March 2005

Founders Column

I have been in the United States for 31 years and have enjoyed the freedom and the opportunities as a citizen since 1981. I desire to give back to my Hoosier community as well as to the homeland of my birthplace, Ethiopia.

My motivation of starting a mission began in 1975 following my move from Franklin College to IUPUI when I began living at 25th and Martindale. At that time, I realized there were many kids who could use my help and I started tutoring them after school. While working with these children, I realized an impression was being made on them as they learned about the living conditions of children in my homeland, Ethiopia. They started to understand how fortunate they were compared to Ethiopian children, even though compared to Indiana standards they may have considered themselves underprivileged. It was while working with these neighborhood children that the idea of a mission connecting the poor orphans of Ethiopia to the needy children here in Indianapolis started.

Working hand-in-hand with friends who share the same values, the dream became a reality when FHC was incorporated in February of 2004.

The mission of FHC is to encourage kids in Center Township to serve, lead, advocate and help themselves by engaging in helping others who are less fortunate than they, both here and in Ethiopia. I feel that these are critical skills and attitudes they need to become productive adults.

Aster


Where are we now?

FHC office is located on 1648 Sheldon St. It sits on approximately on an acre of land. There are two other houses adjacent to it we will use for our mission activities.

Within a year we were able to bring the property to a secure and usable condition.

In order to start our activities at the sight, we have to get the property up to code inside. Our wish list is long but it has gotten smaller much faster than we thought. Many friends of the mission have opened up their hearts to accelerate the process and they are greatly appreciated.

The following are examples of support you have provided.

1. Prayers
   • For the board
   • For the Children
   • For the Mission
2. Financial Support
3. Sharing with your friends about our prayer, financial, and skill needs
4. Donating time and skills to complete needed tasks
5. Many more

Many of you have responded and wanted to know how you can help. Below is our wish list.

Phase I - Mission Office

1. Plumber(s), plumbing supplies, sinks, toilets, faucets, etc.
2. Electrician(s), Electrical supplies, electrical box etc.
3. Carpenter(s), carpentry supplies, dry wall, windows, doors, floor refinishing or floor covers.
4. Painter(s), painting supplies, paint, rollers, etc.
5. Volunteers to help the contractor do demolition and cleaning.
6. Furnace installation before winter of 2005.
7. Roof for 1652 Sheldon property.
8. Gravel for drive way and parking.

Phase II - Addis Ababa Office

We need financial donations for the following to be purchased or build in Ethiopia.

1. Computer, fax machine, telephone line and office furniture suitable for infrastructure.
2. Prescribed uniform for 400 boys and girls.
3. Desks for the school building, (see picture below)
4. School supplies: notebooks, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, and pens.