About Us
mission
Our mission is to partner with individuals and villages in sub-Saharan Africa so that they may reach their full potential through sustainable solutions.
vision
We envision a time when the communities we touch are prosperous, healthy and self sustaining, and suffering has been relieved because of the micro-loans, community projects, training, education and technical expertise we have provided.
Values
We believe that the human spirit has infinite potential when given the opportunity to thrive; we especially believe in the unique resourcefulness of local people to harness their creativity and innovation.
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We act out of compassion and love guided by our faith in God that we are called to serve one another, especially the most vulnerable in our global community.
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We are committed to partnerships and collaboration: with individuals and institutions in the public and private sectors to leverage resources and maximize impact. We maintain the highest standards of stewardship, transparency and accountability.
Want to learn more? Read our frequently asked questions.
Board of Directors
Fred Bw’Ombongi
President & Board Chair
Born and raised in Kenya, Fred moved to the United States in 1999. He attended Aquinas College and graduated with an International Business degree and then proceeded to complete his graduate studies from Grand Valley State University in Healthcare Administration. Fred works at Allina Health in Minnesota. Fred has served on the board of The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan and a board member with an organization he co-founded- Refugee Education Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fred currently serves on the board of Immigrant Law Center for Minnesota.
Recognized as a 2014, 40 UnderForty business leader by Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2015 Henry Dunant Impact Award, Hometown award with American Red Cross of Greater West Michigan, and 2010 Community Champion in the Leadership Skills platform by Center for Community Leadership in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Paul Brink
Secretary
After earning an engineering degree from Purdue University and a law degree from Indiana University Paul pursued a career with Dow Chemical where he was Director of Taxation and Director of Risk Management and Insurance. He is a certified arbitrator with the AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society in New York. Currently he maintains a part time legal practice in Traverse City, Michigan, specializing in alternative dispute resolution and not for profit organizations. In addition to serving on the board of directors of Opening Village Doors Foundation he is also President of Warm Hearts Foundation and is a board member and secretary of Malawi Connection, board of directors of Forever After Project in Chicago. Formerly he was board member and Treasurer of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce and President of the Midland Economic Development Corporation.
Bob Garvey
Board Director
Bob is a trial lawyer residing in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He is a past president of the Michigan chapter of the American board of trial advocates and is a fellow of the American College Of Trial Lawyers. Bob’s family foundation, The Garvey Family Foundation supports educational and environmental causes.
Ed Wilgenburg CPA
Treasurer
Richard Funnell
Board Director
Jean-Paul Habimana
Board Director
Angela Nelson
Board Director
Andrea Essling
Board Director
Raphael Tonade
Board Director
Kenyan Staff
Ascar Sudi, B.A.
Country Program Manager
Ascar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from Daystar University and has also acquired certificates in other fields including Advocacy and Policy Implementation. She has 3 years of experience in gender and development work, including program management, advocacy, and fundraising. Ascar has worked with donors including UNWOMEN; PACK KENYA now ACT, and USAID. She also has experience in project planning, implementation, financial management and coordinating of partnership with affiliates and human resource management.
Help us raise the standard of living in the communities that we serve.