“Unleash the entrepreneurship of the world’s poorest citizens”

March 9th, 2010

From time to time we like to draw attention to articles that add important perspective to the discussions of justice and poverty alleviation. This is not an endorsement of the viewpoints, but an endorsement of the importance of these discussions

The Wall Street Journal recently asked eight prominent philanthropists and NGO executives how they would spend $10 billion to achieve the biggest and longest-lasting impact on the world’s problems. All eight came up with great ideas, but the clear winner in my opinion came from leading Swedish businessman and philanthropist Percy Barnevik, who said he would use the money to unleash the entrepreneurship of the world’s poorest citizens.

My experience in Africa over the past 27 years has convinced me that this is the only way for people to break out of poverty. People are poor because they have no sustainable income. It’s as simple as that.

via allAfrica.com: Africa: Create Jobs in Continent, and All Else Will Follow.

A Mad March Against Poverty – March Madness Brackets for a Cause

March 5th, 2010

Join the fun of NCAA Men’s Basketball “March Madness…” and join the story of The 1010 Project at the same time! The entry period ends March 18th, click on the button below to get started.

$10-15 is a common loan from the Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) we support like Mother’s Concern and Tumaini Pomoja. In February I met a woman who turned such a loan into a $75/mo business that allowed her to overcome the major obstacle of school fees for her 6 children, pay rent, and help break the cycle of poverty for her family.


After You’ve Paid

Click here for instructions on how to setup your bracket!

Don’t have a PayPal Account? That’s OK!

Simply click “Continue on the bottom left”

paypal-no-bank-account

VIDEO: Our Small Business Training with Chuck Blakeman

March 2nd, 2010

Chuck summarized a major “takeaway” from his time in Kenya as he described a training he is to give here in Denver

…the Cycle of Poverty is a serious problem even for seemingly successful business owners here in the U.S., because once you fund something (in the case of Kenya- micro financing is the most common method, here it is either our own savings or a loan from a bank), that actually doesn’t solve anything.

The business owner then needs very significant training to change their mindset about how successful business happens.  Without that change in mindset, all we do is temporarily raise our standard of living or business position because of the loan.  If we haven’t made the right decisions what to do with the loan, once we pay it back and the loan money runs out, our business reverts to where it was before.  It is HOW we use the loan and how we reinvest the higher net profits possible that is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.  This is a problem both in Kenya and here – business owners don’t use their loan properly to set themselves up for sustainable business.

To that end, we did our first business training for business owners before I left and I put together two more months of training to get us started helping these business owners make the kind of investments that will create a sustainable business.  After getting back here I realized that the problem is identical here for business owners who are well past subsistence – they still are slaves to their business, can’t leave for a week and expect things to be running well when they get back, and when their loan money runs out, they need to go get another one or their business reverts to where it was before the first loan.

I’m going to use the same exact training I used in Kenya today to make my point.  I think it will be very eye-opening to these seemingly successful business owners to realize they aren’t any farther along except that their “poverty” is lack of time and continuing high risk exposure because they’re not reinvesting regularly in their business.

“This changes everything…now we know why our businesses have been failing”

March 1st, 2010

As I return to the office this morning, I’m so grateful this note was waiting in my inbox about the business training seminar we put on in the Matopeni neighborhood of Nairobi for our partners

Dear Brian, this is Peter, we met at the candlelight ministries where Chuck delivered a very motivating talk on business.This is to thank you for the good work that your org is doing in our country and also to assure you that the seminar was not in vain.I have tried to pass on the message to my peers at komarock and we really are trying to change our approach to business so we can register better returns.Please keep in touch and kindly inform us when you next visit.God bless you.Regards-Peter.

In the seminar Chuck Blakeman covered:

  • Revenue – Cost = Gross Profit
  • Gross Profit – Income = Net Profit

It is a problem that plagues all businesses worldwide: you get a $100 check from a client and think “Yay I have $100!” Not so, as Chuck explained using the metaphor of selling eggs. You have to factor in costs of buying more eggs to sell, transporting the eggs to a market, broken eggs, employees, refrigeration, and so on. Only after those costs, and after taking the income you need to live on, do you have your actual net profit.

It was incredible to watch the light bulbs go on in these social entrepreneurs heads. One attendee said “this changes everything…now we know why our businesses have been failing.”

These brave entrepreneurs are truly my heroes, it is a privilege to serve them and support their work.

P.S. If you have a business and support The 1010 Project you can receive free business coaching from Chuck!

Small Business in Kenya

March 1st, 2010

Another update from Executive Director Brian Rants during his service learning in Kenya.

Mama Bidii (Active Women) and the Crafts They Created

Zi6_0192

The women sang around my wife, Shannon, gave her a green “Mama Bidii” shirt, and wrapped here in their black and white skirt. Then we looked at their truly beautiful handiwork, and bought Christmas gifts for the year!

A truly beautiful experience.

Chips That Changed Her Children’s Lives

Zi6_0223

A loan of 1000 Kenyan Shillings (ksh), about $15.

She built a 5000 ksh/month business selling chips (french fries), about $75.

This helped her pay school fees for 6 kids, pay the rent, and change the future of her family. This my dear friends, is social entrepreneurship.

Small is the new big.

The Right Answers vs. The Right Questions

February 26th, 2010

An update from Executive Director Brian Rants during his service learning in Kenya.

One resounding lesson from this experience is something built into the DNA of The 1010 Project: it is more important to have the right questions than the right answers.

Exempla Gratis (E.G.)

Over the week I’ve spoken with two Kenyans possessing 30 years of development experience between them. One of the first partners I visited was Pastor Brown and his wife Josephine, founders of Fair Oaks Academy and leaders of Redeemed Gospel Church. I also joined Michael Nyangi of LOMORO in visiting the small businesses started with capital he lent, and discussing the role of The 1010 Project.

I asked them each some form of this question: “How can The 1010 Project improve our partnership with social entrepreneurs in Kenya.” The answers I received were remarkably consistent. Chiefly, that partners have access to business training, and create solid business plans for their ventures.

My former business coach Chuck Blakeman explained this principle to several Nairobian women. Business is like water; you simply need to know where you are and where you are going. Michael Nyangi pointed out that many social entrepreneurs have not received any kind of business training, and some very little education at all. Having access to training and building a business plan first both defines sucess and increases the likelihood of reaching it.

This confirmed and clarified for me my belief that in any culture, three things are needed for the success of a social entrepreneur

  • Skill: this could be a private sector skill like jewelry making, or a social sector skill like building an orphanage
  • Capital: access to startup funds either from one’s own means, or an outside source; e.g. small grants from The 1010 Project
  • Training: acquiring basic competence in fundamental business practices like marketing and accounting

Questions are Primary

As you can see above, the end result was an “answer:” business training being essential to fostering social entrepreneurship. Discovering answers to the challenges of poverty is both noble and essential, but questions must always be primary. In other words, it is impossible to answer a question for someone that has never been asked of them.

The “Problem” of Credit in Kenya

February 24th, 2010

Here is an update from Executive Director Brian Rants in Kenya.

Half-Built Houses and the Problems of Credit

The growing Eastlands of Nairobi is dotted with half-built houses. As you walk through the brick/cement/stone structures so typical of the developing world, you will see neighborhoods where perhaps 3 out of every 4 houses is roofless and vacant. The doors and windows will be piled up with loose rocks, to discourage squatting. One of my hosts explained that Nairobians build as they have money. So the building process is lengthy and at times unpredictable.

This was another of those visual reminders of the importance of credit in a healthy economy.

The United States is coming off triggering a massive global recession for the opposite reason: the excess of credit. Multitudes of homeowners were sold mortgages they had no business receiving, without having to prove adequate income.

The density of population here is staggering. And unlike the dense urban centers in the US like New York, there is vastly inadequate infrastructure. That last sentence just doesn’t convey how utterly overburdened Nairobi is, like a bicycle carrying 40 mattresses. Fred Afwai, our Kenyan Country director, explained that the city planning for Nairobi was for 200,000 people. Think Boulder, Colorado. The current population is somewhere close to 5 million. Think the entire population of Colorado.

Bank accounts and loans are only available to those who already have money. To open an account is costly, and simply out of reach of our friends here in the eastern, poorer part of the city. This means that overcrowded population centers in Nairobi will remain crowded while half-built houses remain empty.

The “Problem of Credit” is Simply an “Opportunity”

Charles Owino of YOCHAN (Youth Challenge Network) corrected one of his youth when she spoke of a “problem,” saying it was not a problem but “an opportunity.” I imagine he would similarly advise here. Partners like Mother’s Concern and LOMORO are tackling this “opportunity.” Michael Nyangi is already “The Banker to the Slums,” as one Swiss newspaper called him after he met with a Swiss banking colleague. He has provided savings and loans services through his organization to 210 growing LOMORO so he can become a bank someday.

The good news: The solutions, and the social entrepreneurs who have devised them, are already present here in Nairobi. That is why The 1010 Project is here: connecting these social entrepreneurs with capital. Additionally, as part of this trip we are establishing grassroots business training to help increase their capacity for success.

The 1010 Project continues to grow because the opportunities here are…well, endless. And because our supporters in the United States continue to seize these opportunities for contributing their time, expertise, and resources towards breaking the cycle of poverty for life.

If you haven’t already…will you Join the Story?

Service Learning in Kenya

February 19th, 2010

At the beginning of February, the 1010 Project’s Executive Director Brian Rants and his wife headed to Kenya for a service learning experience. Two business colleagues, Chuck Blakeman and Charlotte Wells, joined Brian to explore the creation of grassroots business coaching/education for our entrepreneurs, responding to the the invitation of our country director, Fred Afwai. Through blog posts and tweets, Brian and Chuck have been updating us about their amazing experiences: adventurous trips from the airport along dirt (barely) roads, meeting business owners and local nonprofit leaders, visiting schools, playing soccer with kids, witnessing hope amidst extreme poverty, and drinking lots of chai. Stay tuned for more stories from Brian in Kenya.

