Category Archives: Programs to Help

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.

blue spray - arms in air

Glenbrook North High School Global Citizen’s Club: COLOUR RUSH 5K

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On May, 21 2016, Glenbrook North High School’s Global Citizen’s Club, a club that raises money for an international charity each school semester, hosted a “Colour Rush 5k” to raise money for Matanya’s Hope.

spraying pink

Students and their families jogged through the 5k course in the back fields of the high school as they were sprinkled, splattered, and stuffed with handfuls of vibrant colored powder. Despite the challenge of the run, each flying burst of color kept the mood of the race energetic, even when the participants were a few miles in. Smiles decorated the faces of each panted runner as they dodged, embraced and ran through the powder. Runners raised their arms like they were finishing a marathon as volunteers smattered powder all over them, tye-dyeing the runners’ white shirts. Pop-music and shouts of excitement followed while a light breeze cooled off the runners and the heat of the day. It carried extra powder particles, making the waves and whirls of its path visible.

Lindsey and friends show off their new color after running the 5 K to benefit Matanya's Hope

Lindsey and friends show off their new color after running the 5 K to benefit Matanya’s Hope

To and girls

Students came out of the course resembling something closer to a smurf or Shrek than themselves; powder color coating adorned their faces and clothes! As runners took photographs, grabbed a banana to eat, and socialized after the race, their camaraderie seemed to idealize the meaning that the different colors were meant to represent.

All different types of people came together and cultivated new friendships built on the common goal of supporting Matanya’s Hope, just as the different colors came together and created their own masterpiece.

Sponsor Lindsey Masterman and friend from Glenbrook North after running the 5K

Sponsor Lindsey Masterman and friend from Glenbrook North after running the 5K

-Lindsey

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.

The road towards success does not require that I have the best clothes, but asks only that I have a steadfast dedication towards my dreams. Thank you Matanya's Hope for believing in me.

Matanya’s Hope: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

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Children become ill after drinking from stagnant pools when that is all the water available.

Children become ill after drinking from stagnant pools when that is all the water available.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
…the difference between starvation and enough to nourish the body
…the difference between an education and being lost in the cycle of poverty
…the difference between a career and considering yourself fortunate to earn .82 cents a day as a common laborer (not even enough for daily food)
…the difference between having a clean water source and water laiden with bacteria and disease
…the difference between sleeping cold and uncovered on a dirt floor and sleeping contented on a bed with a blanket
…the difference between suffering (or even dying) from malaria and having medication and protection from mosquitos
…the difference between being barefooted and having shoes to protect tender feet from the earth’s challenging conditions

This is considered a lucky child with a pair of shoes...

This is considered a lucky child with a pair of shoes…


Your gifts and donations to Matanya’s Hope make a huge difference in a child’s life.

Here, in the western world, our youth have access to free education K – 12. Most are fed at least twice a day and worry more about the BRAND of shoes they have or about acquiring the latest electronic devise.

But, in impoverished areas of Kenya, students walk miles to school and they long for any pair of shoes. An electronic devise is a novelty that few of these children have seen or even heard of.

Here, students know they must attend High School. Most do their homework and await the arrival of their coveted weekends. Many orphaned and impoverished students in Kenya will be unable to pay the fees for high school; for some of these most brilliant minds, schooling stops as early as 9 years old. Weekends are almost ALWAYS reserved for hard labor, with or without food.

In 2005, as I traveled and met the children of rural Kenya, my perception of “the rights of a child” was overwhelmingly challenged. I met 4 students in a dilapidated classroom. Dirt floors… no electricity… no running water… and bare feet surrounded me. These children were orphaned, malnourished and each one believed they would never walk through the doors to study at any high school.

Children waiting outside of a classroom at Matanya Primary School

Children waiting outside of a classroom at Matanya Primary School

Before I left Kenya, each one of these 4 students were sponsored by 4 of the families on tour with us. They became the first four Matanya’s Hope students (before we ever even had a name). Matanya’s Hope grew from this first act of love through the ongoing gift of Hope being planted in each of these four lives. And though I celebrated these students, I could not erase the faces of the 250+ barefooted children I saw who also deserved the same chance.

The four original students who once had no hope for furthering their academic minds, have now grown. Two are working adults and two are finishing degrees; one in education and the other in food science. Imagine the joy in having a teacher who understands the plight of hunger and abject poverty; what an encouragement she will be!

From a start of 4, Matanya’s Hope now sponsors 250 +- students ranging from nursery to university. We have students studying pharmacology, nursing, education, engineering, accounting, law and more……..We have a plethora of graduates who work in the following areas: teaching, tourism, procurement, chefs, banks, aeronautical engineering, accounting and so much more. Together we are making a difference.

IF EVER YOU FELT COMPELLED TO GIVE, NOW IS THE TIME.
CHILDREN ARE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP.

Soon we will travel back to Kenya for Mission 2017 and again we are going to meet the faces of starvation, malnourishment and hopelessness. Funds are needed to place water tanks in drought stricken villages, schools, homes, medical clinics and orphanages. Medical supplies are needed in the remote clinics (where even an aspirin is often hard to come by).

We are going to see heartbreaking hunger and torn and ragged clothing. We are going to see feet without shoes and students without pencils. We are going to find children who sleep on dirt floors without a single blanket.

Funds are needed now for shipping of over 4000 pounds of donations and supplies so generously provided by you, our donors. Thank you! We need funds to continue our porridge program that feeds over 1000 students (in three different schools) a daily cup of freshly prepared hot, nutritious porridge. For many this cup of porridge is all these hungry children receive daily. HOPE is YOU. It is in all of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please listen to the song ‘Do Something’ by Mathew West and be the Hope these students and families need. ….

