SCOTT WILLIS LEGACY FOUNDATION
2017 UPDATE
It has been a year since we lost Scott and while our hearts remain broken, we take comfort in the blessings that have transpired with your kindness. We wanted to take a moment to both thank you for supporting this project that is so dear to us as well as update you on our progress.
When we began this project 8 months ago, our original goal was change the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Arusha Africa by improving their living conditions with a garden, courtyard, playground, classroom, kitchen, sports field, books, clothing and a sewing center. We wanted to do this as a way to create a legacy for Scott and his 2 young sons as well as honor loved ones of dear friends. With your support, we are on our way to making these projects a reality.
In addition, we wanted to secure scholarships for three children during the first year. With the love and support of family and friends, we were able to provide named scholarships for 8 children that will provide for their education. We used unrestricted donations to help three other children enroll in school and we now support the education for 11 children.
Lawrence, Yohana and Shedrack were three malnourished, sad and scared orphaned brothers that we met on our visit. They are now healthy, sheltered in a new home and attending Shades of Hope School. Another is Hamima, who was 7 years old when we met her. She had never been in school until she walked into Shades of Hope on January 11, 2018. She is now smiling and thriving and most importantly, learning.
We have learned a lot about Africa and the needs of their children since our visit. This has led us to one important update. After careful consideration, we have decided to move the location of Scott’s Courtyard, Wyatt’s Garden and Hayden’s Playground (including Healy Field). These will now be built alongside Sara’s Kitchen, Pop’s Pantry, Helen’s Closet, Eileen’s Sewing Project, Mike Squared Sports and Susanne’s Salon at an incredible center called Mama Jane’s. This center is amazing because of its potential and the heart of its matron who works tirelessly to protect and nurture the orphaned children in her community. Dr. James Lace, who has also helped us tremendously, is providing medical care.
Mama Jane cares for 45 children. Her home is now theirs. She is well-known in her community and has proven her ability to not only care for children at her center but support the community as well. When she has the resources, she is known to feed dozens of vulnerable children in her neighborhood. That being said, Mama Jane is lacking much. Having all of our programs at this central location will allow us to reach a much wider group and allow us to actually strengthen an entire community. We are excited.
We have already transferred some funds to Mama Jane’s and she has started many of the projects including the garden complex complete with chicken coops and goats. In addition, we will be funding a Sunday Supper program that will help feed the community.
For many, this meal will be their only meal for the week. She is in need of a clean water source such as a well or holding tank and we will make this a priority as well. We will still help Rafiki, a place very dear to our hearts. However, with the success of providing scholarships, their needs have greatly diminished as they now only have a few children in need of help as most are now boarding at their schools.
We will travel to Africa in October 2018 and will be bringing supplies including sporting goods donated by the Woodard and Fiorelli families for Mike Squared Sports. The supplies will also include a shipment of soccer balls for use on Healy Field.
In May, we started a project called “Shoes That Grow” with the goal of taking 100 pair of shoes with us when we travel to Africa. Lack of shoes is a major problem as children often get parasites and diseases when they do not wear shoes. The shoes adjust by moving the straps in 3 major places. The high quality rubber and leather last five years and the shoe “grows” with the child. We have funded 69 pair to date.
In June 2019, we will be traveling back to Africa with a group to work on finalizing some of our projects. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Whether you help at the orphanage the entire time or venture out for part of your visit, we will promise you that it will change your life.
We will continue to update you on this mission that has brought us hope and healing and continues to transform both our lives as the lives of many children in Africa. We continue to learn and be humbled through our efforts to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania. The progress we have already seen because of your support is incredible. Please take a moment to visit www.scottslegacy.com to see more photographs and information on our progress. Your support is transforming many young lives and giving hope where none existed in the past. We couldn’t do this without your love and support. Thank you.