Helping Syrian Refugees We recently had the opportunity to distribute Joybags to Syrian refugees at a camp in Kurdistan. The items included toys for the kids along with oil for cooking for individual families. The need is significant and the task challenging. We did hear approximately one week after this distribution that teachers at the camp mentioned that jackets, shoes, and notebooks would be very helpful also. Our colleagues are following up on the need with a quantity of pairs of shoes.

ZAMBIA UPDATE 2012

We have been working in Zambia for a number of years on projects such as a feeding program for HIV moms, cement block making/marketing program, and school children sponsorships. These programs have been concentrated in and around the Ndola, Zambia region. We have just begun providing resources for a family feeding program which is a quite effective. The families that we are helping are in dire need of basic necessities and consistent food supplies. This program was started two years ago by our partners in Zambia. In a nutshell we purchase basic food supplies for a family of 8 people and it will sustain them for three weeks or longer. This provides more than two meals per week. The challenge is to feed 30 families which costs $650 per month and we normally do it once per month though many times we skip months because we don't have enough sponsors yet. Despite being a huge challenge it is a very effective way of ministering to the families. We just recently sponsored five families. Below are a couple of photos.

We are now looking into purchasing a meal grinding machine which is used to grind maize creating the bags shown in the photos which contain "mealie meal". This is very popular in Africa for cooking and used at almost every meal. The grinding machine will enable us to purchase raw maize which can be ground, bagged, and then sold for profit in the community. This profit can then be used to purchase the maize that is given to the families. The families would work in the grinding process bag the meal and then sell it. This could have the potential of generating cash flow plus food for these families.

To send tax deductible donations for this project, mail your check to: GLOBAL IMPACT World Relief 7470 E. Gumtree Lane Prescott Valley, AZ 86315 Mark "Sewing Machine Project" on your check Thank you!

This blog has been written by Launa Stan:

I just returned from a trip from India that was both amazing and daunting! This is a country rich in history, culture and majesty, but also has its share of poverty, tragedy and inequality. During my stay, I was privileged to do Joy Bag outreaches in three different slums in the Mumbai region. I also visited schools and tribal areas doing Joy Bag outreaches there as well. We at Global Impact have been supporting an impressive Women's Tailoring/vocational program for several years. There are 7 locations in India and amongst those sites, I met the women in this program in 5 sites from the slums of Mumbai, to Andra Pradesh region all the way to the south in the Kerala state.

So I have returned mighty jet legged but fiercely determined that this "Sewing Machine" project is worthwhile. So now, I have a goal in mind, I'd like to raise the funds to purchase 100 Sewing machines for the women of India!

Let me back up and explain this project...For the entire amount of $100. a woman in an impoverished situation can be trained for 4 months to sew. The items she will learn to tailor are things that she will be able to sell in the future, such as saris, sari tops and children's clothing. During the training program she is also given the option to learn embroidery that can embellish her garments, which adds to the selling price. When she successfully completes the program, she then receives a sewing machine to take home. These are the old fashioned, pedal-power generated ones because most of the ladies do not have electricity in their shanties. This brand new sewing machine will empower them in a way that changes their lives. It gives them an opportunity to earn money of their own and enables them to feed their children with more nutritious food. So far, we have 65 women (just in the Kerala state) who have completed the project and are waiting for sewing machines! While these women wait, they are able to come to the tailoring site and borrow those to create items to sell. But they need their own! Would you partner with us at Global Impact to purchase 100 sewing machines for this endeavor? A mere $100. pays for the training and the sewing machine-what an amazing deal and a life changing gift.

Providing Clean Water In Haiti Following the massive 2010 earthquake in Haiti we felt compelled to help in some way that would have a lasting benefit to the people. Many NGOs entered the country to help with immediate supplies. Some of the funds that people sent from all over the globe were put to very good use. Other funds were squandered and we have all seen stories about this in the news. We were very fortunate to partner with colleagues in Haiti that have been ministering in this country for over 25 years providing medical support, school construction, drilling wells and more to villages throughout the country. We were able to channel the funds into the well drilling program which helped to drill two wells in the Villages of Savanette and Bonabite. The following photos show the people in these villages at the wells. We are excited about this since it has a long term benefit to the people and will significantly lessen the proliferation of disease in these areas.