You can follow Chuck at http://twitter.com/ChuckBlakeman and Brian in Kenya at http://twitter.com/the1010project.

Discover how you can have your own service learning experience in Kenya with The 1010 Project.

Listen. Learn. Serve. Experience Kenya with Us

February 12th, 2010

servicelearning

Join the The 1010 Project this summer for one of our incredible service learning opportunities!

Business Focus – (June 8th – 24th)

Come listen, learn, teach, and experience life in the business sector of Kenya, one of the largest economies in East Africa and a dynamic hub of both informal and formal commerce. Your service learning experience will include conversations with entrepreneurs in both cosmopolitan Nairobi and the remote farms of rural Western Kenya, with numerous opportunities to search for creative solutions to pressing challenges. Don’t miss a chance to see firsthand the possibilities and ingenuity in one of Africa’s emerging markets.

Education Focus – (July 6th – 22nd)

In 2002 President Mwai Kibaki made primary education free throughout Kenya. The ensuing surge of enrollment speaks to a strong desire among Kenyans, especially the poor, to pursue an education. Nonetheless, high dropout rates from primary to secondary levels remain a concern. Come listen, learn, teach, and experience the nuances of public and private education in Kenya. You will have ample opportunity to interact with students of different ages and backgrounds and meet remarkable teachers who create opportunities even without material items for curriculums. If you are a teacher, educator, child care worker, or interested in a career in such a field, this is the service learning experience for you!

Cost per person equals approximately $3,500 (inclusive of airfare – subject to change)

If you are interested, please write a short email to development@the1010project.org expressing your interest. We we will then provide you with a service learning application.

Space is limited and the application deadline is Friday, February 19th – SO make your purposeful summer plans now!

Interview with Keith Ives on Blog Talk Radio

February 10th, 2010

At the end of January, Megan Schiebe of Blog Talk Radio interviewed Keith Ives, an awesome volunteer for us that is currently in Kenya.  Listen to his interview by clicking the link below!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/megan-schiebe/2010/01/23/how-kenya-1010-is-making-waves

Entrepreneurs can change the world

February 9th, 2010

This video, though not by us, might as well be. It powerfully illustrates why we invest in the work of social entrepreneurs to change their lives, families, and communities in Kenya.

Rebuilding After Tragedy — Humble Hearts School and Fair Oaks Academy Try to Recover from Demolition

February 1st, 2010

Humble Hearts School

humble_hearts_schoolOne month after a school and living quarters were “accidentally” razed to the ground by Kenyan government railway authorities clearing space for a pipeline project, children have returned to school at Humble Hearts. Parents, nearly all of whom live in absolute poverty, have scraped together enough funding to erect the basic poles and structure necessary for a new building, and young children have begun using the shelter. Ten blackboards and a water tank saved from the demolition are in use again, as well as the schools latrine system. A church in the community has opened its space for the older classes, and the children are safely living in alternate quarters. Despite the rapid resumption of classes, hard work of the students, family, school officials and community, much remains to be done. The Kenyan government is unwilling to provide material or economic assistance, even though admitting the forced demolition at 3 am on a December morning was a mistake in planning. Support is urgently needed to replace lost books, desks, learning materials, and for further construction efforts.

Why rebuild if the people lack control of land ownership rights? Luckily, Beatrice, the principle, human rights lawyers, and others are working through the necessary government offices to ensure that such an event does not happen again. In the meantime, they are building a more temporary shelter to continue classes so that the children have a place to go during the day, a meal to eat, and do not fall behind in course work. The deaf children from Humble Hearts have already been moved to a new school located some distance from the congestion of the outer ring road area, and work continues on the finishing touches for that campus area. With time, all the children will be moved to the newer building.

Fair Oaks School

GraduationSimilar to the Humble Hearts tragedy, Fair Oaks School, Redeemed Church, and the vocational center were also demolished by outside parties during the fall of 2009. Since then, Pastor Brown, his wife and the congregation have been working furiously to secure land rights, put up a temporary structure, and resume classes and vocational training, which in turn opens up economic opportunities for youth. By the end of November there were 10 more graduates in tailoring and dress making, 8 graduates in computer development, and 5 graduates in furniture upholstery and interior design. The community had a peaceful Christmas season and the congregation continued to grow and support the educational activities of the ministry. The temporary shelter has transitioned from a tent to a solid structure with iron sheeting for a roof, and land ownership rights to the land it now sits on.

How You Can Help

Please consider making a donation to provide the The 1010 Project with the resources to assist our partners, such as Humble Hearts School, when faced with unforeseen emergencies and tragedies.

Laugh a little and help The 1010 Project

January 27th, 2010

On Thursday, February 11th The 1010 Project will be joining the Bovine Metropolis Theater and Rialto Cafe to bring you a hilarious night on the town!

Join us at the Bovine Metropolis Theater for an improv show by Bovine’s most seasoned players. After the show head around the corner to the Rilato Cafe and enjoy 20% off of your dinner for the night.

The Bovine Metropolis theater will donate a large portion of the night’s ticket sales to The 1010 Project. There will also be an opportunity to make tax-deductible contributions at the show. Have a laugh and help us out!

Whether you are looking or an early Valentine’s Day date, or you just want to start the weekend a little early, this night promises to be a good one.

The show starts at 7:30 and tickets are only $16 (price includes a 20% certificate at Rialto Cafe).

Find a date, grab some friends, or treat your sweetheart on February 11th. You won’t be able to stop laughing!

For tickets please vist the Bovine Metropolis Theater’s website or email The 1010 Project at events@the1010project.org if you are a DU student, you can also visit the Explore Denver table in the Driscoll Student Center for tickets.

See you soon!

Brian Rants
Executive Director

Are you Smarter than a Barista

January 25th, 2010
Mark and Kristie Call Out Trivia Questions

Mark and Kristie Call Out Trivia Questions

Trivia Night a Success!

On January 15, The 1010 Project partnered with DazBog Coffee at 12th and Clayton to host a charity trivia event. Forty members of the Denver community came out to prove their smarts, drink free beer and wine, and help support The 1010 Project’s cause in Kenya. The first place team of four won over $250 in prizes and the event raised over $700 for The 1010 Project!

Special thanks to:

Mark Despalmes, Mark Mann, Erin Shaw, and the rest of the crew at DazBog Coffee 12th and Clayton

An extra-special thanks to our the following donors:

Marc and Erin of DazBog coffee

Marc and Erin of DazBog Coffee

Beer and Wine
Stone Brewing Co (Twitter: StoneBrewingCo)
Bull and Bush Brewery (Twitter: BandBManBeer)
Deschutes Brewery (Twitter: DeschutesBeer)
Bristol Brewing Co. (Twitter: Bristolupdate)
Left Hand Brewing Co. (Twitter: LeftHandBrewing)
Alaskan Brewing Co. (Twitter: AlaskanBrewing)

Prizes
Stranahans Colorado Whiskey (Twitter: Stranahans)
Landmark Esquire Theater
Encore Restaurant (Twitter: Encoreoncolfax)
Twist and Shout (Twitter: twistDenver)
Tattered Cover (Twitter: TatteredCover)
Bull and Bush Brewery (Twitter: BandBManBeer)
Dazbog (Twitter: Dazbog)

Thank you for Standing With Us – Year End Campaign Results

January 19th, 2010

We had an incredible year-end campaign thanks to people like you who share our relentless commitment to helping break the cycle of poverty for our friends in Kenya.

Year End Campaign Results

123
Investments Made
Donate Now
184
eNewsletter Subscribers
Signup form to the right
317
(WOW!) New Friends on
Twitter or Facebook Cause / Page

Your contributions to our year end campaign will go farther than you can possibly imagine. Enjoy this slideshow which reminds us of the incredible social entrepreneurs we have the privilege of supporting.

Kelly Little talks about Discovery’s trip to Kenya

January 12th, 2010

Discovery Church is one of our faith community partners, an incredible family in Broomfield. Kelly Little joined a group of “Discoverers” (I just made that up) on a trip to Kenya. She wrote about this experience for us

Discovery Church Trip - 1What an amazing country, what amazing people, what an amazing trip!  Just 7 days in Matopeni, Kenya changed 6 American lives.  7 days of witnessing the dire circumstance of life for the majority of the people living in Matopeni and the surrounding area.  7 days of witnessing the incredible joy, hope and spirit of the people who call this part of the globe home.

Our church, Discovery Christian Church has been partnered with The 1010 Project, as well as with Fred and Alice Afwai through their Candlelight Ministries in Matopeni for several years now.  Discovery Church considers Candlelight Church our sister church, so when we began to plan for a mission trip to Kenya we knew that it would be a special time for all involved, but we really didn’t know what to expect.

Each time we have heard Fred speak, whether at our church in Broomfield, CO or at a 1010 Project function we have been repeatedly touched and inspired to travel to Kenya.  But it was not until we rode down a bumpy Nairobi road into the slum of Matopeni that we began to understand why it is so important to know the people of Kenya.

Discovery Church Trip - 2Perhaps the reason we could never get a handle on what to expect on our trip is because Matopeni is a completely different world than Broomfield, CO. But in the end it was not the differences in the landscape or living conditions that made the impact but the differences in the people in Matopeni. We had a hope to go to Kenya and dig in to get to know the people who were part of Fred and Alice’s lives.   We wanted to serve alongside them.

We arrived in Kenya and placed ourselves in the hands of Fred and Alice to serve their community under their guidance and leadership.  Our pastor spent the week teaching and learning with the Candlelight Ministry pastors and several pastors from Uganda and Kibera slum.  We brought with us 6 donated laptop computers so that we could teach computer classes to men, women and children in the area.  We worked side-by-side with students and teachers at Candlelight School to encourage and support them in their work.  We held a women’s empowerment seminar where we spoke with some local women and encouraged them in their personal struggles.  We held a business seminar to pass on whatever knowledge we could of running a small business in the short period of time that we were there.  We were always striving to teach and to learn about their challenges and to encourage them.

