Center for Health and Hope: The Gift of H.O.P.E.
Project Information
Providing essential care for 315 orphans in Meru, Kenya, with education, nutrition and health care.
Describe the need affecting community
HIV and AIDS continue to have a devastating impact on the life and well-being of the people of Kenya. According to the 2023 UNAIDS HIV and AIDS estimates, 1.4 million people are living with HIV, with more women than men living with HIV or AIDS. In Meru, Kenya, a major center of Kenyan Methodists, AIDS has clearly been a disease closely associated with poverty and hunger. Leaders of the Kaaga Synod, led by the local bishop, help to identify vulnerable children in the community, many who have lost at least one parent to AIDS. These children need protection, safety, food, education, love and access to treatment. Efforts in the community must continually be taken not only to care for these children, but to promote programs of education and awareness to ensure prevention and support. About 1,500 people who are living with HIV are connected to the Methodist churches through support and empowerment programs. Helping parents be healthy and productive ensures greater protection and care of the children. The Center for Health and Hope routinely visits the program in Kenya and is in regular contact with those who are running this invaluable work.
How will this Advance project help to address the need?
The Gift of H.O.P.E. (Helping Orphans by Providing Essentials) is a project of the Center for Health and Hope in partnership with the Kaaga Synod of the Methodist Church of Kenya. The center supports and advocates for people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS around the world through programs of education, prevention, care and treatment. The center addresses issues related to HIV and AIDS stigma, discrimination and poverty. Currently, the center supports 315 AIDS orphans each year in a community-based program. This Advance project helps to raise the money necessary to help these children. The money raised through this project will assist the Kaaga Synod of the Kenya Methodist Church to care for AIDS orphans, and to encourage HIV education, prevention, care and treatment. None of the funds raised will be retained for administrative costs in the United States.
Describe the primary goal of the project
The aim of impact of this project is to ensure 315 AIDS orphans receive the care they need, including health care (with access to HIV treatment as needed), shelter, nutrition, education, safety and personal support. Currently, 315 children are being helped while they are completing primary and secondary school. This community-based program does not operate like an orphanage but keeps children within their communities and their own extended families. Your support is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Describe the change you would like to see in the community as a result of this Advance project
The Gift of H.O.P.E. program is keeping 315 children healthy, and as importantly, educated. A life without education (especially in Kenya) means a life with very little opportunity to move forward and provide for self and family. Keeping children focused on a path that will lead to future opportunities is key to the success of not only the individual students, but the community itself. Furthermore, the deep involvement of the church in the community through this program has significantly helped in reducing stigma and discrimination and has made the church a vital positive force for education, prevention and care. During a visit by the center’s founder, Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, a man shared with him, “Now I understand what Methodism truly means… love in action.”
Contact Information
Justin Levy, Executive Director
centerforhealthandhope@gmail.com
Chistina Werner, Records Administrator
christnal.werner@gmail.com