Zewdi Reda Story (founder):

As a child, I was raised by a single mother who had seven young children to care for with very little money. At the age of five, my mother decided it was time for us to be re-united with our father for the first time. He was residing in Sudan. Once we arrived in Sudan, our father decided to take us away from our mother. We went from living with a single mother to living with a single father. I grew up not knowing what it’s like having both of my parents.

In 1990, we came to America, but my mother stayed behind. It was devastating for me; I didn't understand why my mother couldn't come with us.  A year later, I found out my mother died from unknown illness. I was in shock, in disbelief that my mother had passed away. I kept telling myself “she didn’t die.” It was a difficult losing my mother at 11 years old. To this day, a part of me is still in denial that my mother is dead. I tried to remain positive, reminding myself that I was fortunate to have a father, and siblings which kept me grounded. Coming to the United State gave me chances that not many Ethiopians in Ethiopia have. I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and by completing my education I realized that the sky is a limit. In 2001, I won the USA version of Miss Ethiopia. Winning that title gave me recognition and fame amongst the Ethiopian community.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to visit Ethiopia after 25 years. While I was in Ethiopia, I visited an Orphanage ran by “The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Child and Family Affairs Organization”. There, I met 126 children. They looked so happy and grateful for what little they had. I spent time with them and through their stories I got to know them. The children were sleeping on spring beds without mattresses. They would go some days skipping meals. They didn’t have soccer ball so they had a homemade ball out of socks that they kicked around bare foot. The director told me, the orphanage does not have the budget to buy soccer balls or shoes. The girls didn’t have the simplest hygiene, feminine products. The simplest things that we take for granted in America are considered luxury there. I went around and asked the children what they wanted, and almost every child said they were happy that they had shelter. They didn’t want anything. I asked the director of that orphanage, what is their favorite thing to eat, he said, they never had chocolates or any type of candies for that matter. So I announced to all 126 of them, that I have bought them candies. They all screamed and clapped in happiness. Some of the smallest things like candies that in America we take for granted are luxuries to these kids. I was amazed by how contented the kids seemed despite having so little. To have the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia and see and feel the pride and joy these children have was an incredible experience. I feel so blessed to have found these kids. Helping these kids makes my life richer and happier.

Visiting the orphanage has made me realize that I have a lot of work to do and a lot of hope to give.  Now I am back to the U.S. and working hard to create awareness of what these deserving children and millions more are going through in Ethiopia and around the world. I have partner up with EOC-CFAO to make a difference in their lives and I am looking forward to partnering up with more great organizations to help even more children around the world, because together we can give hope to those without.