DSC_0532And here is where we found what makes the people of Matopeni different.  The people we met were not overwhelmed or concerned with their daily struggles and challenges.  Rather they were optimistic and excited about their future! They lived in the moment and allowed themselves to fully embrace the joy and excitement of the day.  They were anxious to learn and be educated and excited to put their new knowledge to work.  We met so many people who wanted to be successful so that they could build up others and give back to their community.  And we were saddened by the reality of the hurdles they must overcome to do this simple thing.  There is simply a lack of opportunity and resources.  These two things we have plenty of here in America, such abundance that we have become almost complacent about it.

Discovery Church Trip - 4I feel that in the end we learned a lot from the Kenyans about hopefulness and happiness and celebrating the joy of today.  And our love for the Kenyan culture has grown ten times since witnessing it for ourselves for the first time.  This trip has truly inspired us to remember our friends in Kenya and to do anything we can to further their country’s growth.  Because we know with the proper resources, and a friendship to offer encouragement there is no bounds to what they can accomplish!

We aren’t one dimensional beings – Social Entrepreneurship and significance.

January 11th, 2010

A comment on Chuck Blakeman’s post: Why Capitalists need to embrace Social Entrepreneurship

Not only is [Social Entrepreneurship] potentially more rewarding financially, it is absolutely more rewarding personally. As Muhammad Yunus pointed out in “A World Without Poverty,” we aren’t one dimensional beings, simply motivated by profit. Or as you would say, “Making money isn’t a compelling vision.”

We are designed to do something significant…and social entrepreneurship is, for me, the definition of significance!

Brian Rants

Supporter’s Spotlight: Northside Christian Church

January 8th, 2010

Northside Christian ChurchI recently talked to Sheldon Jefferson of Northside Christian Church community’s involvement with The 1010 Project. He also spoke about their incredible response to the Quarry demolition tragedy.

Q: In this current economic climate, it is difficult for all organizations, including churches. Why continue to sacrifice on behalf of Redeemed Church and The 1010 Project?

God has continued to bless us and reach out to the lost here in Spring and we believe that partly is due to the fact that we are willing to sacrifice to build God’s Kingdom here and throughout the world.  We pray that we won’t have to ever look at cutting our spending in Missions.  As long as it is possible

Q: Redeemed Church was recently rocked by a demolition of the whole Quarry community they minister to, including their property. Northside’s response was immediate and sacrificial, tell us about how you responded and why:

We have built a friendship and a partnership with Redeemed.  They are our brothers and sisters and when they hurt even though we are thousands of miles away, we hurt.  We are praying for them and for the ministry they are doing in the Quarry slum.  Our hearts will never let us turn our backs on Pastor Brown and the community there.

Q: Finally, how does your partnership with The 1010 Project allow you to accomplish your mission as a faith community?

We long to see everyone and everything brought in to God’s Kingdom.  We believe that 1010 is doing incredible work in Kenya and they open our communities eyes to the Kingdom further than Spring.  1010 is destroying poverty on a person to person level (in a relational way).  We long to build relationships with innovative people and organizations.

Do you belong to a faith community? Contact us about a partnership that will allow your community to meaningfully and effectively engage people in the developing world, partnering together to break the cycle of poverty.

Jan. 15th- Are You Smarter than a Barista?

January 4th, 2010

1200 Clayton St Denver CO 80206

1200 Clayton St Denver CO 80206

Click here for a printable flyer you can put up at your workplace, church, or school!

Dust off your brain and show what you know…

On Jan. 15 th, The 1010 Project will be joining Dazbog Coffee to present the ultimate trivia challenge! Pull out those old textbooks, Recall all the useless information you have stored away in your memory, and join us for a fun night of trivia. We will have free beer and wine flowing throughout the night to help keep your mind fresh and Dazbog will be offering deals on coffee all night long. Grab 3 of the smartest people you know to create your Dream Team of Knowledge and prepare for some intense competition.

Doors open at 6:30 pm with trivia from 7:00-9:30 pm. Dazbog Coffee is located at 12th & Clayton. The game will be played in teams of 4. There is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. Your donation will get you free drinks, a spot in the game and will help our cause in Kenya!

“Such a great achievement” for the Kayole Community

December 29th, 2009

A little goes a long way in the hands of our creative and innovative partners in Kenya. Together with your support, we provided the capital needed for YOCHAN to purchase land, pay title fee, and construct a new Resource Center. Charles Owino, founder of YOCHAN, listed the ways this investment is changing his community:

  • “Alleviate poverty since the needy youths…earn livelihood from the proceeds of the detergent business
  • Our community will be more empowered by information accesible in our resource centre on issues of hiv, drugs, development,human rights-youth,children,women and health.
  • OPTIMISTIC ATTITUDE DEVELOPED THROUGH OUR PEER COUNSELING AND EDUCATION SESSIONS IN THE RESOURCE CENTRE.
  • Prolonged lifespan due to ability to protect oneself against hiv through our advocacy programs in hiv/aids.
  • Increased security since most of the youths are kept busy through the games available in the resource centre and other YOCHAN activities.”

We are in the final 2 days of our “Stand With Us” campaign. We are about half way to our goal of 200 investments. Will you stand with us so we can continue to stand with our incredible partners like Charles and YOCHAN?

All in a “Huff” – How a volunteer used Twitter to build relationships and reach

December 21st, 2009

I know it’s poor manners to toot your own horn. That’s why we’ve been so grateful for the attention we’ve received in the last year on Twitter. Our good friend, current consultant, and former Social Media Guru of The 1010 Project Tim Brauhn noted some of the highlights:

1. The 1010 Project came in 1st (disclaimer: it was an alphabetical list! :) ) on Lon Cohen’s list of “26 Charities on Twitter“, which attracted a lot of attention (and followers) on Mashable in April. We were in very, very good company on that list.

2. Follow Fridays have been good to the organization this year. We are regularly grouped into #FF tweets with other luminaries like charity:water, Save the Children, and the National Wildlife Federation.

3. Yasamin Beitollahi, a marketing strategist and Huffington Post blogger, included The 1010 Project in her “Tis the Season for Charitable Giving: 7 Extraordinary Nonprofits on Twitter“. Some of the other luminaries? LIVESTRONG, Habitat for Humanity, and Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Tim then notes that “compared to these other nonprofits, The 1010 Project lags behind in almost every conceivable dimension,” but that we’ve earned our audience through being “genuine,” not worrying about ROI but about relationships.

Again, since it is poor manners to toot your own horn, I will address the only GLARING OMISSION from Tim’s article. Our success is directly connected to the skills and passion of people like Tim Brauhn, and staff like Mark Mann.

You can’t help everyone, but you can help someone

Whether your skills are with social media, stocks and bonds, or swinging a hammer, your support of humanitarian organizations helps them achieve incredible things. As 2010 approaches, is there a charitable organization you can support through the gift of your expertise?

“Stand With Us” and Win a Night on the Town!

December 14th, 2009

web_graphic

Donate between Dec 13-28th and do two things:

1: Help us reach our year-end goal of 200 donations!

2: Enter to win a night on the town for 2 This includes 2 tickets to see comedy improv at The Bovine Metropolis Theater and dinner for 2 at Rialto Cafe ($25 gift certificate).

We will draw the winner on Dec. 22nd! Don’t miss your chance to win!


Supporters Spotlight: Megan McDonald and Chuck Blakeman

December 10th, 2009

Find out how your business can help break the cycle of poverty

The 1010 Project was recently honored at the Surprise Appreciation Celebration for Chuck Blakeman on November 13; receiving a generous donation raised from Chuck’s supporters and presented to the organization in his name. We asked Megan McDonald, initiator and organizer of the party and founder of SHIELD, to tell us why she chose to make The 1010 Project the beneficiary of this event.

…I knew that I wanted to give something back to him, on behalf of all of us that have been recipients of the guidance, encouragement, and just good solid advice that he shares so selflessly…Chuck’s personal motto is, “Live Well By Doing Good.” Everyone who has been around him for any length of time soon learns how passionate he is about living this out…

In this spirit, I realized that the most appropriate way of honoring Chuck would be to use his party as an opportunity to raise awareness and a donation for an organization that holds a special place in his heart. I contacted his wife, Diane, to find out if there was a one charity that she knew of which stood out. She immediately suggested The 1010 Project. I did my research and knew that this was exactly the kind of altruistic organization we were looking for. It was also fitting to learn that, not only did Chuck Blakeman support it, but he was instrumental in helping Brian Rants to find the focus he needed to make it the success it is today…

We sold t-shirts and sponsorships and were able to raise a sizeable amount to present to this very worthy cause. I love that Brian is using his talents to bring together resources focused on educating and empowering people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the hope that comes from knowledge and a chance at self-sufficiency.  What better way to honor Chuck than to take part in helping others in a way that allows us to live well by doing good.

Megan McDonald is the founder of SHIELD (Serve, Help, Integrate, Educate, Lead, Develop). Here is what Megan had to say about her organization:

SHIELD is an association dedicated to serving others through free “Short Session” educational workshops designed to equip people with the training necessary to effectively manage their financial, mental, and physical lifestyles. Its primary purpose is to promote individual success and self-sufficiency by teaching real-world life skills. SHIELD enables people to take charge of their lives by empowering them to make informed decisions when faced with life’s challenges.  To learn more about the vision, upcoming workshops, and how you can get involved, visit www.shieldassociation.com, or e-mail Megan directly at megan@shieldassociation.com.

Thank you Megan and Chuck for partnering with us to break the cycle of poverty!

“Silence Kills” – How Joyce stood up to Poverty & AIDS

December 3rd, 2009

Katie and Joyce

Article by volunteer Katie Sewell

“How can we keep suffering for keeping silent?”

This was the question posed to me by Joyce the founder of MOCASO. On a loud bus called a Matatu, Joyce shared with me the story of how she founded MOCASO.