HOPE HAS A NAME. It’s YOU! Life is better for so many children and families, because you care!

Please help us continue this noble work.

Michelle Stark
Founder, Matanya’s Hope

Matnaya's Hope founder, Michelle Stark with two children from Matanya Primary School. Photo taken during Mission 2016

Matnaya’s Hope founder, Michelle Stark with two children from Matanya Primary School. Photo taken during Mission 2016

There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though nothing is a miracle. The other, is as though EVERYTHING is a miracle. Albert Einstein

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There are only two ways to live your life.
One, is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other, is as though EVERYTHING is a miracle.
Albert Einstein

What do we say when a child comes to us with his dreams?

Do we tell him, “you are not my child?”

Or do we listen. Help. Hope.

Who? Ibrahim.
What? My mother promised to take me to school.
Where? Rural Kenya.

The Story: Last year Ibrahim contacted Matanya’s Hope, pleading his case for sponsorship. We did not have a sponsor.

The story below is told by Ibrahim.

“Although I was first admitted to East African University, I had to walk away from the chance. Then I thought all hope was gone and I was admitted to Zetech University near Nairobi, in Ruiru. My mother had to borrow funds from my elderly grandmother to send me to school. She has no more to borrow.
I don’t know who she will find help from next semester which will begin in September.
I don’t know what to do. I feel the weight of my dreams trying to press me down but I don’t want to give up.”

I am the only hope of my family. My mother is a house help. She earns very little. Even food is a challenge.”

Each of Ibrahim’s siblings dropped out of school at the primary level due to abject poverty. “Please, I don’t want to drop out of school like my brothers. I watch them despair because they can not always find work. They are a burden on my mum when she has to supply food and basic needs.”

This is me, Ibrahim Waihenya.

This is me, Ibrahim Waihenya.

I was admitted to Zetech University do a diploma in accounting and finance which will end November next year. My fees last term were 27,500 ksh (approximately $275.00). This term my fees in total are: 53,000 (approximately $530.) Here are my fees broken down:
Fees: 20,000 (approximately $200)
Rent: 16,000 (4,000 per month; approximately $160)
Food: 12,000 (3000 per month; approximately $120)
Transport: 1,000 (approximately $10)
Printing: 4,000 (1000 per month; approximately $40)

Each semester is 4 months. I was not able to pay last month’s rent of 4,000 (approximately $40). Also because I do not have a laptop, I must use the cyber to print my assignments, notes and papers. The cost is around 1,000 per month (approximately $10).

I have a dream for the future: to bring help to everyone in my family who needs my help.

IMG_7138

I am an ambitions, cheerful, kind, loving and honest 21 year old student who just wants a chance to bring hope to my family. I manage a mean grade of B-. I am the role model to my younger cousins since I am the second learned person in my entire family after my aunt who went to school. I am determined. I want to help my family since my brothers are illiterate and are forced look for casual jobs. I have 3 semesters remaining. 3 semesters stand between me and the answer to my prayers. I want so much to be able to go to school and to help my mom.

I have been struggling for school fees since my mom lost her job immediately after I finished my last year of high school.

Ibrahim Waihenya
Nanyuki

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

Making A Difference HSE High School World Connections Club

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Hamilton Southeastern High School’s World Connections Club
Making a Difference in the World

Hamilton Southeastern High School, (located in Fishers, Indiana) should be very proud of their World Connections Club. This club consists of members of the student body and teacher volunteers. They study world cultures and learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity this world has to offer.

World Connections Club students from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana and their mentor Vickie Lazaga go the extra mile to support Matanya's Hope.

World Connections Club students from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana and their mentor Vickie Lazaga go the extra mile to support Matanya’s Hope.

Over the last few years this student club, led by their mentor teacher, Vickie Lazaga, has been supporting Matanya’s Hope with shoe, backpack and clothing drives. This year’s mission marks the fourth year HSE World Connections Club has donated to Matanya’s Hope and it is the most successful yet! They have raised funds from their International Night which were donated to help Matanya’s Hope ship supplies to students, much like themselves. In addition, they collected 2 cartloads of shoes, backpacks, jackets and school supplies to take on mission to disburse to their age mates in need.

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

A photo of some of the shoes and other personal items our children in Kenya wear due to the extreme poverty their families face

We met with the HSE World Connections Club this year and showed them a video of an impoverished school girl from rural Kenya, highlighting what her life was like. It starts with her rising at 4:30 in the morning and traveling several miles to fetch water from a bacteria infested stream for the family to drink, bathe and do laundry with. She then gathers fire wood and chops it into kindling with a large ax before setting out to walk 5 miles barefoot to school. The student’s response to these images was overwhelming. They are so passionate about world issues and use their growing awareness to come up with ways to help.

The Hamilton Southeastern High School World Connections Club take in every detail of an orphaned girl's life in rural Kenya

The Hamilton Southeastern High School World Connections Club take in every detail of an orphaned girl’s life in rural Kenya

Michelle Stark and I have visited the club for the past several years. Each year we are so impressed by these students. They learn about various cultures through food, dance and cultural customs. They learn and discuss world issues and truly have global awareness in a way seldom seen at the high school level. These HSE World Connections Club students are also learning to take on leadership roles by directing and organizing their own events.

World Connections Club President Vickie Lazaga and MH Vice President Ann Thomson present Matanya's Hope to the HSE World Connections Club

World Connections Club President Vickie Lazaga and MH Vice President Ann Thomson present Matanya’s Hope to the HSE World Connections Club

It is with deep gratitude that Michelle and I salute these caring students and their inspiring leader, Vickie Lazaga.

Ann Thomson, V.P. Matanya’s Hope

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!

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.

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