The Jatukik Providence Foundation
The Jatukik Providence Foundation founded by Congolese native Father Jean-Claude Atusameso in 1999, has spent ten years creating better lives for people the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The non-profit located in Washington DC started out bringing medical supplies to war torn areas of the DRC before working with nuns in Kinshasa to open orphanages for abandoned children. The organization’s mission is twofold: provide care for Congolese children and teach Americans about issues affecting the country.
To commemorate their achievements and in an effort to raise funds for the children in their orphanages, a benefit Gala was held Friday, October 16 in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington DC. Guests from all over the world dressed in their finest, perused tables of art and participated in a silent auction to benefit the 400 children in the foundation’s care. Father Jean-Claude spoke at the gala and highlighted the work of volunteers in the field as well as the need to help those suffering from the after effects of war. Large photographs of children in Kinshasa were projected during his speech, giving weight to his words.
The foundation’s work in the DRC also reaches America through their adoption program. Louise Schnaier, the Director of International Adoption at Spence-Chapin in New York City works with the foundation to make Congolese Orphans available for adoption in the U.S. She also spoke at the event, highlighting her time spent with children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Omékongo Luhaka wa Dibinga, a first generation Congolese-American poet, Urban Music Award winner, and community activist who aims to improve cultural understanding, performed two touching poems that resonated with the international crowd.
To learn more about the foundation’s work and how to help, visit their website here.
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October 27, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hands down! I salute such a pursuit!
October 27, 2009 at 3:28 pm
The 10th anniversary Gala celebration of the Foundation was a great success not only because of all who participated but also because of the sincerity of everybody’s generosity and interest.
Please visit the website and see the progress that Fr. Jean Claude Atusameso and his fantastic staff have done! Patricia Schubert, Sandrika Berthias and Tom Gallemore, you all did an awesome job!
Together, we all can make a difference in the life of an orphaned child by fostering a relationship that produces an environment of growth and development in the Congolese community.
I look forward to the next event.
October 28, 2009 at 10:56 am
Syd, great blog. Really admire you for putting your talents to work for such a good cause. We are sure that this will greatly enhance your total life experience and in a small way add to the good that is being done around the world. Joe & Ginger