Hello friends, this is Launa giving a Joy Bag Update: As many of you know, we have had the privilege of doing "Joy Bags" now for almost 10 years. It was sort of my brain child right after our country sent troops into Afghanistan. That first endeavor, which involved collecting toys, art supplies, school supplies and letters from U.S. school children was extraordinary. We were also able to partner with Ohio penitentiaries to make quilts, pillows, wooden toys and puzzles which were delivered by our troops in hand-decorated paper shopping bags to people in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. Once I saw how these bags blessed the vulnerable people there, I wanted to continue the project. This time, I decided to make the bags drawstring and crafted from fabric. This way the recipient could reuse their Joy Bag for anything that they wanted once the supplies ran out. Since that initial outreach in Afghanistan, we have done Joy Bag outreaches in Syria, India, Romania, Zambia and in the United States. This month, we were also able to do a special Christmas outreach in the Amazon jungle of Peru. This is the one that I'd like to share today as it has significant importance to me. Joy Bag Outreach in Poyeni, Peru:

This is Lourdes, she led the outreach to her own people, the Ashaninkas in her home village, Poyeni, in a remote region of the Peruvian Amazon. This woman is so special to me because I have known her since she was a girl who lived in a children's home outside Lima. This was the first org. that I ever produced and sold Poetry Art to aid and help support. She and other Ashaninka children were housed in "Camino de Vida" home to protect them from the guerilla terrorist organization, the Sendera Luminoso as well as to educated and rear them properly. She returned to Poyeni with Joy Bags and lots of love for the children of her village.

Feliz Navidad

I traveled to this village myself in the mid-1990's and ministered to the parents of these children who were themselves children at that time!

So many children, how beautiful.

We would like to return to Poyeni to do another Christmas outreach next year and/or perhaps a summer art camp. If you would like to participate in Project:Joy Bags, please inquire. We could use financial donations and people to sew the cloth bags. We do ask that no supplies be sent as we have found over the years that it is more viable to purchase supplies within the country we serve, rather than pay exorbitant amounts of "tariffs" to ship contents to different countries. Contact me, Launa Stan at Lstan@globalimpactworldrelief.org Don't forget, all gifts are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt. I will do my utmost to do another couple of Joy Bag updates soon. One will be at a senior center in the United States and the other will be from India. Have a blessed Christmas!

Haiti Fresh Water Well

Recently we were able to provide funds in the amount of $4k to help drill a well for fresh water for a region north of Port-Au-Prince in Haiti. Providing a well that delivers fresh water is a huge help to the people since they will no longer get drinking water or cooking water from a contaminated, sewage filled river or stream. These wells have a dramatic impact on improving the overall health of the people. Without the wells they are plagued with diseases.

Check back soon for more details and photographs.

Victoria Orphanage Outreach

On June 13 we did another outreach at an orphanage in the town of Victoria, Romania which is approximately 72 kilometers from Sibiu. The section of the orphanage that we visited was the boys section which included boys from six years old to 18 years old. This appeared to be very well run and clean. One of the staff leaders was very nice and hospitable. We delivered fruit, candies, and assorted treats for the boys. We did not take photos at this facility since it is state run and it is customary not to photograph in these institutions. This was not a problem for us since we just wanted to bless the boys.

Arpasu de Sus Orphanage Outreach

This photo was taken at the orphanage in Arpasu de Sus, Romania. This town is appr. 56 kilometers from Sibiu. On Sunday, June 12 we had the privilege of delivering 27 Joybags to the boys. Most all of these boys were without major problems and are healthy. This is a private Christian orphanage that is very clean and a nice facility. They do have the usual challenge of raising enough operating funds ongoing.

India Garment Making Update
We recently purchased 10 more sewing machines for the garment making project that we began in 2009. The sales revenue is used to pay for items such as food, clothing, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items for needy families. This microenterprise employs local seamstresses that are creating ladies' garments such as skirts, petticoats, and night dresses. A night dress sells for approximately $4 US. A petticoat sells for $3 US. A skirt can sell for up to $3.50 US. The garments are sold in the open market and have the potential of generating up to 30% profit.

If this is the type of project that you would be interested in getting involved with please write to us at the address below or simply email us.

mstan@globalimpactworldrelief.org
lstan@globalimpactworldrelief.org

Global Impact
7470 E Gumtree Ln
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
928-759-0022

Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort

We are currently gathering funds in order to bring relief to victims in Haiti. During a planned, upcoming trip we will also be fact finding for a longer term project that could help enable families to generate income through micro enterprise projects. If you are interested in supporting this effort you can send tax deductible contributions to the Global Impact address below.

Global Impact
7470 E Gumtree Lane
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315

Blocks Hitting The Ndola Streets

These are a couple of recent photos showing the manufacture of cement blocks that are now being sold in Ndola, Zambia. We are excited about expanding this money making venture and of course the objective is to raise capital to fund the ongoing feeding program in Ndola, Zambia.

If you are interested in supporting this micro enterprise designed to feed kids, many who have lost entire families to HIV/AIDS, then visit us at www.globalimpactworldrelief.org.

Cement Blocks Are In The Making

The block making machine has been moved to a high profile location in Ndola, Zambia where lots of daily traffic passes every hour. Additionally the equipment is located where we have access to 220 VAC. The machine is in operation and blocks are being made. If you have a heart to support this type of microenterprise which can feed hundreds of street kids per week, you can send funds to the following.

