Author Archives: Michelle Stark

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I Asked “Why”

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We have different skin colors and different lives, but our hearts and spirits are one and nothing can ever take that away.

We have different skin colors and different lives, but our hearts and spirits are one and nothing can ever take that away.

1998, America

A child is born into comfort and ease. Her parents love her more than words can say. They sacrifice financially so no opportunity of life passes her by. They pay for her education. New uniforms every year, multiple shirts and skirts in case anything happens. Every schoolbook is bought, and her room is filled with storybooks there just for her enjoyment. Her education throughout every stage is a given, and learning is something she often takes for granted. The opportunity to go to college is a guarantee she looks forward to each passing year. The only question in her mind is which university will she attend. Her family by no means lives a lavish life according to American standards, but she has never had to question anything: food, housing, school, clothing. She does not know these as luxuries but as the basic commodities of life.

2008, Kenya

A child is born into poverty and hardship. Her parents love her more than words can say. They sacrifice financially, but still the opportunities of life pass this little girl by. They can’t always pay for her education. When they can, they can only afford a few days of school at a time and one uniform sweater. Tattered and torn, she wears it year after year even after she has long outgrown it. Her parents can barely afford her school books, if they can at all, and at night she dreams of what it would be like to have even one story book of her own. Throughout every stage of her life, her education is never a guarantee. She has no way of knowing if her parents will be able to afford sending her to school tomorrow. She dreams of attending college, but that dream is out of reach on her own. She has to question everything in her life: food, housing, school, clothing. She lives everyday not knowing if she will have the basic commodities, which to her are actual necessities, of life.

The smile adorned by this precious child almost made it difficult to imagine the hardships he faces every day.

The smile adorned by this precious child almost made it difficult to imagine the hardships he faces every day.

2018, Matanya Primary School

I am the girl in the first description, and yesterday I met countless students who fit the second. As I looked into their eyes, the thought running through my mind endlessly was why? Why was I born into the life I have; why they theirs? What have I done to deserve anything I have? And the answer is nothing. I did not choose my parents, nor did I choose where I was to be born. Everything I enjoy in my life of luxury has been provided for me. As I returned the student’s shy smiles, and held their little hands, the truth of human equality hit me like never before. The students were so smart, so gentle, so beautiful, so driven, and so joyful. We played in the dirt and laughed and danced and we were the same. We were human. We were from different sides of the world, different cultures and families, but united by our humanity. And it was the students who changed me, not I them. They touched my soul in a way words fail to describe. I hope that these came close. If you are reading this, I hope it caused you to recognize the blessings in your life. I hope you paused for a moment to consider the people to whom those blessings are not attainable. I hope you will consider this question that has now become a part of my heart: for what other reason have I been blessed than to pour out my life in service to help my fellow man?
We are all the same; we are all worthy of love.

The children are free with one and other, sharing love, friendship and joy despite their circumstances.

The children are free with one and other, sharing love, friendship and joy despite their circumstances.

Alaina Clem
Matanya’s Hope Mission Participant, 2018

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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!

Happy Mother’s Day from All of Us at Matanya’s Hope

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NEED FOR HOUSE - MOTHER FEEDING CHILD

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Matanya’s Hope!
In rural East Africa, mothers love their children.
They want to see their children prosper, just like we do here. But, the challenges these children and their families face are overwhelming. Mother’s often forage in the fields for mere pennies, hoping to feed their family a single meal. Cost of a solitary pencil is often prohibitive.

Children at Matanya Primary School understand the value of education.

Children at Matanya Primary School understand the value of education.

This Mother’s Day, you can bless your mother by giving the gift of HOPE. Kenyan mothers pray for the opportunity to send their children to school.
Say YES and give a mother in Kenya reason to smile!

Educate a child and you have helped a village.

Click the DONATE button at the top of this page.
or
DONATE through VENMO. Select Matanya’s Hope.

________________________________________

MICHELLE AND SABINA NYAGUTHI

The Matanya’s Hope 2018 mission team will be building a home for this mama who is fighting all odds to provide a stable environment for her family! We thank Jennifer Oliak and Oz of Salt for raising every coin to make this gift possible!
These are the kinds of blessings that your donations to Matanya’s Hope make possible.