At a women’s clinic in Nairobi, Joyce and many other women participated in a research project that also determined whether they had HIV/ AIDS.  As woman after woman filed through the waiting area, the atmosphere became more and more quiet. Joyce thought to herself, “how can I can change this stigma?” It was in that waiting room where she stood up and announced that she had AIDS. “We were women with common problems and fears; we have children to support, little education, no job, no food. Silence kills,” she told me.

Joyce understood that HIV/AIDS and poverty go hand in hand. The only thing she could do in the face of these struggles was stand up. This moment was the beginning of a women’s support group which eventually became what we know as MOCASO. MOCASO now assists over 250 orphans and 300 adults living with HIV/ AIDS. Joyce stood and made a difference for hundreds of lives. I am proud stand with her.

Art. Wine. $614 raised for The 1010 Project!

November 23rd, 2009
Adam and our new friend Kennedy!

Adam and our new friend Kennedy!

It was a beautiful, crisp fall night in Denver. DazBog coffee’s patio was lined with lights, and the sounds of laughter, sharing, and the clinking of glasses spilled out into the night. Thanks to Marc and Mark (that sounds like a boy-band name), DeKorne Photography, and everyone who came!

In addition to being a wonderful time, we also raised $614! That brings our campaign to:

Campaign Progress

62 of 200
Investments Made
Donate Now
27 of 200
eNewsletter Subscribers
Signup form to the right
101 of 200
New Friends on
Twitter or Facebook Cause / Page

$50 or $500, your contribution to our year end campaign goes farther than you can possibly imagine. It only takes 5 minutes. Stand With Us.

Art. Wine. Beer. The 1010 Project. An art show like no other!

November 17th, 2009
Beautiful photos of our friends and partners in Kenya

Beautiful photos of our friends and partners in Kenya

This Friday 6:30-9pm at DazBog Coffee
1200 Clayton St Denver CO 80205 (View map)

The 1010 Project and DeKorne Photography will be presenting a photo show this Friday from Micah DeKorne’s June service learning trip to Kenya.

The show is free, with a $5 suggested donation for those drinking alcohol. We will have a selection of wines in addition to beer from Deschutes and Stone Brewing Companies! You can also purchase some beautiful pictures of our friends and partners in Kenya, from which DeKorne Photography is donating 20% of proceeds to The 1010 Project.

RSVP

RSVP to events@the1010project.org, or you can RSVP on Facebook .

Stand With Us – Nov. 16th Update: +11 Investments, +26 eNewsletter, +29 Friends on Social Media

November 16th, 2009

We are off to an amazing start! Check out our progress from just the first weekend:

11 of 200
Investments Made
Donate Now
26 of 200
eNewsletter Subscribers
Signup form to the right
29 of 200
New Friends on
Twitter or Facebook Cause / Page

We still have a ways to go, so make a contribution and Tweet or Facebook this below!

$50 or $500, your contribution to our year end campaign goes farther than you can possibly imagine. It only takes 5 minutes. Stand With Us.

Thanks for putting a face(book) to our cause

November 6th, 2009

We have some amazing friends.

In Kenya, our friends are brave social entrepreneurs tackling poverty and injustice. In the US, friends from every age group and walk of life who give from their resources. Why? Because poverty matters. Justice matters. Relationship and community also matter, and in this shrinking world, our friends in Kenya truly are our neighbors.

So, my friends, here is the amazing results of our one week social media push, and The 1010 Project’s Participation in America’s Giving Challenge on Facebook

Thanks for joining…and writing…this amazing story.

Supporter Spotlight: Discovery Church defies downturn to support Candelight and The 1010 Project

October 30th, 2009

Discovery Church Broomfield COI am continually amazed by individuals and organizations that give monthly in support the mission of The 1010 Project in the face of their own economic challenges. One such example is The Discovery Church in Broomfield CO.

I had a chance to ask Steve Cuss, Pastor, about their relationship with us and our partner, Candlelight School.

Q: In this current economic climate, it is difficult for all organizations, including churches. Why continue to sacrifice on behalf of Candlelight School and The 1010 Project?

A: We are definitely feeling the economic crunch right now, like everyone else.  We have many “breadwinners” in our congregation who are out of work or earning almost nothing and we’re seeing quite a plunge in our own offering to the point that we’re now on a spending freeze. We continue to give to Candlelight and 1010 because we value the importance of giving to work outside of our own immediate congregation and if we are asking people in our congregation to be generous, we want to lead by example as a church body.  Also, we treat this giving like salary.  We hope to never have to cut salary as we face the economic crunch, either with our immediate staff or global partners.

Q: Kenya is in the middle of a water crisis. Tell us about how you’ve found out this is affecting Candelight School?

A: We keep pretty current with Kenya, primarily through our global advocates, Mike and Kelly Little.  They are in frequent contact with Fred and Alice Afwai in Kenya, and they keep communication up to date between Discovery and Kenya.  Fred came to visit us a few weeks ago and we were able to talk directly about the water crisis, the cost involved and the long term outlook.  Our leadership team voted unanimously to up our giving to support Candlelight through the water shortage and some very generous folks in our church who are friends of the Afwais came forward to help offset this expense.

Q: How does your partnership with The 1010 Project allow you to accomplish your mission as a faith community?

A: Our partnership with 1010 and Candlelight is definitely strategic for us and almost selfish, in an ironic way.  It is our core conviction that western Christianity has a momentum toward being inward focused yet God is at work in massive and radical ways all over the world.  Selfishness plagues the western church!  It is simply in our best interest as disciples to be as involved as we can in what God is doing around the world so we can be part of what God is doing and so we don’t become inward focused.  1010 introduced us to Candlelight who then became our sister church.  Aside from all the other great work 1010 does around microfinance and poverty alleviation, they help us appropriately navigate a deep relationship with a church in Kenya.

A “higher state of bean” – DazBog Raises $503 and breaks sales records on 10/10

October 16th, 2009
Marc and the giant check!

Marc and the giant check! Thank you DazBog!

On October 10th, DazBog Coffee at 12th and Clayton rose to a “higher state of bean” on behalf of the global poor.

By giving 10% of sales, tips, and receiving donations, they raised $503 on behalf of The 1010 Project (they actually raised $502.99, our accountant thanks you Marc for the penny and the round number!).

By teaming up with us they are helping break the cycle of poverty for life. Additionally, by teaming together with us they were able to break two records

  • The highest day of sales in the history of this store
  • They sold their African coffees for $10.10, and broke the DazBog corporate record for the greatest single day sale of coffee beans at a location!

A huge thanks to Marc and the whole team at DazBog. We are so thankful for your friendship. Now do I want a latte or house brew today…

Dazbog (12th & Clayton) Donates 10% of all Sales on 10/10

October 6th, 2009
1200 Clayton St Denver CO 80206

1200 Clayton St Denver CO 80206

On October 10th, from 7am-7pm

…The best coffee house in Denver is now offering one of the best deals in town. This Saturday, 10/10, Dazbog at 1200 Clayton St. (in Congress Park) will donate 10% of sales to The 1010 Project!

Come in on Saturday & support a great cause.


Six African Coffees will be available for just $10.10

  • Ethiopian Harrar
  • Kenya AA
  • Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (Our Executive Director’s favorite coffee on earth)
  • Decaf Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
  • Ethiopian Maji Natural Biftu
  • Uganda Estate (Currently brewing in the 1010 Office)

Drink a latte, Buy Breakfast, Get your Christmas Presents, Bring a Date, Check out the Cycling Jerseys, Buy Whole Beans, Drink some Tea, Eat Lunch, Drag Your Friends Along, Support The 1010 Project!

On Facebook? Click here to for our Facebook event and see who else is coming!

Celebrate Strength – 2009 Donor Appreciation Brunch

October 5th, 2009

WHERE: 1101 S Washington St. Denver, CO 80210

WHEN: October 10th, 2009 at 10am

For questions or more information, call us at 720-663-8441 or email events@the1010project.org

Driving Directions

We are right of I-25 at the Washington Exit, next door to Whole Foods. See the map below, click on “Get Directions: To Here” to get directions from your address.


View Larger Map

Breaking a sweat to break the cycle of Poverty

September 14th, 2009
Melissa braves the rain for Candlelight School

Melissa braves the rain for Candlelight School

This past weekend, our Chairwoman of the Board Melissa Schaap again showed why it is a privilege to work with her on behalf of our friends in Kenya. After struggling all week with illness, on Saturday she spent 2 1/2 hours in cold rainy weather on behalf of 307 kids who need computers in Nairobi.

I’m not sure I could run 2 1/2 minutes in that weather, but here is our amazing Melissa’s synopsis of the race

The bad news: The weather was cold and I had a cold.
The good news: Due to lightening, they changed the swim to an additional 2 mile run. (This was God’s answer to my prayer to not have to swim in the cold with a cold!)
The bad news: The 23.5 mile bike ride was freezing and muddy and not so fun.
The good news: It’s over and I finished (with a smile on my face) in just under 2½ hours (my goal).

Why did she do it?

Shane and I have spent time with Pastor Fred and Alice (when they visited CO) who started and now run Candlelight School. They have become our friends and we admire them greatly…I can personally attest to the fact that this computer lab and computer training initiative is solid and will have a significant long-term impact on these kids’ lives.

Imagine our schools in the States (and other developed countries) without computers. Even Leyna, my pre-schooler, uses a computer at school! Now YOU can help make computers accessible to more than 300 students in Nairobi, Kenya!!!

So I’m asking you to join Melissa. No not on the next Duathalon, unless that’s your cup of tea! I’m asking you to give $10, $100, $1000…whatever you can afford to help these children have something that has been rare in their lives: opportunity. An opportunity to gain skills that can break the cycle of poverty for life.

Click here before September 18th to change a life and help up meet our goal of $4,000, which will also earn us a permanent spot on Global Giving!

Thank you Melissa.

More photos here:

Art for a Cause with pARTiculars

September 10th, 2009

Art for a Cause

On Friday, August 14th, 2009 we had the pleasure of partying with the incredible folks involved with pARTiclars, the Lafayette, CO Art Market.

It was an evening of celebration and conversation as we discussed the inspiring work of local artists in Colorado and the innovative poverty alleviation efforts of our community-based partners in Kenya.  It was a great night of fun and purpose!

