Jajja's Kids USA Team

Jajja's Kids is a joint effort between Jajja’s Kids, Inc. in the United States and Jajja’s Kids–Africa based in Kampala, Uganda. Together we provide support for eighteen children and the staff who care for them.

The USA component Jajja’s Kids, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in upstate N.Y. It was founded in 2008 and became an IRS-sanctioned nonprofit in 2014. The U.S. organization provides the support necessary for Jajja's Kids - Africa to succeed.

Our USA Team includes a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, a core of dedicated volunteers and supporters who provide Jajja's Kids with the necessary financial support.

In this newsletter, we share information about our USA Team and how we all work together to benefit the children we serve. The young people in Jajja's Kids are thriving because of our collaborative and committed efforts.

Diane Reiner, Executive Director

(Photo Above: Diane during her recent visit to Uganda)

There would be no Jajja's Kids without the initiative and tremendous dedication and leadership of Diane and her African partner, Ronnie Sseruyange.

Diane went to Uganda in 2006 to study photography, and Ronnie became her guide into the slums of Kampala. She saw him offer hope to street children who had nowhere to go and nothing to do,

Diane developed a deep respect for his commitment to their welfare. The fact that he himself had been a street child made his work all the more compelling, and the decision to help him help others was an easy one.

For almost 20 years, Diane has guided Jajja's Kids into a well established and recognized non-profit organization. She recently received two prestigious awards, the national Jefferson Award and the University at Albany Alumni Association Excellence in Community Service Award.

Connie Frisbee Houde, Board President

(Photo above: Connie with Jajja Kid Sonia)

Connie's passions combine her love for photography and travel with working for humanitarian aid organizations. This helps her have a perspective of other cultures and their importance. She feels fortunate to have visited Jajja's Kids in Uganda several times, and enjoys working with the children and staff there.

​Her background and job experience in the nonprofit sector include working as director of a small house museum, consultant to historical societies and small museums, and now as curator in a major museum.

Her varied experiences and role as Board President have helped Jajja’s Kids grow as a nonprofit. During her visits to Uganda, her photographic talents have resulted in a treasury of photos that document Jajja's Kids in activities as they have grown. Her photos of Jajja's Kids have been displayed in an exhibit in Barcelona, Spain and locally at the Honest Weigh Food Coop in Albany NY.

Connie also is a Scholarship Sponsor for one of Jajja's Kids, Sonia.

Scott Reinhart, Board Member

(Photo above: Scott as MC at the fund raising brunch in October)

Scott is excited to be part of a group that is passionate about, and committed to, making a difference in the lives of the former street kids of Uganda.

Scott spent thirty-eight years as a teacher and school principal in the Rochester, NY area, providing him the experience and perspective necessary for educational program planning and the understanding of the varied stages of adolescent development.

He was drawn to join the Board in 2023 because Jajja’s Kids recognizes the value of saving the world one child at a time. He finds it is great to be part of something that is truly making a difference. 

Scott serves as liaison with our African team in developing, receiving and reviewing reports on each Jajja's Kid's educational and social development. Scott also served as a volunteer including Master of Ceremonies at Jajja's Kids most recent fundraising event at Revolution Hall in Troy NY.

Scott and his wife, Sherry serve as Scholarship Sponsor for Jajja's Kids Daphine.

Mary Kozlowski, Board Member

(Photo: Mary volunteering at Jajja's Kids fundraiser in Revolution Hall, Troy NY)

Mary was excited to join the Board of Jajja’s Kids and contribute to the vital work being done for the youth of Uganda.

With a solid foundation in project management and technical expertise honed over years as an internal auditor, she was eager to leverage her skills and creative problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges head-on.

She enjoys collaborating with the team at Jajja’s Kids and supporting its mission of fostering development and education for young people. She is committed to making a meaningful impact and advancing this important cause.

Since joining the Board, Mary's activities have included serving as webmaster, chairperson of our Brunch Fundraiser and helping to manage our data base of donors and supporters.

Mary serves on the Board with her husband, Steve. They are happy to be Scholarship Sponsor for Jajja's Kid Aziz.

Steve Kozlowski, Board Member

(Photo: Steve at Fundraiser at Revolution Hall)

Steve is thrilled to be part of Jajja’s Kids USA Team.

His work history has been in project development and coordination. He enjoys supporting Jajja's Kids.

Steve has made a lifetime commitment to community service and making life on earth more equitable. His volunteer efforts go beyond Jajja's Kids to other community organizations as well.

Since joining the Board, Steve develops Jajja's Kids email newsletters and posts on social media. Steve also coordinates the Scholarship Sponsor program.

Together with his wife Mary, Steve is pleased to be a Scholarship Sponsor for Jajja's Kid Aziz.

Katie Suhr, Board Member

(Photo above: Katie volunteering at Jajja's Kids Brunch Fundraiser)

As a teacher with more than twenty years of experience in both public and non-profit sectors, Katie is happy to be part of the Jajja's Kids USA Team.



She seeks to connect with people, tell their stories, and learn how similar our life’s goals can be, even when we live in different places.

Katie serves as a member of the Board. As Board Secretary, she compiles Board meeting notes and agreed upon follow-up actions. She also volunteers in other activities including at our October Brunch Fundraiser.

Katie was instrumental in Jajja's Kids receiving a grant from her family's foundation. The grant was used to build a well outside Jajja's Kids house which greatly improved collection of water for Jajja's Kids daily needs.

Volunteers

(Photo above: volunteers at our 2024 fund raising event

Jajja's Kids is fortunate to also have the help of a cadre of dedicated volunteers. They assist in activities such as helping to plan and carry out fund raising events and administrative duties.

Most of our volunteers have been helping for a number of years. They show tremendous commitment and we are very grateful to have them as part of our team.

Professional IT Services Volunteer

(Photos above: Doug Williams, volunteer IT services)

Special thanks to Doug Williams, who donates professional IT services, support and equipment. Doug has enabled us to make higher use of IT resources and video technology. 

He travelled to Kampala with Diane last Fall and installed high speed internet service to the Jajja's Kids house and created a video studio that enabled Diane to interview Jajja’s kids and staff on camera. Those interviews became the centerpiece of the 2025 Fundraiser Brunch.

Supporters

(Photo Above: Supporters at the October Brunch Fundraiser)

Our generous supporters are an essential part of our team and all that we do. Their ongoing support enables us to provide the care and education that are making a vital difference in the lives of Jajja's Kids.

We are so grateful to them in providing the financial resources to enable young people who were once homeless to become thriving young adults with vocational goals and plans for a better life for themselves and their families. Our hats go off to each of our supporters!

End of Year Appeal

(Photo Above: Jajja's Kids at home)

The young people in Jajja's Kids have worked hard to overcome their past and achieve success in their educational pursuits. They are grateful for the care and opportunities they receive. Their appreciation, goals and dreams for the future are heartwarming to all of us in Team USA.

You can help us continue this vital work that is making a difference not only for the children themselves, but also their families, their community and the world around them.

Please consider An end-of-year donation so that Jajja's Kids can continue to thrive. Thank you!