From The beginning
Only God could have know that the decision to adopt from Ethiopia would lead to the development of a non profit. In 2006, my husband and I decided that God was leading us to expand our family one more time. We knew we wanted to adopt internationally since we had already walked though an adoption for our daughter from China. My husband chose the country of Ethiopia and we asked for a male child from birth-2 years of age. Eighteen months later, God paired us with a precious baby boy who was 2 months old. His name in Amharic was Sitota. This means gift.
After traveling to Ethiopia, I could not shake the feeling that we needed to do something to help the country that gave us our child. From there, Love For Ethiopia was birthed. Over the years, so many people have leant their time and talents. We could not have the impact we do today without their efforts.
Our HISTORY
2009
Love For Ethiopia was created and formally recognized as a 501 (c) (3).
2010
Sitota Learning Center in Hawassa, Ethiopia began as a grade 1st through 6th grade private school. This school served the children in the community whether they could pay or not. Love For Ethiopia leased a compound for the school and built two large buildings to accommodate more children and more grades. We started with a sponsorship program that supported the educational needs of 100 students. many of the sponsors that started with us in 2009 are still in contact with their child today.
2017
Arba Minch Hope Center was established. Love For Ethiopia's work in Hawassa was continuing but we also felt God leading us to work with the organization, SHAPEthiopia to establish a presence in Arba Minch. It is a stunning area of the country for its lake views and often a stop over spot for Europeans who are traveling further south for safaris. However, there was very little social support for families who were destitute. Working with the local government, we were able to identify 150 children from different families that were the poorest of the poor in their neighborhood.
With these 150 families and the blessing of the government, the HOPE center was birthed. These children were (and still are) provided with a daily meal. They are also provided with hygiene products monthly and their education needs like uniforms and school fees are paid.
2020
This was a difficult year globally. Although we tried, Love For Ethiopia had to close Sitota Learning Center. This decision was made for the safety of the students and the staff.
In the midst of chaos, God provided Love For Ethiopia with a vision to help the children in the Women's prison in Arba Minch. We were able to buy and install a playground for the children in the prison. The first time we ever visited the prison we noticed that the children had nothing enriching. There was a small space where the children would play in the dirt. With a quarantine in place, God made a way for the playground to be made and installed.
2021
Once Love For Ethiopia started to learn more about the children who are living with their mothers in the prison, we learned that the government does not pay for the children to eat or a bed for them. We decided that we needed to provide at least one meal a day to the children. We felt that the children needed their own food. From 2021, Love For Ethiopia has provided all of the children meals 6 days a week. The children that are still nursing receive formula daily if needed.
2023
Love For Ethiopia, through donations from Emmaus Church in Jacksonville, Florida, provided the children in the prison with beds.
2024
Love For Ethiopia's Board Of Directors voted to create a House of Hope. This house will be for 5 of the oldest children at the prison to experience the a family life outside of the prison. This home will allow the children to understand how to navigate life in the community while still having a relationship with their mothers while in the prison. Our concern without the home, the children would not understand how to live outside of the prison once their mother is released.
Our PEOPLE
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