The event raised over $400 for our efforts to break the cycle of poverty!!

Thank You pARTiculars for your advocacy, action, and activism!!!!

If you are ever in the Lafayette, CO area, please stop by pARTiculars, support local artists, and tell them that The 1010 Project sent you.

Quarry Community Evictions

September 10th, 2009
A young girl from the Quarry community helps with the evacuation.

A young girl from the Quarry community helps with the evacuation.

On Thursday September 3rd, 2009 residents (over 10,000) of the Quarry community in Nairobi were forced to abandon their homes because of demolition and the threat of fire.

Quarry Community Evictions – Pictures of the evictions and evacuation

The 1010 Project’s community partner, Fair Oaks School & Redeemed Gospel Church, provided this email report:

They [vigilant group of young men who have been hired by private developer] released terror on the people and threatened to set a blaze the slum which has over 10,000 people and 3000 houses made of iron sheets including the church. The eviction and demolition came in at a time least expected because the notice given by the land owner was too short to allow anybody plan for the next move.  This is the most heart breaking and the most unfortunate thing that has ever happened to me and the church here at Quarry.  I am watching the walls and the roofs of the church go down and there is nothing much I can do because the owners of the premises have already sold out the property and they have demolished to build up their estates and other personal properties.  Our negotiations with the land owner were unfruitful even after lengthy consultations.

Hundreds of people living in this slum have been affected by the eviction for two nights now most of them have been spending nights in the cold. The church and the school have been affected. For two days running the school is closed and the church activities have been suspended.

Furthermore, Redeemed has been providing vocational training (compute skills, embroidery, tailoring) to young adults in the communities.  These critical services have been temporarily suspended as a result of the demolition.

The 1010 Project is working with Northside Christian Church to raise financial support for the reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.  If you would like to support this vibrant community and important project, please include in the special instructions section or memo line of your donation – “Redeemed Reconstruction”.

How a computer changed my life

September 4th, 2009

I remember when I learned that a mouse wasn’t a rodent, a keyboard didn’t have black and white keys, and a monitor wasn’t someone making sure I got to class on time. It was 5th grade, I was 10 years old, and it was the beginning of a love affair.

The start of a love affair

The start of a love affair

My suburban school in wooded Kent, WA got a room full of Macintosh Plus computers. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. I spent hours with MacPaint illustrating stories and creating my own little works of art. Computers progressed, technology became more integrated into education, and in high school I created my first powerpoint presentation. While others created a basic (and probably easier to read) presentation, I created intricate graphics and complex transitions.

After college, I started my own company creating websites for non-profits and companies around the world. My love for computers opened up doors for me to meet CEO’s in the upper floors of skyscrapers, Executive Directors serving thousands of constituents, and to provide for my family. All these opportunities started when I was given the opportunity to learn the tools of what has become the new global economy: a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor.

Waiting for that chance

There are 307 students in Nairobi who are waiting to see if they will get that same chance. They have never been on the internet, in fact they’ve never even used a computer. We have teamed with Candlelight School to provide primary school students with essential computer skills that will empower their educational and vocational future.

We only have until September 18th to raise $4000 from 50 or more donors. This will not only provide a pivotal opportunity for these children, it will also give The 1010 Project a permanent spot on Global Giving which will greatly broaden our reach.

Consider making a small gift that can open big doors of opportunity:
$10 – Purchases one mouse for a student accessing the internet for the first time
$30 – Covers the cost of a keyboard that hundreds of students will learn computer skills on
$50 – Provides computer servicing and maintenance for the entire lab for one month

Click here to use your mouse, keyboard, and monitor to change a life today.

$165 We'll never forget – Denver 4th graders bridge the divide

August 24th, 2009

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

On July 22, 2009 we received a grant we will never forget. Through the “Penny Harvest” program, 4th graders at Graland Country Day School gave us a $165 grant. The purpose: one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse to help bridge the digital divide for students at Candlelight school.

As the quote above describes, children have a way of showing us the things that really matter in life. They raised the money, they made the funding decision, and they decided to support children just like them who need the tools for a new digital world.

Want to join Graland in making a difference in children’s lives? Join our Global Giving Challenge to provide children at Candlelight School essential computer skills that will empower their educational and vocational future.

To find out more about the Penny Harvest, a program of the Young Philanthropists Foundation, visit www.ypfoundation.org.

Documentary with The 1010 Project – One Plus One: A Human Network

August 21st, 2009

One Plus One: A Human Network from Brian Mehrens on Vimeo.

A common misconception about people in Africa and other impoverished nations is that they are incapable of delivering themselves. Challenging this myth, five filmmakers travel to Kenya and explore how these very people are using the microfinance movement to positively affect their daily lives in the midst of extreme poverty in Africa.

That quote from the DVD jacket sets the tone for this incredible documentary. It features The 1010 Project, our founder Andrew Syed, Director of Kenyan Partnerships Fred Afwai, our partners, and projects.

One Plus One: A Human Network from Brian Mehrens on Vimeo.

Interview with Andrew Syed – Founder & current board member

August 19th, 2009

8/14/09 Executive Director Brian Rants interviewing Director Andrew Syed

Brian

You’ve just come back from London with Amnesty International. What is something you will take away from your time there?

Andrew

Having the opportunity to live overseas, even though it’s England and the language is the same it’s still a different culture…will serve certainly my kids very well…To be honest it was difficult in ways as well, but one great thing that we all learned constantly is people all over the world are people. They are loving their families and trying to figure out life just like the rest of us. England is not that far away, and it will always be, I think, for our family a place that we will have an affinity to (certainly my own background because I was born there, and my mother is from there). But for my kids now it is part of their DNA if you will. They’ve both developed a passion for “football,” as we say.

Brian

The proper name for it!

Talk about the experience of working with Amnesty in London…

Andrew

Working for an organization like Amnesty in a place like London is certainly an amazing opportunity. Our international secretariat offices over 400 people in it working on issues in every country in the world. So the networking, the energy, the passion for human rights is very real. Also, it it’s an organization of people, so we have conflicts, we have disagreements…but certainly its given me the opportunity to see things from a broader perspective, to do more.

Brian

As an organization develops, your mission and activities change and adapt, especially for young organizations. But our values have stayed the same. What are some of the ones for you that stick out as being key touchstones for 1010 both in the past and moving into the future?

Andrew

The way the values are stated with poverty, justice, community, and relationship mattering, they…all 4 go together. One thing that makes 1010 uniquely strong is the relationship aspect between the staff and partners on the ground; between the board with each other; and all the various avenues of relationship…The fact that poverty itself is something we continue to  address as something that really matters to all of us, not to just to those who are poor, is a strength. And the justice piece: this is not just a charity or something we do for kicks, but this is a moral issue for those of us who are working in it, and we want it to be a moral issue for others. That’s our advocacy.

…For 1010 as its changed, as it’s evolved, as it’s developed new strategies such as Rocky Mountain Youth Summit, or experiences in Africa, everything has still gone through this prism of Relationships, Justice, Community, and Poverty mattering for all of us. I think that’s been the core reason for it weathering the various storms that have come its way.

Brian

A number of organizations would have things like “Poverty matters,” though perhaps stated in a different way. I think the one that kind of sticks out to me as being fairly unique is “Relationship matters.” Why emphasize this as a priority?

Andrew

Because friends help friends, because friends will stick out their necks for friends, with the politics or reasons behind situations becoming secondary to “a friend needs some help.” There are a lot of socioeconomic, political, some would even argue theological reasons for poverty. But if we actually build friendships and relationship with people that are going through those issues we realize that some of those things, to be quite honest, don’t matter as much…It’s not a parental type helping, its not even a big brother type helping, it’s more of just a “friends helping friends.”

I think a good example is…we were able to connect our friends Fred and Alice with a church here in the Colorado area. They came and built relationships with people here at the church. A few months after that the election violence happened in Kenya. A lot, if not all, people at the church were watching the news. They were calling and asking “are Fred and Alice ok?” They were a lot more involved…praying, asking questions, and knowing who Kibaki and Odinga were. Whereas if they hadn’t had those relationships it would’ve been another news story. But because of those relationships…it mattered intensely to them. And they were willing to put their money and their time and their efforts into those issues because they had built a relationship…

To be honest relationships make things more complicated, but its how I think the world has changed. When we see people for people, and friends, then we more inclined to help.

Brian

And probably more inclined to help in a way that’s really helpful too.

Andrew

Yeah it’s not just…dropping money into someone’s lap, its “how do we help each other?” And in relationships you realize you have a lot to learn as well. Those of us on this side of things need to recognize that we are really the receivers in a lot of this. So maybe we give money, but we receive things far more valuable that only our friends can give.

Author’s note: this interview was edited for brevity and clarity. To preserve conversational nature, some grammatical errors were left as is.

Global Open Challenge 2009 – Candlelight School

August 18th, 2009

How you’ll help Candlelight School

Currently, none of the students at Candlelight have access to computers. The era of globalization and information technology demands computer literacy. This will be the first computer lab in the Matopeni neighborhood and a crucial educational tool for the disadvantaged children that Candlelight serves.

Candlelight School will facilitate the installation of this computer lab. The installation phase includes acquiring appropriate hardware, software and necessary technical expertise.

How you’ll help The 1010 Project

We’ve been given the privelege of participating in the GlobalGiving Global Open Challenge 2009! GlobalGiving is an online marketplace that connects people to the causes and countries they care about. Visitors select a projects to support, make a tax-deductible contribution, and get regular progress updates – so they can see their impact.

If we reach 50 donors and $4000 by September 18th, 2009, we get a permanent spot on the GlobalGiving.com website.

So check out our inaugural project on Global Giving and help us meet this challenge!

Advancing Our Vision – Joining The Leadership Team

August 6th, 2009

I am excited to be writing all of you today as the new Executive Director of The 1010 Project. For me, it is the culmination of a lifetime of preparation through diverse and broad experiences. Adam has done a remarkable job over the last year, and I am honored to be transitioning in his footsteps.

