1.28.10 – Project 7 Goes to Mercy Street

• Jan
  29
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• 1

Yesterday, we had the honor of volunteering at Mercy Street in Dallas, TX. For those that don't know, Mercy Street is an after school care program that is open to all children that are in need of a hot meal, a good lesson and some heartfelt care. We started our journey to volunteer in a downpour the likes of which you only read about. We passed multiple accidents, puddles and confused Dallas drivers (yes that thing falling from the sky is called rain...) as we headed out to West Dallas. Just like the mailman we could not be deterred. Upon arrival we were greeted by the warm and friendly volunteers. Their energy and joy was infectious. We learned about Mercy Street's mission and what we were going to be doing that day. Our task was to help set up the meals for the children, sit and converse with one table full of shiny faces and then help with their craft project. After serving a delicious meal of lasagna, carrots and zucchini bread (Yum!) we each went to a different table to meet the kids. The children at my table were young and bright and completely suspicious of the stranger sitting with them... at least to begin with. We chatted about their lives (by chatted I mean I asked questions and they reluctantly answered back) and school and what Mercy Street meant to them. By the time the meal was over, they had warmed up to me and we were all excited about the quickly approaching craft time. Our project was simple, or so I thought. We were to create a crown out of construction paper, plates, pipe cleaners, foam sticky things and other accoutrement. I looked around the room and all the other Project 7 employees were attacking the task with the same amount of joy and zeal as the kids. After the allotted crown making time, they held a crown fashion show where the kids got to model their amazing craft feats. As I watched one of the kids from my table gingerly hold this paper crown onto the top of his head, I realized that we had done more than share a meal and do a craft with these kids. We had spent quality time with children that may or may not get that much in their lives, for whatever reason. It reminded me how lucky I was as a kid to have two very loving and devoted parents who always showed me how special I was to them. This day also reminded me that time is one of the most precious things we have to give and give it freely we should. And, as I watched a smiling little boy with an orange paper crown, that I had helped him make, stuck to his head, smile big enough to light up the world, I realized I had done something good that day... and that I was stuck to the table thanks to the glue we had been using.

Finalist Profile #21 – Watoto

• Jan
  28
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• 0

Today we will be profiling the last of our HOPE finalists: Kiva What will they do with the $15,000? Watoto will hire and train three full-time Trauma Rehabilitation Field Workers in war-torn Northern Uganda to reintegrate former child soldiers and other war-affected individuals back into society through trauma counseling, education, vocational skills and discipleship. What do they do? Since 1994, Watoto has been making a significant impact in the lives of orphaned children and vulnerable women in the southern region of Uganda. In the war-torn region of Northern Uganda, Watoto created a Trauma Rehabilitation Program. At least 100 local volunteers have now completed intensive training in Trauma Counseling. To learn more or to cast your vote, click here.

Finalist Profile #20 – Kiva

• Jan
  27
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• 0

Today we will be profiling the last of our BUILD finalists: Kiva What will they do with the $15,000? Kiva will fund approximately 50 loans (~$300 ea.) to global entrepreneurs. The repayments will then become donations to support Kiva’s operations which can help leverage up to $150k more in loans from the internet community. What do they do? Kiva was born of the following beliefs: • People are by nature generous, and will help others if given the opportunity to do so in a transparent, accountable way. • The poor are highly motivated and can be very successful when given an opportunity. • By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another. To learn more or to cast your vote, click here.

Finalist Profile #19 – GEMS

• Jan
  26
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• 0

Today we will be profiling the last of our HELP finalists: GEMS What will they do with the $15,000? GEMS “Pathways to Healthy Adulthood for Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth in New York City” will prepare girls who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking with the supports, opportunities and services for school, life, and work. What do they do? Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) recognizes that victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking require a trauma-based treatment approach which acknowledges the high level of trauma and violence they have experienced as young people involved in the commercial sex industry. GEMS uses a strengths-based positive youth development approach that recognizes their resiliency, their strength, and their potential to develop into fully engaged, economically independent adults. To learn more or to cast your vote, click here.

Finalist Profile #18 – Blood:Water Mission

• Jan
  25
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• 0

Today we will be profiling the last of our FEED finalists: Blood:Water Mission What will they do with the $15,000? Blood:Water Mission will drill three wells in three communities in Northern Uganda, providing clean water for over 1000 people along with training in hygiene and sanitation. These wells will help restore health and hope to these war-torn regions of Uganda. What do they do? Blood:Water Mission provides clean water to the war-torn regions of Lira District in Northern Uganda. After 2 decades of conflict, families are returning to their homes. But the conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure, and communities are without even basic things like clean water. Many walk for miles to fill buckets from rivers while others collect it from springs trampled and polluted by cattle and other livestock. To learn more or to cast your vote, click here.