September 2007

Through the continued efforts of the Upendo Village (UV) staff and volunteers, in partnership with the generosity and solidarity of all of our donors, we continue to reach out to those suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya, Africa.  As of July 1, 2007 we were actively serving 2,178 people affected by the AIDS crisis and the number needing assistance continues to grow daily.  Between July ’06 and July ‘07, 215 persons have received voluntary counseling and testing, with 94 of these testing positive.  Of the 770 AIDS orphans cared for by Upendo Village since we began providing services in May’03, only 32 have been placed in orphanages.  The rest have been placed with family or other village members, thus maintaining their family and community identities and values.  Through our educational efforts the myths about AIDS continue to be dispelled, encouraging more and more people to come forward to be tested and to learn about AIDS prevention.

 

In June/July 2007 Florence Muia, ASN visited the USA, sharing stories with many donors and friends of UV.  A special trip was a visit with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, in Bluffton, South Carolina.  Their warm welcome and generous outreach have been invaluable.  Sr. Florence also visited our dear friends at St. John the Baptist Church in Winfield,IL for the first time since 2003.  They had generously supported UV during its initial formation and were thrilled to hear about the wonderful ministry that is now thriving thanks to their initial assistance.  Parishioners again gave generously to the project that they helped birth 4 years ago.  Another special visit was to Holy Rosary Church in Billings, Montana, where she met with parishioners and members of AIDSpirit Montana who have also supported UV since its infancy in 2002-2003.  The Naperville, IL Rotarians also welcomed Sr. Florence and were thrilled to see the first fruits of the vegetable garden at UV, which is providing additional nutrition to the clients, thanks to the well water which the Rotarians made possible.  They are now raising funds for the defluoridation system, which will remove the toxic levels of fluoride from the well water and render it safe for drinking and cooking.  We hope to have this portion of the project completed by February. 

 

Recently, UV joined with other stakeholders in welcoming the honorable Moody Awori, Minister of Home Affairs and Vice President of Kenya, to Naivasha where he launched the prison service policy for HIV/AIDS.  This very important event paves the way for health services, including the treatment of HIV and opportunistic infections, to be provided to the more than 45,000 prisoners held in 92 prisons throughout Kenya.  It also includes making voluntary HIV counseling and testing available, along with AIDS prevention education. UV’s advocacy/networking efforts continue!

 

On June 2, 2007 Sr. Florence was honored at the Founder’s Day dinner at Loyola University in Chicago with the university’s Damen Award, in recognition of her service to others.  She was nominated for the award by the Loyola Graduate School’s Institute of Pastoral Studies which awarded her a MA degree in 2001.  Congratulations to all who minister with Florence and thereby share in this honor.

 

Florence Muia, ASN with Rev. Michael Garanzini, President of Loyola University in Chicago at the Founder’s Day event.

 

In April, May and June, UV carried out AIDS awareness campaigns in the Naivasha market places of KCC, KAMERE and KONGONI, reaching 350, 300 and 275 people respectively.  As a result of these efforts, many came forward for testing and lives were positively impacted by these efforts.

 

The staff from the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi visited UV on June 9,2007 for the second time (their last visit was Oct. 2006), bringing donations of food, clothing, bedding, etc.  These donations benefited more than 20 families!  We are grateful for this continued partnership to serve those in need.

 

During FY’07, we are happy to say that 97% of all donations received for Upendo Village operations were sent to Kenya!  Our ability to keep administrative expenses here in the USA low is thanks to the additional $10,568 worth of in-kind donations also received.  Having raised over $425,000 toward Phase I of our capital campaign, another $264,000 is still needed to complete the first 3 buildings at the new site.

Upendo Village NFP Donation Expenditures

for July’06-June’07

 

  

On November 6, 2007, Bishop Peter Kairo, the bishop of the Catholic diocese of Nakuru in which UV is located, will join the staff, clients and friends of Upendo Village for the dedication of the new Upendo Village site.  Although a long way from being complete, the 3-acre site will serve as the permanent home for UV.  The first phase of construction is nearing completion and we are now able to meet the needs of our ever-growing client population in our new multipurpose hall and clinic buildings.  The staff house makes it possible for Sr.Florence and the 2 UV nurses to be on site 24-hours a day to respond to any needs that arise.  We thank all who have helped to make this dream come true!

 

As the rain pours, UV clients are comfortably seated in the dry reception area of the new clinic building, waiting to receive care.

 

Thank you for your support for Upendo Village and the people of Kenya.  Your concern and solidarity bring hope and life to many.  Together we continue to work toward the day when the people of all the countries of the world will be able to live healthy and happy lives.—

                   Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, MD

Upendo Village, NFP.

HIV/AIDS Women Project-Kenya

Sr. Florence Muia, ASN – President

Sr. Beatrice M. Hernandez, OSF,MD-Executive Director

Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 449

Wheaton, IL 60189

E-mail:  contact@upendovillage.or