I grew up surrounded by people who devoted themselves to helping others. This cultivated my spiritual convictions and helped me establish my personal priorities with a focus on serving my community. During my college days, my cross-cultural studies and experiences exposed me to a much larger vision of service. After four years of higher education I entered the world of web design and communications, working for several non-profits and then starting my own business, which I ran for 5 years. As an entrepreneur, I learned how to hire, develop, and lead people, as well as the value of providing outstanding customer service.

During the past year, I began to appreciate the measurable impacts of grassroots organizations utilizing the principles of social entrepreneurship and income generation. After conducting research on The 1010 Project, I contacted Adam to discuss the organization’s vision and my strong interest in helping realize that vision.

Working together WE can advance our vision of the cycle of poverty broken for every family in every impoverished community around the world.

There is a breathtaking story being told at The 1010 Project, and I invite you to continue helping us write it through your involvement and contributions. I look forward to meeting each of you in person and sharing my enthusiasm as we begin the next chapter in the growth of The 1010 Project.

Sincerely,

Brian Rants
Executive Director

Thank you once more for your continued support and please take a moment to read Adam’s story: http://the1010project.org/2009/08/05/next-chapter-in-our-story/.

The Next Chapter In Our Story

August 5th, 2009

Dear Friends and supporters of The 1010 Project,

Today marks the next chapter in our collective story; a story devoted and determined to breaking the cycle of poverty and living life abundantly.

This story and cause consists of thousands of interconnected and interdependent instruments: friends, partners, beneficiaries, advocates, activists, collaborators, humanitarians, volunteers, interns, staff, donors, sponsors, board members… in short, YOU. A global network of friends and neighbors enacting a common vision – breaking the cycle of poverty for every family, in every impoverished community around the world.

This shared purpose enabled us to persevere through global crisis and uncertainty. With patience and resolve, we continue providing effective grassroots services to the world’s marginalized, preserving a posture of service and a spirit of friendship. As the leader and caretaker of this cause, I am humbled and inspired by your ownership of this vital endeavor; which is why I would like to share with you today the next chapter in our story.

It is with great joy and confidence that we welcome Brian Rants to the leadership team at The 1010 Project. Brian will serve as our new Executive Director, bringing his visionary and entrepreneurial talents to The 1010 Project. I am transitioning to the role of Chief Operating Officer with a primary focus on our development programs and operations. This new team will serve to empower our collaborative mission: building relationships and partnerships with creative and innovative people throughout the world, learning and working together to break the cycle of poverty.

Sincerely,

Adam Delp
Chief Operating Officer

Thank you once more for your continued support and please take a moment to read Brian’s story: http://the1010project.org/2009/08/06/joining-the-leadership-team/.

Protecting the Women of Kenya: Immaculate's story

July 9th, 2009

Mother’s Concern is a women’s empowerment group that often doubles as a shelter for those facing abuse, rape, or abandonment. Needless to say, the organization is a rare bird in Kenya. A team from The 1010 Project was recently visiting with Mother’s Concern. The members of the group sat inside a small and very warm steel shed, patiently handcrafting beaded bowls and jewelry to sell at market. The proceeds go to fund the services that Mother’s Concern provides. In the three hours that The 1010 Project team was on-site, the following interactions took place:

A homeless teenager, only recently off the streets, explained how one of the members of Mother’s Concern saw her begging for money and food for her 10-month old baby. She was brought into the group and was now able to provide for her child and for herself by engaging in various income-generating activities. For a girl in her situation, a likely alternative to this motherly care would have been trading sex for food.

A woman came to the door of the shed and asked to see Immaculate, the director of Mother’s Concern. She was invited inside to talk, but declined, stating that it was a confidential matter. Immaculate left to speak with her outside, but she was seen passing the woman a small amount of money, from her own pocket, before rejoining the group. All that Immaculate said before returning to her work was, “That poor woman is in serious trouble. We’re going to take care of her.”

The team found out that the core group of women in Mother’s Concern don’t refer to each other by their given names, instead preferring to be called “Mama Angela” or “Mama Kathleen,” where Angela and Kathleen are the young women (or old women) that the group is caring for. Each member acts as an adoptive “mother” to the people they are trying to help.

At the end of the day, Immaculate addressed the team from The 1010 Project with tears of hope in her eyes, stating, “These women in our community – some are beaten, some are raped, many have to work to make all the money for their families. We don’t want our little girls working at the strip clubs to be able to buy food. I think we can change our community.”

The team disagreed. Mother’s Concern is changing the community. In fact, the group is changing the society itself by empowering both young and old women to take charge of their lives and families. The 1010 Project is honored and humbled to work with such an organization.

Read more information about Mothers Concern at http://the1010project.org/womensempowerment/mothersconcern/

Photos:

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The Power of One Mother

May 7th, 2009

Working with The 1010 Project allows us to make our own daily bread. – Phaustine Wekesa

Phaustine Wekesa is a mother, grandmother, and our friend in leadership at Tumaini Pamoja (With Hope Together), a community-based organization in the Korogocho slum of Nairobi.

Tumaini Pamoja has a 4-pronged approach to breaking the cycle of poverty in their community:

  • Encourage self-acceptance and acceptance by community members of HIV-positive individuals
  • Help orphans and vulnerable children
  • Provide microfinance opportunities to small businesses
  • Break the stigma associated with HIV/AIDs

Phaustine explained recently in an email that her friends and neighbors are really suffering from hunger. Phaustine continued her message with a request for support, specifically for those living with HIV/AIDS. For these courageous individuals she explained, the problem is compounded because it is difficult to take antiretroviral drugs on an empty stomach.

According to the World Food Programme:

“High food prices have taken their toll on the daily lives of Kenyans. Poverty and food insecurity are highest in urban slums and among pastoralists and farmers in remote, arid and semi-arid lands, which comprise 80 per cent of Kenya’s land mass. Many households in these areas are chronically poor, and there are persistently high malnutrition rates among children under five. It’s estimated that around 5.6 million people [approximately 16% of the total population] have been made food insecure in Kenya because of high food and fuel prices. In order to deal with the high cost of food, people are cutting back on the number of meals they are eating, and buying less expensive food items.”

Despite these challenges, Tumaini Pamoja continues to grow and meet needs. This community-based organization has recently expanded into three separate groups with a total membership of 185 individuals. With the most recent income-generating grant ($270 USD) that they received, Tumaini Pamoja was able buy three orphaned children new school uniforms, purchase a small plot of land for farming, and provide two loans of $25 to small business owners.

This Mother’s Day weekend, empower the efforts of mothers and grandmothers like Phaustine with a gift of $10 to The 1010 Project!

Bringing New Life to the Deaf

April 16th, 2009

Some feel deafness is an embarrassment or a curse and end up hiding their children. These children have no books or shoes, wear torn clothes, and are malnourished, full of self pity, and are often very defensive. A sense of rejection and lack of self worth creates a serious withdrawal syndrome that makes the children less creative and unproductive. – Beatrice Anunda

Humble Hearts School is a child welfare program founded in 2003 in Donholm, Nairobi by Beatrice Anunda. Beatrice has been a partner of The 1010 Project since August 2007.

Humble Hearts aims to promote the welfare of deaf children who come from impoverished families, many of whom live in the slums. Some students have one parent, others have both parents, but quite a few are orphans.

Many in the local community feel that being deaf is an embarrassment or a curse. Their families end up hiding the children at home with no access to an inspiring education. Humble Hearts School provides a support system that feeds and educates these children. After a short time at a caring place like Humble Hearts the students open up – they quickly begin performing well in school, discarding fear and setting aside self-pity.

The mission of the school is to instill moral and quality life into deaf children through the provision of food and education. These students then go out into their communities as responsible and confident learners, working hard to break down stereotypes of the deaf.

Tobias Ochieng is a deaf Kenyan who has had the unique opportunity to complete both high school and secondary school. Most businesses in Kenya are unwilling to employ the deaf due to cultural stigmas. Tobias is a teacher at Humble Hearts School. He has become a mentor to many deaf students who have felt community rejection because of their disability. Tobias has given these students encouragement and hope as they learn that they too can become successful. From the allowance he gets from his teaching profession, Tobias has been able to start a small business selling second-hand clothes in one of the large markets in Nairobi. This expands his income and allows him to take care of his younger siblings.

One challenge for Humble Hearts comes in working with the parents. They think that their deaf children are not capable of learning and becoming independent people. Many parents believe that their children will only be able to do house work, carpentry, or get married.

Since opening the school, the children have really changed. They are healthier, more friendly, and they can read, write, and sign. There are also a number of students who have taken an interest in the arts and through Humble Hearts, they are being encouraged to pursue a wide range of academic disciplines.

The 1010 Project has supported income-generating projects at Humble Hearts including a posho mill, liquid soap making, tomato farming, charcoal sales, and carpentry work.

Last quarter, The 1010 Project sent a microgrant of nearly 71,000 Kenyan Shillings ($900) to Humble Hearts. When Beatrice has prepared a balance sheet for the microgrant, the funds will be distributed to members of the community. In some cases, these funds enable families to send their children to school.

Nelson Mandela on Poverty

April 10th, 2009

We start most of our staff meetings with some sort of inspirational story or quote. Today, we are reminded of our mission by Nelson Mandela:

Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is people who have made poverty and tolerated poverty, and it is people who will overcome it. Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of fundamental human rights.

This small piece comes from a speech he gave upon becoming an Ambassador of Conscience. The full text can be found here.

Charles' Story

April 6th, 2009

Charles and Ann Owino have been friends and partners of The 1010 Project since August of 2004. They have a beautiful daughter named Juliet. Charles is the founder of Youth Challenge Network (YOCHAN), a grassroots organization preventing the spread of HIV/AIDs by educating young adults and children. Currently, the Kenyan government estimates that 7.4% of Kenyans age 15-64 are infected with HIV. This means that about 1.4 million adults are living with HIV.

