[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Peris Maina is a brave woman. She married her husband 10 years ago and they had 3 children together. Peris worked hard to support her family. Every day, she would walk long distances to work as a farm laborer. Every night she would do her best to feed her children. Sadly her husband did not help.  He went on frequent drinking binges and his behavior became violent. One night, Peris woke to the sounds of her husband attacking their children. She quickly intervened, putting herself between her husband and the children in a desperate attempt to protect them. He beat her until she was unconscious. The neighbors were alerted by the screams, and Peris was brought to the hospital. She was unconscious for three days. Her husband realized the seriousness of his actions and disappeared.

After Peris recovered from her injuries, she was still faced with the challenges that many single mothers face.  She needed to support her family, but it was difficult to find a job.  Peris came to Rapha Community Center seeking a home for her children.  When we heard her chilling story, we also offered her a job as a caretaker in the girls’ dormitory.  Every day she wakes up feeling thankful her family is safe, and grateful they have a new start at Rapha.

Peris shared her experience with me during my recent trip to Kenya. I asked her if I could share it with you because her story exemplifies the positive impact of Rapha. We have created a safe haven for orphans, vulnerable children and battered women, and we have provided a quality education to students who could not afford to go to school. The work we are doing at Rapha is making a difference, and this is only the beginning.

Right now, the monthly operating budget of Rapha Community Center is $5,000. We receive approximately $3,000 each month from our sponsorship program, which means we need to raise $2,000 per month to cover our expenses. Your donation this year will go towards the
development of income projects that will provide sustainability to the general operating of the children’s home and the school. The first project will include the purchase of 4 quality milking cows at $750 each that will generate approximately $1,000 in milk sales each month. This year I’m asking you to give as much as you are able to support the development of this project and to the general operating expenses of the Center. Our goal is to raise $15,000.

Every little bit makes a difference, to all of our children, to every student, teacher and employee, including Peris Maina. With your support, we can continue the great programs we have started, and begin to expand our efforts to reach even more people in need.

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Musick Wright
Founder & Executive Director

To donate please send checks (made payable to HEAL) to: PO Box 452, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Donations can also be made online.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]