Stories
Today is World Water Day.
When she heard that clean water can help save lives, six-year old Nora gave $8.15 to our friends at charity: water. That selfless gift inspired us to help Nora’s gift go even further. This World Water Day, we’re inviting you to give $8.15 to clean water, just like Nora. 100% of your donation will bring clean water to people in need.
J.Rich Atlanta Team with Aaron James from the East Lake Foundation
A few days ago, our team was lead on a tour around the Drew Charter Senior Academy. We were so impressed by the students, teachers, and facility. The campus was beautifully designed and intentionally thought through. From the hallways to the chairs used in the classroom, every detail has a purpose and adds value to the school.
After a quick tour of the school and a reliving some "glory day" moments at the basketball gym, we made our way to the college and career readiness department. This specific department is one of the two areas that we are supporting in our 3rd quarter partnership with The East Lake Foundation.
We were so impressed by the College and Career Readiness team! It was so obvious that the Drew Charter Academy students and their families feel at ease when working with this team. During our meeting they explained that the whole staff is dedicated to helping families understand the college application process, applying for scholarships – and all the different options, emotional counseling and support, etc. Drew Charter is focused on a students success which includes the entire family.
Drew Charter just had their first graduating class and 100% of the students graduated. This is huge! In addition, students are leaving this Fall (right now!) to go off to college, everywhere from GSU to Yail! Incredible.
We arehonored to partner with an organization that is shaping the lives of the next generation and beyond.
A few weeks ago, Jeremy Courtney from Preemptive Love Coalition came and hang out with us at our Monday team meeting. This meeting was something we did not take lightly, as Jeremy is rarely in the states and we wanted to make sure we took full advantage of our time with him.
We sat around in a circle and asked him to start from the beginning. “How did PLC start?” What were you doing before? How did you meet your wife.. and so on. As the story goes, PLC was birthed out of a desperate need for one child to get a life saving heart surgery. It was through Jeremy’s persistence and determination to make this happen, that he discovered his passion for this cause specifically.
PLC began by performing life saving heart surgeries for children in Iraq. In fact, they have performed thousands of these surgeries and saved many lives. Amazing. This work came to a cross roads when they had to make a decision. They had to ask themselves, do we grow outside Iraq and expand our heart surgeries, or do we take a step back and see what we can do to help in a different way.
As this conversation was happening, so was the rise of ISIS. It was clear after the attacks started that there was a new pressing need for the people in Iraq – it was emergency aid. From here they have delivered and assisted in the feeding of thousands people, meeting medical needs, and delivering water. Desperation is overwhelming, and they are on the front lines.
PLC has slowly begun to move into Syria. As they start to rebuild, PLC is the first organization there helping. They are helping families repair their past and build a new future. It is because of you that this is possible. It is because of you that families are able to begin to build a new life for themselves.
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Meet : Our Partners
Our local partner in Tigray began as a grassroots organization. Now they're the largest operating local charity in the region. They've helped us implement more than 3,000 water projects, and they're incredible. Music licensed through: The Music Bed Sound mixing: Claymore Pictures
Tarik Haftay is one of many young girls who puts in hours each day walking to collect dirty water for her family. Spend a day walking in her shoes. Music licensed through: The Music Bed Sound mixing: Claymore Pictures
The Journey is a video series that shows charity: water supporters how their money get put to work. Before we get too far into our trip to Ethiopia, there are a few things you need to know. Here are some tips to kick off the adventure.
Stay tuned for episode 2 about Tarik Haftay . She is one of many young girls who puts in hours each day walking to collect dirty water for her family. Get ready to spend a day walking in her shoes!