In an effort to catalyze the critical work of YOCHAN, The 1010 Project has funded two separate income-generating projects:

1) Prestige Detergent Production

2) Peanut Butter Production & Distribution

YOCHAN profits $46.15 every month as a result of these income-generating activities. These profits are reinvested into YOCHAN’s HIV/AIDS education programs. Because of this small but significant investment, YOCHAN has grown from an organization with 8 members in 2005 to 17 in 2009. Members of YOCHAN lead workshops, distribute informational materials, and help out with the income-generating activities. Charles and his youth instructors are influencing and educating thousands of young adults and children in the Eastlands area of Nairobi, leading advocacy and awareness campaigns about HIV/AIDs on the grassroots level.

A recent update from Charles indicates that the peanut grinding machine needs some work:

“Our peanut grinding machine has also developed a problem. So for the last 3 weeks we’ve grounded our work till we fix the problem, but all in all we hope to continue and hope for the best.”

Last week, The 1010 Project gave an income-generating grant of $250 to YOCHAN for peanut butter production, allowing them to fix the peanut grinder.

Thanks to you, we are able to meet needs, enact positive social transformation and utilize the power of peanut butter in Nairobi.

Because of your support, at The 1010 Project, a small investment = big change.

$10 empowers the lives of our friends and partners in Kenya and beyond.

Please consider joining our pledge drive and investing $10 per month.

My Story

March 5th, 2009

This past year, I joyfully celebrated five years of freedom from cancer. My journey as a cancer patient was difficult, but I’ve been privileged to have support from my doctors, my friends, and my family. One December evening last year, I was frustrated that my body felt physically ill. I had been undergoing treatment and that evening I was struggling with anxiety while waiting for the final test results. However, as I began reading about one of The 1010 Project’s Kenyan partners, I was reminded of the barriers women around the world must face.

Globally, many women are not able to receive quality health care, support from friends and neighbors, safety, sanitized water, or food to sustain them through medical struggles and daily life. Poverty has many causes, yet for women, what is unique is that many live in poverty due to the lack of rights available to them.

The facts:

* Of the 1.3 billion people living in absolute poverty, 70% are women.
* Two-thirds of children that are denied primary education are girls, and 75% of the world’s 876 million illiterate adults are women.
* Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, produce half of the world’s food, and yet earn only 10% of the world’s income and own less than 1% of the world’s property.
* 640,000 women and girls are trafficked across borders annually for the sex trade.
* Systematic rape is used as a weapon of war, leaving millions of females traumatized, impregnated, and infected with STDs including HIV/AIDS.

(CARE, millenniumcampaign)

Did you know that March is Women’s Empowerment Month? Women’s Empowerment is about giving women a sense of self-worth, access to resources, a voice in their lives, and the ability to influence the society in which they live. Since March is Women’s Empowerment Month, we wanted to introduce a Kenyan partner that strives to empower women in unique ways.

Mother’s Concern, a partner of The 1010 Project since 2004, gives hope to women who face economic hardship. Without an education, job training, or property, many young women in the Kayole slum of Nairobi are forced into the sex trade in order to survive. Mother’s Concern offers hope by providing job training and childcare assistance to orphans.

The women produce fruit juice, make beaded bowls, and operate a tailoring business. Membership has almost doubled in the past year. Since August 2007, they have provided job training to over 100 young women, enabling them to make a safe and healthy living.

The women of Mother’s Concern are creating a sense of self-worth, providing job skills and resources, and giving women and young girls the ability to choose a different life: one that doesn’t include prostitution.

My experience with cancer has led me to a very interesting place in my life. I feel called and compelled to join with people in the sufferings and joys of life, just as many have done for me. My story and the story of Mother’s Concern has empowered me to lend my voice. I encourage you to join us in celebrating Women’s Empowerment Month by helping to give women a voice.

Thank you for joining with me to support The 1010 Project,

Katie Sewell
Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator
The 1010 Project

The story of St. Luke's

February 5th, 2009

When I think of St. Luke’s one thing comes to mind – the widows.

In 2007 I traveled to Kenya with The 1010 Project on a service learning trip. While there, one of the places I had the privilege to visit was St. Luke’s Ministry in Miwani, near the shores of Lake Victoria. St. Luke’s has been a partner of The 1010 Project since September of 2004. While staying with Joshua and Abigael Atieno, The 1010 Project’s friends from St. Luke’s, I was able to spend time with the widows. Even though I did not spend a lot of time with these incredible women, the impact they left on my life was indelible.

After a long and bumpy drive, the group I was traveling with arrived in Miwani well past nightfall. Most everyone there was asleep so we had to wait until the next day to see all of St. Luke’s. Morning arrived and we woke to the sound of the widows singing and praying in the chapel. We learned later that early every morning and every evening the widows gathered in the chapel to pray and sing praises to God. To this day I have never heard anything more precious than the prayers and songs that came from their lips. It was amazing for me to see these women, who had suffered more hardship than most, find joy and hope in life when it would be so easy to be downtrodden. These women, who could so easily let hopelessness consume them, are filled with hope for their country; it radiates from them and is infectious.

While St. Luke’s does a number of things for the community of Miwani, I think the most powerful thing they do is provide housing for these women who would otherwise be cast aside. St. Luke’s partnership with The 1010 Project allows the grassroots organization to continue providing food for the community, education for orphans and homes for these wonderful widows.

My interaction with these women has left me with a hope that one day their beautiful prayers for their country will be answered.

Thank you for joining with me to support The 1010 Project,

Jessie Laigaie
Community Events Coordinator
The 1010 Project

Click this image to sign-up to host your own event for The 1010 Project!

We've moved, but don't update your address books!

January 26th, 2009

After almost a year in our space upstairs at the Denver Community Church (they are very kind to host us), we’ve moved…downstairs. Last Friday, the 1010 crew and a bunch of DCC people broke down our pentapod cubicle system and moved everything to the new space. By the end of the day, DCC had a new children’s room and we had an office in disarray.

The 1010 Project's new office

After doing some fascinating interior decorating and rearranging, we’ve started to settle into the new office. We have many more windows, and we’re closer to the parking lot, i.e. the street. We lost most of our giant, beautiful 5-person cubicle, but as you can see in the pictures, we salvaged three of the major desk pieces and set them next to each other.

We’ve finished up rearranging our things, and we’re getting back to work, so watch this space!

The 1010 Project's new office
The 1010 Project’s new office

Our Founding Story

January 8th, 2009

Sometime in 2001, I wandered into a bookstore and picked up a book called The Awake Project. Awake was a compilation of writings from activists around the world concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The most disturbing factoids of the book for me were not the alarming statistics concerning the afflicted in Africa, but rather the far more depressing statistics revealing the deep inaction and apathy of American Christians. Having already been exposed to the realities of global poverty and disease through my travels, I was embarrassed that the faith community I professed to be a part of was so distant from the hurt and need of this world.

Angered and motivated, I went back to school to learn about these issues from important thinkers. My intention was to find solutions. I traveled with my family to Kenya in 2003 to meet the poor and learn from them what the issues were and, more importantly, what hope there was in such dire circumstances. We spent 6 weeks listening and learning, meeting people with whom The 1010 Project still works with today. It was all at once a difficult and amazing experience.

What emerged from our visit was an organization called The 1010 Project, an idea based on the simple concept that people in poverty need partnerships in order to break the cycle of poverty that so many are trapped in. The name ‘The 1010 Project’ comes from a scripture verse where Jesus says that he came for life, life to the full. Surely the widespread existence of extreme poverty on this planet is an abomination of that promise. I don’t need to repeat statistics here, but deep down we all know that something is wrong when millions die of poverty in a world abundant in resource. The 1010 Project emerged as an effort of some dedicated people to address both poverty and the apathy that contributes to it.

In May of this year, The 1010 Project will be 6 years old. It has been a very difficult journey from conception to reality. The success of The 1010 Project rests in the thousands of people who through effective partnerships and their own efforts are emerging from poverty and providing a future for their families and communities. I work everyday to create opportunities for my children to realize a better tomorrow. In this sense, I am no different from my Kenyan brothers and sisters.

The large organizations of the world are just now realizing what The 1010 Project has known since it started. From the United Nations to the aid programs of countries to some of the largest non-governmental organizations in the world, practitioners and policymakers now recognize that the voices of the very poor must be heard. No longer can poverty reduction strategies be orchestrated and implemented without the leadership and involvement of the people that those strategies are intended to help. The 1010 Project has always operated under this model. Our friends in Kenya are the heroes, the leaders and the pioneers who we are most privileged to be partnered with.

I am an active board member with The 1010 Project and I continue to travel to Africa to see our work. Despite its recent difficulties, Kenya is still a place where people are working everyday to carve out a future. This future is realized through Phaustine Wekesa, who has bought a plot of land and is building a new home for her family. It is realized through Joyce Kamondo, who is being recognized internationally for her work with HIV+ women. It is being realized through Michael Nyangi, who traveled to the United Nations in October to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. There, he told international delegates to listen to the voices of the poor, for therein lies the future. We could not agree more.

It has been difficult, but nothing important is ever easy. Therefore, we do the difficult things, not because of the challenge alone, but because it is right.

Thank you for your support and activism on behalf of The 1010 Project and especially on behalf of our friends in Kenya. It has been a tough journey to be sure, full of disappointments, setbacks, and unanswered questions. It has also been an amazing adventure that has made a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for being that difference maker!

Thank you for joining with me to support The 1010 Project,


Andrew Syed
Vice-President of the Board / Founder

F Bombs

December 30th, 2008

No this post is not about what you might be thinking…

I just wanted to get your attention.

F Bombs – refers to the food, fuel, and financial crises of 2008. The poorest and most vulnerable groups and individuals have been hit the hardest. The fight against poverty has taken a step back in some respects.

