I have been here more than two months now and am today reviewing my calendar since arriving. It is not easy being in Liberia... I focus on my gratitude list daily - and there is lots to celebrate, which is what keeps me here.
The FFW Community Health Clinic Project is happening! We funded the first 5 clinics this week; they all agreed to join our Network of Excellence in partnership with Benson Hospital. There are 70+ community clinics in the area around Benson Hospital so we are just beginning.
As we are bringing together clinics for this first-ever Network of Excellence, we are preparing to open the first FFW Clinic in one of our partner schools. Construction is underway at Henry Reeves Jr/Sr High School and is expected to be complete by the end of this month for our planned opening in July! This is the result of a great collective impact approach involving FFW, Benson Hospital, Care 2 Communities, and one of our treasured school partners. Together we are better!
The FFW Community Health Clinic Project is happening! We funded the first 5 clinics this week; they all agreed to join our Network of Excellence in partnership with Benson Hospital. There are 70+ community clinics in the area around Benson Hospital so we are just beginning.
As we are bringing together clinics for this first-ever Network of Excellence, we are preparing to open the first FFW Clinic in one of our partner schools. Construction is underway at Henry Reeves Jr/Sr High School and is expected to be complete by the end of this month for our planned opening in July! This is the result of a great collective impact approach involving FFW, Benson Hospital, Care 2 Communities, and one of our treasured school partners. Together we are better!
By adding this third product to our list of FFW services offered here in Liberia, we are creating a holistic model of support for the people of this country - microfinance support and financial literacy for individuals, microfinance and education support for low fee independent schools touching thousands of children, and now microfinance and clinical support for community health clinics to improve healthcare. I am so excited about the development of this unique model, which I believe to be the first of its kind anywhere. And it is happening here in Liberia!
Last week I was dramatically reminded about why I do this work. A Liberian friend of mine invited me and our microfinance team to visit a very remote community several hours outside of Monrovia, where people are suffering greatly... We arrived to the warmest reception - welcome signs, cheers and hugs, and gifts of a chicken and kola nuts - great joy that we cared enough to come and offer support. Next week the first 20 women in the community will receive their loans and business support from us. Fabulous!!
This afternoon we met at our FFW office with the Legislative Representative, who along with my dear friend Hawa, invited us to that community. I have no idea his political party affiliation and do not want to know. This is about helping people in dire need. The Representative met with our management team and expressed his great appreciation - and offered us his commitment to help in any way, including providing transport whenever we visit this remote part of Bong County. Life is not easy here - transport is always a challenge, so this offer is welcome.
I believe we have now created a new avenue for reaching out to and helping people as I am certain Representative Kolleh will share this partnership with his colleagues. He so wanted to help the people in his district, but did not know how. FFW Liberia knows how; a special partnership is now in place. JOY!
The Foundation for Women is launching its third decade in service to humanity - from India to Africa to America. After great success globally and locally, I find myself in this war-torn, post-Ebola beyond-challenged country and sometimes wonder how did this happen... Then I return to what I have always "known" and said to our newest team member here today regarding the Foundation for Women, "God had a good idea and I was blessed to hear it." And I am trusting that God is continuing to have good ideas, so I am listening... Listening to Anna and Magnus and Princess explain our work since 2006 to the Representative today made my heart burst with love and joy!
And it all is happening because of you and your long-standing belief in and support of the Foundation for Women!
With tremendous love and gratitude to you all, Deborah
Last week I was dramatically reminded about why I do this work. A Liberian friend of mine invited me and our microfinance team to visit a very remote community several hours outside of Monrovia, where people are suffering greatly... We arrived to the warmest reception - welcome signs, cheers and hugs, and gifts of a chicken and kola nuts - great joy that we cared enough to come and offer support. Next week the first 20 women in the community will receive their loans and business support from us. Fabulous!!
This afternoon we met at our FFW office with the Legislative Representative, who along with my dear friend Hawa, invited us to that community. I have no idea his political party affiliation and do not want to know. This is about helping people in dire need. The Representative met with our management team and expressed his great appreciation - and offered us his commitment to help in any way, including providing transport whenever we visit this remote part of Bong County. Life is not easy here - transport is always a challenge, so this offer is welcome.
I believe we have now created a new avenue for reaching out to and helping people as I am certain Representative Kolleh will share this partnership with his colleagues. He so wanted to help the people in his district, but did not know how. FFW Liberia knows how; a special partnership is now in place. JOY!
The Foundation for Women is launching its third decade in service to humanity - from India to Africa to America. After great success globally and locally, I find myself in this war-torn, post-Ebola beyond-challenged country and sometimes wonder how did this happen... Then I return to what I have always "known" and said to our newest team member here today regarding the Foundation for Women, "God had a good idea and I was blessed to hear it." And I am trusting that God is continuing to have good ideas, so I am listening... Listening to Anna and Magnus and Princess explain our work since 2006 to the Representative today made my heart burst with love and joy!
And it all is happening because of you and your long-standing belief in and support of the Foundation for Women!
With tremendous love and gratitude to you all, Deborah
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