Dear Friends:
I write to bring you up to
date on the present status of the Rays of Hope Clinic. As either members of
Maureen’s family or one of her dearest friends, you all have supported her greatest
desire; that the Rays of Hope Clinic flourish far into the future. I have to tell you that I have concern that her dream is in jeapordy.
This wonderful and,
indeed, currently flourishing effort is her legacy both to the people of Githongo and to
us. Since Maureen’s death, I have worked to to keep it growing and secure, and
to be a support and advisor to Kristen, of Children of Strength, who has devoted
herself to this cause. On her own, Kristin has traveled twice to the clinic to see
first hand how it is doing, as well as to continue efforts to bring them
technological help, knowledge about budgets, managing money and keeping
records. She and I have been working on developing sources of funding as well. Children of Strength holds the funds that Kristen distributes as
needed, but more secure funding for the future is necessary. She is on the Board as the US Representative and keeps close watch on
how money is spent, being sure that expenditures are in sync with the goals
that are set in place. I have taken care of
thanking donors, and have written a proposal to the Global Fund for Children
requesting that we be allowed to submit a grant proposal. We are grateful for our contact who is connected to the organization, and are hopeful for a
positive response. It is extremely difficult to even apply for a grant, much
less receive one!
The reality is that the
remaining funds will be exhausted by the middle of 2015. Maureen’s legacy and
the fund raising since her death will meet the $22,000 annual budget until
then, but, unless we find some stable funding, the future looks quite unstable
and untenable as regards keeping the Clinic running as it is now.
This is especially sad in
that there has been so much positive growth and success recently.
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| Murithi with much needed supplies. |
Here are some pictures of
the Clinic’s recent annual free Community Medical Day! This is a wonderful effort that
brings in 2 medical doctors and 2 lab technicians. This year Kristen was there
for this event, and reports that it was amazing with over 200 patients seen and much community building with interaction between those waiting to be seen. Ideally, this event should happen much more often.
The success of this day only makes more urgent the need to find a solution to the concern about future funding.
Another project that was begun last October has been working well, and eventually will be a source of income. Murithi obtained a micro-loan for $5,000, and the clinic opened a "milk cafe" which sells milk and yoghurt which is made by the 4 locals it employs. they make. Once the $5K is paid back, he will receive another $5K for another project.
I hope that you will consider one of the following as a means of staying involved and becoming a part of a commitment to the long range success of what Maureen began and loved so much.
I. "10 - 2 - 4"
This idea is one that is being developed currently, and will be a straight forward means by which an individual can make a commitment that, combined with 9 other individuals, will literally enable the Clinic to continue!
We are looking for 10 people who will commit $2,000 annually for 4 years.
"10 people....$2,000.....4 years" (166. a month)
Please think about this. I am committed to this myself, and hope that all of you who are reading this will seriously consider participating.
You will not receive a t-shirt, a packpak or water bottle, but, I promise you that the love and gratitude you will receive from Murithi, the staff, Board and myself will far outweigh any of those perks!
To make this commitment:
1. Send me an email to say that you want to join with us.
2. Go to the Children of Strength website and then the Rays of Hope page, where you will find a link to PayPal. Donate your yearly payment here. We will
send you a reminder, as we have no way to set it up automatically.
3. OR: Write a check each year and send it directly to Children of Strength. We will send you a reminder each year.
Address: Children of Strength/Rays of Hope
230 Virginia Ave. San Francisco, CA 94110
4. We will receive your $2000 donation and accept it as part of this campaign.
5. You will receive an official letter at the end of the year for your records.
The success of this day only makes more urgent the need to find a solution to the concern about future funding.
 |
| Staff, and doctors brought in for the day. |
 |
| Kristen and friends |
I hope that you will consider one of the following as a means of staying involved and becoming a part of a commitment to the long range success of what Maureen began and loved so much.
I. "10 - 2 - 4"
This idea is one that is being developed currently, and will be a straight forward means by which an individual can make a commitment that, combined with 9 other individuals, will literally enable the Clinic to continue!
We are looking for 10 people who will commit $2,000 annually for 4 years.
"10 people....$2,000.....4 years" (166. a month)
Please think about this. I am committed to this myself, and hope that all of you who are reading this will seriously consider participating.
You will not receive a t-shirt, a packpak or water bottle, but, I promise you that the love and gratitude you will receive from Murithi, the staff, Board and myself will far outweigh any of those perks!
To make this commitment:
1. Send me an email to say that you want to join with us.
2. Go to the Children of Strength website and then the Rays of Hope page, where you will find a link to PayPal. Donate your yearly payment here. We will
send you a reminder, as we have no way to set it up automatically.
3. OR: Write a check each year and send it directly to Children of Strength. We will send you a reminder each year.
Address: Children of Strength/Rays of Hope
230 Virginia Ave. San Francisco, CA 94110
4. We will receive your $2000 donation and accept it as part of this campaign.
5. You will receive an official letter at the end of the year for your records.
II. "Cure Kit:"
$200. will buy $2,000 worth of medical supplies for the clinic.
To participate: Follow the instructions above, and your $200. donation will go to purchase a "Cure Kit."
I know that there are many causes and endless efforts being made all over our world to improve conditions and the lives of so many millions who are suffering.
It can be utterly overwhelming to contemplate. I believe that one thing I can do is to respond to what crosses my path directly and has impacted me personally. This criteria helps me to focus my attention and thus the impact of whatever I am able to do. Because of my friendship with Maureen for so many years, our trip to Africa and then her death, there simply was no question that I would do what I could to keep the Rays of Hope Clinic healthy and effective.
I know you all have some connection to Maureen, and I so do hope that you will see that as a call to join me in this effort.