________________________________________
This Mother’s Day, SHOP Amazon Smile and give to mothers in need!
Choose Matanya’s Hope as your beneficiary; make an impact on our mother’s in Kenya.

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CHILDREN LAUGHING AT CCM PRIMARY SCHOOL - NANYUKI

HEARTS & HANDS OF HOPE

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Hi Everyone!
In less than 30 days, Matanya’s Hope Mission 2018 will be on it’s way to Kenya!
We still need your support.

HELP by Giving a Special Gift Today

Your gift of any amount will help our team:
WATER RELIEF:
Distribute Life Saving Rainwater Storage Tanks to Locations Without Safe Water
NOURISHMENT:
Feed Thousands of Hungry Children
MEETING DAILY NEEDS:
Distribute 3.3 Tons of Clothing, Shoes, Blankets, School Supplies, Medical Supplies and Items Supporting Good Hygiene
WHERE NEEDED MOST:
Your gift will help Matanya’s Hope provide life changing support to thousands of people in need.

To give using your credit card, click the DONATE button above.
To give using VENMO, select Matanya’s Hope and choose your amount.

THANK YOU for making this mission possible.

We could not do this without you.

Michelle
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Matanya’s Hope Official Mission 2018 T-Shirt is Here

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First Ever Opportunity to Purchase a Matanya’s Hope Official Mission Shirt

Order your official Matanya's Hope TShirt today $15 Plus $7.95 shipping - for delivery in the USA. (No additional charge to deliver to your student in Kenya)

Order your official Matanya’s Hope TShirt today $15 Plus $7.95 shipping – for delivery in the USA. (No additional charge to deliver to your student in Kenya)


This summer, seven students from Troy University will be traveling with Matanya’s Hope during the month of June. They will be visiting with many of our sponsored students, helping us to distribute much needed clothing, shoes, school supplies, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to purchase a Matanya’s Hope t-shirt and have it gifted to your student during the mission.

The Troy students are so excited to share love and encouragement with our Kenyan family.

In an effort to help raise funds for their own trip, the Troy students are selling these wonderfully soft, cotton t-shirts. What a win win!

Place your order by April 15.
You can pay via VENMO or by sending a check to Matanya’s Hope.
PO Box 562
Homewood, IL 60430

These shirts are only $15
Sizes available: S, M, L, XL
Color: Dark Grey (as pictured)

ALSO AVAILABLE:
2X $17.50
3X $18.50

Bella & Canvas Tee

Wafula was sponsored at the end of last year's mission. Although he was the brightest student of his 8th grade class, he had no way of proceeding to high school. Today, Wafula attends one of Kenya's leading boarding high schools and holds much promise for a bright future. As he puts it, "I am a future star, not a scar".

HOLIDAY OF HOPE

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Dear Friends,

There are so many reasons to thank you! Hundreds of Matanya’s Hope students are eagerly awaiting their new academic year. Countless young lives have been forever changed through your sponsorships and love. Just last year, Wafula (pictured above) was sponsored. His life of hunger and despair was changed through hope; he was granted the gift of a continuing education. Today, Wafula is a top performing student. His motto is “I am a future star, not a scar.” He is focused on becoming a doctor. He told me, “I want to be in a position to help others in life.” Wafula’s story is a reflection of your heartfelt donations! It’s because of you, our sponsors and donors, that he now attends school!

As you may know, for 13 years we have been reaching out in a wide variety of ways to those in need. We are personally seeing the incredible impact our support has made in their lives. We know that there is still much more to do.

This is Sabina Nyaguthi. She dreams of going to school like the other children, but fees often prevent her from attending class. Your sponsorship can change the world for this little girl !

This is Sabina Nyaguthi. She dreams of going to school like the other children, but fees often prevent her from attending class. Your sponsorship can change the world for this little girl !

In 2007, we humbly started Matanya’s Hope when 4 children were sponsored. Who knew that this one small act of kindness would soon translate to hundreds of students gaining an education and forever changing their lives. Today, Matanya’s Hope highlights university graduates in law, nursing, pharmacy, teaching, culinary arts and so much more! And our programs are ongoing. We currently have 250 students ranging from primary through university, who continue to embrace education through your sponsorships.

This is Lawrence, a Matanya's Hope graduate. Today he is working in IT and passing the gift of hope to our current students and to many who are still waiting for their chance.

