About Us

Upendo Village is a project designed by Kenyans to respond at the local level to the needs of Kenyans living with HIV / AIDS.  Clients are surrounded with loving care, and are given resources and access to programs that improve health, restore self-respect, and give hope.

Upendo means "love" in the Kiswahili language, and adding the word "village” signifies the importance of a global response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Africa.

Vision

To give witness to the gospel message in our community by providing compassionate care and quality services of counseling, education and housing for women, men and children living with HIV and AIDS.

Mission

To spread the Gospel message of love to women, men and children, who have HIV and AIDS so that they can live with dignity, self-esteem, self sufficiency and respect.  We are committed to networking with other agencies in providing healthcare so that our clients can enjoy a free and full life.

Our History

Sister Florence Muia: "It took about 15 years of silence on HIV & AIDS epidemic in the country before the then President of Kenya, Mr. Daniel Arap Moi, acknowledged HIV and AIDS as a ‘national disaster’ in 1999.  The many years of silence allowed the disease take root in the country.  Watching all the suffering, I did not want to sit on the other side of the fence; I strongly felt I wanted to get involved with the fight against HIV and AIDS. I realized that I needed to establish a Kenyan project by and for the Kenyan people. My vision was for a safe haven for women, men, and children affected by the disease. I wanted to call this sanctuary ‘Upendo Village.’” (Click here to read the whole story.) 

Upendo Village Board of Directors

Sr. Florence Muia, ASN, DIP, S.W., M.A.P.C., Founder - President
Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

Theresa Langfield, O.S.F., M.P.S., M.A.P.M. - Executive Director
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters

John N. Bielski II, J.D., C.P.A., M.B.A. - Chairperson
Messer & Stilp, LTD.-Attorneys At Law

Stephen Monaco, B.B.A. - Treasurer
Covenant Member, Franciscan Sisters

Shayne Moore, M.A. - Secretary
Author: Global Soccer Mom

Beatrice Hernandez, O.S.F., M.D.
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Provincial Directress

Sandra Joireman, M.A., Ph.D.
Professor of Politics and International Relations, Wheaton College

Cheryl J. Blum, M.S.
Technology and Business Development, Telecommunications Industry Association.

Brother Bede Baldry, F.S.C., M.A.
Social Justice Retreats-Brother David Darst Center

Sandra J. Oyler, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Wheaton Youth Outreach & Outreach Community Ministries

Laurence, Buchman, B.S.
Senior Partner, Vice-President, Operations – Teng & Associates, Chicago

James Allen, M.D., Ph.D.
Metro Infectious Disease Consultants