Global Impact
7470 E Gumtree Lane
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315

A registered 501 C(3)non-profit organization

Clothes Making Microenterprise Makes Money

Global Impact recently kicked off another microenterprise which will conduct business in southern India. The enterprise will generate finances for an orphanage in Mumbai(Bombay). The sales revenue will be used to pay for items such as food, clothing, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items. This microenterprise employs local seamstresses that are creating ladies' garments such as skirts, petticoats, and night dresses. A night dress will sell for approximately $4 US. A petticoat sells for $3 US. A skirt can sell for up to $3.50 US. The garments will be sold in the open market and have the potential of generating up to 30% profit.

The objective is to see this enterprise grow such that the same business model can be multiplied in other areas in India as well. The bottom line is to generate funds to help at-risk kids in developing nations. If this is a vision that you can get excited about funds can be sent to:

Global Impact
7470 E Gumtree Lane
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315

A registered 501 c(3) non-profit organization

Micro-enterprise Feeds Kids

Global Impact has launched a new micro-enterprise that has the potential of supplying revenue for our ongoing feeding program in Zambia. We are truly excited about this new project. We recently purchased a cement block making machine from the University of Zambia in the capital of Lusaka and subsequently transported it to Ndola, the site of our current feeding program. To recap, we have been funding a feeding program for approximately two years. This program has been feeding approximately 100 kids twice per week. These kids are orphaned as a result of the AIDS pandemic. We will now begin manufacturing cement blocks and selling them to local builders to use for commercial and residential construction. There has been a robust demand for cement blocks thereby generating sustained opportunity for small businesses to capitalize. The machine that we purchased for $4200 USD is capable of generating thousands of dollars in monthly profits that will be funneled directly into the feeding program. Additionally we will create approximately 5-6 jobs initially for locals. We are truly excited about this venture and we need approximately $5000 USD so that we can purchase an adequate supply of sand, rock, and cement for block making materials. We invite you to partner with us in this life changing venture.

Zambia Thanksgiving Trip

The final preparations are being made for our upcoming trip to Zambia. This will be a very full trip which will include a meeting with the First Lady of Zambia, meetings with sponsored students in Lusaka and Ndola, feeding children in Ndola, meeting with HIV moms in Ndola, Joybag distribution, and delivery of Selenium. As you may or may not know people that are HIV positive use Selenium extensively as an immune system booster.

Zambia Upcoming Trip

We are taking a small team to Zambia in November and the purpose of the trip is to manage our existing projects in Lusaka and Ndola. We will be working with students effected by HIV and bringing supplies which will include supplements such as Selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a role in the immune system. Many people in Zambia take Selenium to boost the immune system which is attacked by HIV.
If you would like to help you can send us funds to purchase Selenium so that we can take it with us. You could also do online purchases of Selenium at any nutrition store such as GNC.

We will also be working with the feeding program in Ndola where appr. 110 kids are given a meal twice per week. These kids have all lost family members ie. parents to AIDS.

We will be taking supplies to HIV Moms that we sponsor in a Microloan program.

Bye for now!

India Update

Sathya Nikethan Children's Home
In July we were priveleged to have our partner from India Mr. C.V. Vadavana visit with us in Arizona. "CV" stays very busy overseeing the school in Gujarat, the Sathya Nikethan children's home and a host of other outreach activities. Sathya Nikethan is currently operating with approximately 50 children in a new location. We desire to help raise funds to establish a new permanent facility for this wonderful work.

Zambia Update

Zambia Trip January 2007
Our trip to Zambia was filled with nonstop travel as well as developing and extending a vision for children and families effected by poverty and HIV. Thanks to the generosity of many we were able to deliver Joy Bags to many children. As a result of our findings we decided to begin three separate projects which are being managed in Lusaka (Capital City) and Ndola.

Lusaka
Student Sponsorships
We are sponsoring 10 school students that are living with extended families or friends since their parents have died of AIDs. This consists of paying their tuition and misc. supplies. These students stand a much better chance of moving forward with their lives if they stay in school. If they get caught up with the dangers of the streets they could shorten their lifespans through disease and crime.

Ndola
Feeding Program


Each week we conduct a feeding program to mainly orphans and very poor kids. Most have lost their families to the perils of HIV. The program began with feeding approximately 80 kids weekly. These feedings are now feeding over 110 kids twice weekly. It's vitally important to assist in boosting the nutrition of the kids especially for those that take anti retroviral medications for HIV. Without adequate nutrition the drugs are rendered ineffective and just caust other types of sickness.

Microloans
We are also providing microloans for five mothers that currently have HIV. The loans enable the women to develop and operate a small business that helps them to bring in income for their families. Most if not all of the women have lost their husbands to the ravages of AIDS.

Student Sponsorships
We are sponsoring 10 school students in Ndola as well that are living with extended families or friends since their parents have died of AIDs. This consists of paying their tuition and misc. supplies.