This is Lawrence, a Matanya’s Hope graduate. Today he is working in IT and passing the gift of hope to our current students and to many who are still waiting for their chance.

In the USA, the annual (or even a semester’s) cost of student books is often higher than the cost of a full academic year of education in Kenya! $125 per month can send a student to school for an entire year and this also includes uniform, supplies, transport, life changing conferences, minor medical & counseling, room & board, academic support and so much more!

It is so easy to donate! Thousands of students have received school supplies through your generosity!

It is so easy to donate! Thousands of students have received school supplies through your generosity!

Your special gift to Matanya’s Hope can help a child go back to school. Invest in the gift of hope through education.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

We could not do this without you. As my father says, “If a single day goes by where someone else doesn’t benefit from your being alive, you’ve wasted your day.” He got that from his grandfather, Harry Berman. It’s powerful stuff… I invite you to stand with me as we continue learning and growing… making this world a better place for all.

Happy Holidays!!!!
Michelle Stark
Founder, Matanya’s Hope

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.

CHILDREN LAUGHING AT CCM PRIMARY SCHOOL - NANYUKI

Tis the Season

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Matanya’s Hope – Tis the Season

There is so much catching up to do with so many of you, but with the Holiday Season upon us, it is my deepest desire to share a recap of this very successful year at Matanya’s Hope. We could not do this without you!

First and foremost, I am grateful for every one of you, our donors and sponsors, who make our work possible in Kenya. I am attaching some Mission 2017 pictures so that you can see the miracles that you helped us to deliver through Matanya’s Hope and the mission team.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

We distributed more rain water storage tanks than ever before! (23 ten-thousand liter tanks to be exact) Imagine the thrill of providing safe, clean drinking water for hundreds of students, orphans and families who have been forced to depend upon contaminated, bacteria infested river water.

This student is at a local river gathering unclean, bacteria laden water for his family to drink. Many suffer from typhoid and cholera due to drinking such contaminated water.

This student is at a local river gathering unclean, bacteria laden water for his family to drink. Many suffer from typhoid and cholera due to drinking such contaminated water.

Students from CCM primary school in Nanyuki gather around the rainwater tank donated by Matanya's Hope

Students from CCM primary school in Nanyuki gather around the rainwater tank donated by Matanya’s Hope

We delivered over 3 tons of school supplies, shoes, backpacks, clothing, blankets and medical/hygiene supplies to literally thousands of impoverished school children and to remote clinics which serve them.

School children receiving book bags donated by the Dawn Brancheau Foundation in loving memory of Dawn.

School children receiving book bags donated by the Dawn Brancheau Foundation in loving memory of Dawn.

This before and after photo shows the ongoing need for shoes that our children face. Your donations helped us deliver thousands of pairs of shoes to needy recipients.

This before and after photo shows the ongoing need for shoes that our children face. Your donations helped us deliver thousands of pairs of shoes to needy recipients.

"We were able to hand out more than a ton of blankets and clothes to those in need."

“We were able to hand out more than a ton of blankets and clothes to those in need.”

A boy receiving clothing and boots at Kagaani Primary School.

A boy receiving clothing and boots at Kagaani Primary School.

Thanks to Jennifer Oliak and the many donors from Manhattan Beach, California, we added a deeply impoverished remote primary school to our porridge program and are now serving freshly made hot, nutritious porridge to an approximate total of 2,000 students attending 4 schools – daily! Prior, many of these students would go an average of 2 to 4 days without food.

Thanks to Oz of Salt, The Bertram Family, Verde Events, The Gail Scott Family, Stephanie Kazuba and Lucyna Czuba... Matanya's Hope was able to deliver approximately 2,000 cups of hot, nutritious porridge daily this year alone! This is sometimes the only meal a child will have for an entire day.

Thanks to Oz of Salt, The Bertram Family, Verde Events, The Gail Scott Family, Stephanie Kazuba and Lucyna Czuba… Matanya’s Hope was able to deliver approximately 2,000 cups of hot, nutritious porridge daily this year alone! This is sometimes the only meal a child will have for an entire day.

