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Volume 7 Issue 2 https://hopechildrensfund.org/ Fall 2022

Bridget Nkirote was born in 2010 and arrived at Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children's Fund Home in 2017. She is enrolled at Gikumene Primary School Class 7. Bridget is consistently in the top 10 in her class. Her favorite subjects are English and Science. Bridget sent a Whatsapp video with the help of Director Veronica Ntinyari to help tell her story.

"My life has really changed since I came to the home four years ago. I am very grateful for my life at the home with my brothers and sisters. We eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and get to play together. We perform well at school. We are grateful for the bus that takes my brothers and sisters to school. You are our friends because you help us so much. We are very grateful.”

From Bridget’s mentor, Dr. Linda K. Patterson —

I met Bridget Nkirote more than three years ago on my first visit to the Home in Kenya. Bridget is an exciting young person who is anxious to meet the challenges in life with energy and enthusiasm. Though we met when she was nearly eight years old, Bridget has a maturity far beyond her few years. She is focused and disciplined in her studies with an unshakable desire to be the very best. Her goal is to pursue a career in medicine and she ranks among the highest in her class each year. Bridget is keenly devoted to her faith, family, and brothers and sisters in the Home. It is my distinct pleasure and honor to know Bridget and witness her growth into an amazing individual with much to offer the world. I offer many thanks to Bridget’s teachers, house mothers, and the Hope Children’s Fund for their devoted care and unwavering belief in the potential of young people.

From the Home

Scholarships

awarded for high

SCPE scores

Hope Children's Fund is proud to announce this year's Paul E. Dobiecki and Jane Makonde Scholarship winners, given in recognition of high scores on the KCPE (Kenya Comprehensive Primary Examination). This national exam determines eligibility and placement in secondary schools. It is a grueling 3 1/2 day, thirteen subject exam.

Blessed Karani (left) and Juliet Mwendwa (right) are our two Dobiecki scholarships winners. Paul E. Dobiecki was the architect who designed the Lt. Michael Murphy Navy Seal Museum. Jeff Muthethia (center) is our Jane Makonde Scholar. Jane Makonde was the beloved social worker at the home who passed far too early.

With 330 marks, Juliet Mwendwa was the high scorer of the 11 youth from our home that took the exam She attends Gikumene Girl's Secondary School.

Blessed Karani finished in second place with 309 marks. He attends Kiriani Boy's Secondary School.

Jeff Muthethia scored 300 marks on the KCPE and attends Gachanka Day Secondary School.

All three youth embarked on their secondary education journey on May 3.

The new Hope Children's Fund bus, used to take some of the children to school and medical appointments, continues to be a source of great pride for the children. It was purchased through the generosity of Hope Children's Fund supporters.

News from the Board

Old HCF friend becomes new HCF board member

The Board of Directors has undergone significant changes in recent months. The passing of Co-President Lawrence Hohler in May required a reorganization of the board. Co-President Kevin Mann stepped up to become President. Kevin and Lawrence were the only two original HCF board members from the initial April 2003 board meeting.

Board member Laura Spillane agreed to become Vice President, at least temporarily. Laura has been a board member and traveled to Kenya in 2019. Both her son Kyle and daughter Meghan have traveled to Kenya multiple times. Laura has been a pivotal member of the gala committee for years.

The board proudly announces the addition of a new board member who is hardly new to Hope Children's Fund. Jack Licitra (pictured left) has volunteered for HCF since 2006. Jack and his students have performed at many HCF fundraisers. Years ago, Jack was named the official musician for Hope Children's Fund. His 7th Sense album even included a song dedicated to HCF. Jack Licitra brings a tremendous skill set for organizing, performing, and networking to the table. He will be an amazing asset to the board.

Some of the lyrics from Gift of Faith:

There were times when they despaired

When they cried out and no hope was there

Times when it hurt so bad

That the feeling of pain was all they had

Refrain-oh I'm waiting for a change to come, oh I'm gonna be that change

Isiolo child with a family lost, wanders the marketplace invisible to most

Along came Joseph Kirima with a home and safety and beds

With help from his friends they all gonna lend a hand

You gotta have faith, I'm talkin' 'bout faith so strong

When you're climbing the highest mountain and you got to carry on

I'm talkin' 'bout faith, oh that faith so strong

To look at the raging river and still try to cross

So children in need do not despair

There is always HOPE and those that care

Like a distant star that pulls us near

Eighty more children no longer have that fear

Refrain-oh I'm gonna be that change to come,

oh I'm gonna be that change.

Crafting Together

Director Veronica Ntinyari has been teaching the children various crafts, including beadwork.

Hope Children's Fund is a 501 C (3) charitable non-profit organization.

All gifts are tax deductible.

EIN: 75-3065651

Please help us help the homeless with your tax-deductible donation. Make your check payable to: Hope Children's Fund, P.O. Box 387, Setauket, NY 11733

To donate via Venmo

Hope Children's Fund offers a hand up.The goal is to educate youth to become productive adults. HCF has no office or employees, making for minimal operating overhead. All donations go directly to serving the needs of the children at the home.

P.O. Box 387, Setauket, NY 11733

Kevin Mann, President

631-470-6351 [email protected]