Help children at Joan's orphanage

Dear friends and family,

It is my pleasure to give you an update on the West African orphanage in N’Zérékoré, Guinea, I first visited 11 years ago. Thanks to generous donors like you, Joan Gono has continued to provide a safe haven for orphaned or abandoned children, opening her heart and home to them.

Your donations go far in supporting the orphanage, ensuring that the children’s basic needs are met, while also improving their overall quality of life. According to Joan, last year’s donations—including an anonymous one-time donation of nearly $24,000, for which the nonprofit Mountain Forum for Peace in Nederland, Colorado, acted as the fiduciary agent—“made our dreams come true. l and my children do not even know which words to use to express our thanks and appreciation to our donors.” This year’s photos help tell the story, showing the children thriving under Joan’s loving care. I hope you’ll join me again in supporting this cause that is so close to my heart.

EXCITING 2023 HAPPENINGS!

With the one-time donation received, Joan purchased a small compound for the orphanage, including two houses—room enough to sleep all the children, Joan, two staff members, and the watchman. Using some contributions from last year’s online fundraiser, she also bought a used 4-door pickup truck for taking the children to medical appointments and carrying building materials for much-needed renovations and repairs.

OVERVIEW AND UPDATE

Joan’s orphanage cares for 31 children presently, including 16 living at the orphanage and 15 in foster care. This year, Joan welcomed Esther, a 10-year-old girl, whose parents could no longer care for her. Although initially Esther was withdrawn, Joan says: “today, Esther is happy … playing with her friends … in the 3rd grade and doing well.”

In addition to the new compound and pickup truck, donations last year helped pay for the children’s food, health care and medicine, clothing, and school fees and supplies—all essential for their continued well-being. Funds also helped pay for rent, transportation, and staff salaries.

ONGOING NEEDS

Even with the one-time anonymous donation, the need is still great. Costs continue to climb, and Joan does not receive any government funding. Adding to the challenge, she no longer runs the small guest house where I stayed when we met, due to lower demand, so she’s also lost that small income. However, Joan is planning for new sources of support to create a more consistent income. Next year, she intends to start wholesale foodstuff (e.g., rice, sugar, flour, argo oil) and building materials (e.g., cement) businesses.

In addition to covering the necessities, Joan hopes this year’s funds will help with startup expenditures for the new businesses, as well as critical upgrades to the compound, including repairs and maintenance, an indoor bathroom and outhouse, and a chicken coop.

HOW TO SUPPORT

Please join me in supporting Joan’s orphanage. Your contribution—of any amount—makes a critical difference for these children. 100% of the money raised goes to maintaining and improving the place they call home.

If you prefer to contribute through Venmo, my Venmo is @Alisha-Horowitz and the last four numbers of my cellphone are 4311. Please write that your contribution is for Joan’s orphanage. If you prefer to donate by check, email me at alisha1735@yahoo.com for details.

Joan will follow the fundraiser online. If inspired, please share this appeal with your friends and family [_______________________].

Joan and I send our heartfelt thanks for your generosity and best wishes to you this holiday season, especially during such a challenging time in the world.

With much gratitude,

Alisha

BACKGROUND

Since 2008, Joan has ensured a better life and brighter future for more than 60 children whose lives were forever changed by the death of one or both parents or their inability to care for them. And since 2012, the year I met Joan and visited her orphanage, we have helped to keep the orphanage safe and open.

Please note that this is not a U.S.-registered nonprofit, which means that you will probably not be able to deduct any contribution as a charitable deduction on your taxes. Check with your tax advisor for specifics.