“Worse than the increase in the number of poor people is often the increase in depth of poverty that is experienced by households, pushing them to the edge of survival. Households left to cope for themselves risk damage to future generations. The poorest households have limited coping mechanisms. Coming on the back of the food and fuel crisis, many poor households have already exhausted their ability to cope with shocks and draw on informal safety nets. Loss of income and employment opportunities may leave them no choice but to sell productive assets such as livestock or equipment. Households may be unable to feed their children leading to a further rise in malnutrition.”
-Background Paper prepared by the World Bank Group
G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy – Washington, D.C., November 15, 2008

In order to mitigate this challenge in 2009, investment in and empowerment of local civil society groups or grassroots community-based organizations must remain a priority. These groups and organizations provide critical services to children, orphans, women, men, the elderly and families on the edge of survival.

If you are wondering what to you can do to help: you can give your time, talent, and treasure to a movement that truly believes the cycle of poverty can be broken.

Join the story of The 1010 Project and the broader story of Global Poverty Eradication

Learn more here:
www.the1010project.org

or let pictures tell their stories here: http://www.panos.org/panospictures.asp

or read about the voices of the poor here:
http://tinyurl.com/2eaemh

or examine the goals here:
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

or appreciate how fortunate you really are:
http://globalrichlist.com/

One year ago

December 30th, 2008

A little over one year ago, Kenya held heated parliamentary and presidential elections. The results were disputed. Extreme poverty, ethnic rivalries, and a controversial presidential election created a situation where nearly a 1,000 people were killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and serious economic ramifications were felt throughout the East Africa region.

During the first few months of 2008, we were deeply concerned about our friends:

“We are doing fine but things are not so good in most parts of the country… The bad affected areas in Nairobi are Mathare, Korogocho, Dandora, Kibera and parts of Kayole [all places where The 1010 Project operates] but in our area [Matopeni] not so bad… We have war everywhere in the country as a result and now we cannot even buy anything or go anywhere… We are just in the house but with nothing to eat. Pray for us. We need God to intervene.”

- Fred Afwai, Kenya Country Director, Matopeni, Kenya (written in an email as the situation worsened in January 2008)

As you can imagine, all of our friends and partners were affected by the post-election violence, but thankfully none of our friends and partners were victims of extreme violence. A power-sharing agreement was signed on February 28th.

The journey of healing, reconciliation, and restoration continues and The 1010 Project is on the forefront; providing income-generating grants to community-based organizations that are breaking the cycle of poverty each day.

As this year comes to a close, we are enjoying this opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and look ahead to 2009.

Thank you for joining our story and making 2008 an extremely successful year!

We are continuously grateful to have your support!

Happy New Year,

Adam Delp

Three Reasons to Invest

December 18th, 2008
There are many significant reasons to invest in The 1010 Project this holiday season – we’d like to tell you about three of them:

1 Erastus Omukhango – Since the early 1990s, Erastus and the school he leads, Rehema Day Care & Orphans Centre, have been working to alleviate poverty by providing food and education to children in the Korogocho slum of Nairobi. Erastus is making a difference in the lives of destitute and less fortunate children. He has used funding from The 1010 Project to invest in an income-generating poultry project for the school.

“If someone helps you to start an income-generating activity, it is better than someone who says, ‘I’ll be giving every month’ because now you know how you can survive by yourself.”- Erastus

A $26.73 donation could provide 10 chickens for income generation to a social entrepreneur like Erastus.

2 Abigael Atieno – Abigael is a proud mother of five and the co-founder of St. Luke’s Ministry. St. Luke’s is a community-based organization that is reducing poverty in Miwani, Kenya, through the provision of education to children, shelter to widows, care to orphans, and vocational training for community members. Abigael exemplifies grace, humility, compassion, and hard work. Each morning, she wakes very early and prepares cakes and Kenyan tea, which she sells in the community. The profits are reinvested into this small business and the noble work of St. Luke’s. Abigael is a social entrepreneur.

A $52.31 donation donation could empower a hard-working entrepreneur like Abigael to start a small business.

3 Jessie Laigaie – Jessie was actively involved in the The 1010 Project’s Colorado Christian University campus group and had the opportunity to travel to Kenya in May of 2007 as a service learning participant. Jessie reveled in her experience – listening, learning, and serving alongside some of our amazing partners like Erastus and Abigael. Jessie is very industrious and now works two jobs in addition to volunteering her time as our Community Events Coordinator.

We appreciate all of the time and hard work that our interns and volunteers have committed. It is because of people like Jessie that The 1010 Project is able to break the cycle of poverty.

Now I would like to encourage you to invest in The 1010 Project and the three stories that I have shared. Whether you give $5 or $500, seventy-five cents of every dollar will go directly to support our programs. You can find more information on our finances when you check out the accountability section of our website. Thank you for your continued support!

I hope you enjoy a safe and happy holidays,

Mark Mann

Director of Communications

Other ways to support The 1010 Project:

Stop by our office and drop off your tax-deductible donation … Holiday Office Hours – 12/19 8AM to 2PM, 12/29 – 12/31 8AM to 5PM

Our offices are located at 1101 S Washington St. Denver, CO 80210

Mail your donation of $25, $50, $100 or any amount to: PO Box 219 Lafayette, CO 80026

Tell your friends!

Join our Facebook Cause, invite your friends, and become a top recruiter!

Joyce's Story

December 12th, 2008

I’d like to share a story with you about Joyce, a partner and friend of ours.

I met Joyce in the summer of 2006, when our partnership and friendship first began. First impressions: Joyce was frail, quiet and somewhat reserved; but simultaneously she was fiercely passionate and there was absolutely “a fire in her eyes“. That fire and passion burns for people infected, affected, and stigmatized by HIV/AIDs. Joyce is a social entrepreneur. At this time, Joyce also informed me that she was and is HIV+.

In the Spring of 2007, during my second visit to Kenya, I learned that Joyce had lost a son as a result of HIV/AIDs. After one of our monthly networking meetings Joyce, myself, and other friends of The 1010 Project were walking slowly towards the road as the meeting had ended. I expressed my condolences to Joyce and at that moment she broke down into uncontrollable tears.

She basically crumpled into my arms and openly wept for ten straight minutes. I have never felt so much pain. She said that it was her only son and that he was “18 yrs. and 2 months old“. She has no other family. Both of her children and her husband are dead. I didn’t know what to do, except hold her.

This past September when I was in Kenya, I met with Joyce and that “fire in her eyes” still burns brightly and intensely. Joyce has put on a lot of healthy weight and one of the first things that she said to me was,

Look at me Adams… (for some reason a lot of people call me “Adams” in Kenya)

Look at me Adams…

LOOK at how STRONG and HEALTHY I AM!

I was shocked at how vibrant she was and this time around, I began to cry. She proudly proclaimed that she has been living with HIV for over 20 years. Thanks to PEPFAR, she has been on the ARVs for some time now. Furthermore, Mother and Child with AIDS Support Organization (MOCASO), the community-based organization that Joyce founded and leads, has grown and progressed tremendously. MOCASO is now collaborating with numerous organizations, including USAID.

Joyce made it very clear that thanks to The 1010 Project’s investment and micro-grant for income-generating activities, she and MOCASO were able to endure and persevere through some very difficult years. She made me promise to tell all involved with The 1010 Project, how thankful and appreciative she was for the investment, support and friendship.

So on behalf of Joyce, thank you for joining her story and the story of The 1010 Project!

As you evaluate your giving options this holiday season, I hope you will choose to support our mission and friends like Joyce. We continue to invest your funds wisely, empowering social entrepreneurs and community-based organizations that are breaking the cycle of poverty.

Blessings,


Adam Delp
Executive Director

P.S. Please watch this short video about MOCASO and Joyce. You can see and hear, in her own words, a bit of her story and her appreciation for you!

Bloggers Unite – World AIDS Day

December 1st, 2008

Today is the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, and Bloggers Unite has put together another massive action to raise awareness. Hence this post.

Here at The 1010 Project, we take things like this very seriously. One of our focus areas is HIV/AIDS support groups – civil society and community-based organizations that are providing hope and care to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I’ve blogged before about the ways in which poverty holds back the developing world, but infectious diseases have their place, too.

It goes without saying that HIV/AIDS is retarding development. This happens on at least two levels:

1. When a head of a household is too sick to work, or worse, dies, that family becomes unable to support itself. It’s like instant impoverishment.

2. When parents die, their children don’t. This has led to what is essentially an “orphan epidemic,” especially in sub-Saharan Africa. These orphans don’t have options open to them, and they will likely end up in poverty.

Combating diseases like HIV/AIDS has become a global rallying point – something agreeable like climate change or nuclear disarmament. World AIDS Day will hopefully refresh the commitments of governments, organizations, and individuals to do whatever they can to stop the spread of AIDS, and to bring hope to those for whom hope is a dream.

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

The Eve of Thanksgiving

November 26th, 2008

It is the day before Thanksgiving and I will be traveling to Kansas City in about twenty minutes.  Thought before I leave… I am thankful we have the opportunity to celebrate food and over indulge.  No seriously, dealing with global poverty brings to light the obvious difficulty many have in eating more than one meal a day, sometimes no meals a day.  We get a whole day to fill our bellies and feel very large afterwards.

Be thankful that we probably all get at least two meals each and every day.  Be thankful for the ability to know that others don’t have this opportunity.  Support the work of good organizations like The 1010 Project.

We want to hear your thoughts… we invite your thoughts.  Create an account and join in on the conversation.  The true potential of this blog will be optimized with each new profile created, each new blog posted, and each new comment added.

Please forgive the cheesy photo, I needed to see if it would work in a post.

The New Site

November 25th, 2008

Welcome, all of you, to our newly-redesigned site. We’ve gone through some major design/style changes in the last few months, but we feel that we’ve finally got something that is easy to navigate and easy on the eyes. If this is your first time visiting, please acquaint yourself with The 1010 Project and our work.

The whole point of redesigning the site is to make it easier for our supporters (current and future) to stay up to date on what we’re doing and to be able to connect to our development partners in Kenya. The new theme of our work is “Join the Story,” and the new site should make it easier for us to do that. So check back often as we fine-tune everything, and feel free to let us know how it looks and feels. We’re glad to have you with us!