for the sick and needy. We are elated to be the recipients of 30 dolls for our children in Kenya…and look forward to bringing photos of our children with dolls in hand – back to you!

IMG_7684

We thank B’nai Torah Mitzvah Day participants for the more than 50 pounds of donations you made possible for our students including: bed sheets, shoes, book bags, school supplies, dental hygiene supplies, socks, fleece jackets and winter coats.

Here, my sweet friend Sammie wears his coat one last time before sending it to Kenya where it will help a boy in need.

Here, my sweet friend Sammie wears his coat one last time before sending it to Kenya where it will help a boy in need.

IMG_7685

It is easy to appreciate the sheer delight on our student’s faces when they receive gifts you make possible. Sophie and her sister Madison were moved to tears after viewing photos from this year’s mission of orphaned children receiving donations of clothing and much needed underwear – all which Sophie and Madison contributed to Matanya’s Hope during B’nai Torah’s Mitzvah Day last year. As a part of her own Mitzvah Project, Sophie is determined to raise enough money for (sponsored student) Pamela’s family to have a safe latrine (outdoor toilet). This is the only toilet this family of orphaned girls and 2 elderly grandparents will have. Currently, their latrine is made of rotted, unstable wood and must be filled in. As it is, it presents a potentially lethal risk of falling through to the rotting feces below.

We thank Summer Faerman for her pure dedication to this event and Hands on Tzedakah’s Ron and Meryl Gallatin for making it possible for organizations like Matanya’s Hope to make this world a better place. HOT helped Matanya’s Hope fund four 10,000-liter rainwater storage tanks and three porridge programs for children in desperate need of food.

Ron and Meryl Gallatin enjoy viewing photos of their donations in the hands of those in need.

Ron and Meryl Gallatin enjoy viewing photos of their donations in the hands of those in need.

I personally extend my heartfelt thanks to my incredible parents, Andrea and Arthur Stark, who introduced Matanya’s Hope to all of you at B’nai Torah.
Michelle