We bring Hope and Education through our sponsorship program to hundreds of children and older students in need. Currently through your generosity, we have approximately 250 students enrolled in boarding schools, ranging from primary school through university, across Kenya. Matanya’s Hope is building a future for these students which will impact their families for generations to come. Accountants, nurses, pharmacists, aeronautical…civil and architectural engineers, chefs, teachers and lawyers make up some of our already graduated students.

Wafula was sponsored at the end of last year's mission. Although he was the brightest student of his 8th grade class, he had no way of proceeding to high school. Today, Wafula attends one of Kenya's leading boarding high schools and holds much promise for a bright future. As he puts it, "I am a future star, not a scar".

Wafula was sponsored at the end of last year’s mission. Although he was the brightest student of his 8th grade class, he had no way of proceeding to high school. Today, Wafula attends one of Kenya’s leading boarding high schools and holds much promise for a bright future. As he puts it, “I am a future star, not a scar”.

Our work continues and needs your support as much as ever. When you celebrate the closure of 2017 and the beginning of the New Year, please think of the students we have not reached who need access to clean water, a bed and warm blankets, a jacket to keep warm, a pair of shoes to walk miles to school in, education, or even just a daily meal. These gifts convey the message of love and hope.

With much love from our precious student, Michelle Wangechi and all of those we humbly serve through Matanya's Hope.

With much love from our precious student, Michelle Wangechi and all of those we humbly serve through Matanya’s Hope.

As you plan your end of year giving, please give generously; we are already gearing up for Mission 2018. There are many ways to help. Plan a bake sale, have a penny war at school, donate your proceeds from a garage sale, a read-a-thon, a church or synagogue project, or write a check.

Matanya’s Hope PO Box 562, Homewood, Il. 60430

MICHELLE POSTER 500 dpi

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Mission 2017 – Meet Vincent

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Vincent Murithi, Matanya's Hope University student, expresses his joy for the gift of clothing and education.

Vincent Murithi, Matanya’s Hope University student, expresses his joy for the gift of clothing and education.

Landing in Kenya was bitter sweet. I missed my family and I knew all too well that leaving the USA meant leaving the comforts of my high speed internet. It meant headaches – such as an hour and a half to open ONE email successfully.
But, that is the technical side of mission and technicalities are far from the heart of what this mission is all about.

We are about giving the gift of hope to some of the most precious people who might otherwise never have had the chance to go to school beyond 8th grade.

3 days into the mission, our vehicle transcended from Nairobi’s tarmac to the dusty dirt and rock roads of Nanyuki. Henry and Vincent had been busy offloading the donations throughout the night and our rented home was ready for occupation.

None of this could have happened without the tireless dedication of one young man who balanced his pending exams with the leadership of Matanya’s Hope in Kenya. Thank you Patrick for emulating the heart of giving service beyond self.

As the mission begins, I have the honor to spend our beginning days with a current University Economics student, Vincent Murithi. Sometimes, when I only have my own vantage point to reflect upon, I can’t see the fullness of the impact that Matanya’s Hope has on those we reach out to.

This morning, Vincent shared: “It has been an incredible journey as I sit here and reflect way back, 10 years ago. I am overwhelmed regarding what Matanya’s Hope has done unto my life. It has been a long way coming and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am scheduled to graduate next year and I want to appeal to other Matanya’s Hope students to take this opportunity that you are given and to utilize it well, knowing that one day someone else will look upon them. It is about giving back to society. You can only do that when we have a clear plan or vision of what you want to do – of where you want to see yourself in coming years. It keeps you on track. At this age, we should stop dreaming and start working on those dreams. It is a way to becoming responsible and dependable.
I have a plan, in 3 or 4 years to come, to sponsor kids throughout their school life, throughout their education, just as Matanya’s Hope has done for me. It is quite fulfilling experience when you can give back to others in need. I can never forget where I came from.

To everyone who is a sponsor, I want to thank you for what you are doing. I promise you, your gift of hope will not go in vain. To each sponsor and mission participant who I met, thank you for being a part of my life. Jonah, Quincy, Ariel, Ann…. the list is endless. You have all impacted my life and helped me to believe in my dreams.
To my sponsor, Brogan, thank you so much for being my brother and my dear friend. You have walked by my side since I was 12 years old. No words can possibly express all I feel.

Today, I received gifts of clothing and shoes from Matanya’s Hope. I humbly thank each of you who made these much needed items possible.”
Vincent Murithi