As we welcome 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for the new possibilities the new year brings! The start of a new year is a perfect time to reflect on the positive changes we’ve provided through giving, and the lasting impact we’ve had on the lives of those in need. Through your generosity in 2024, Chalice’s sites have new hope, new homes, and new skills.
New year, new hope
Sayini is twelve years old and grew up with her parents and four siblings in northern India. Sayini started having abdominal pain, which alerted her father, Adani, to take her to the hospital. She had appendicitis and needed urgent surgery. But her hospitalization and surgery came with a pricey medical bill, which was more than Adani could afford.
Thanks to those who supported her through Chalice’s critical needs program, Adani could cover the cost of her daughter’s emergency care. “My family had a great hope that Chalice will extend their generous hand towards Saiyini’s treatment,” Adani says. ” Without Chalice’s support it would not have been possible for me to treat my daughter.”
Today, Sayini is back in school and in good health. “She is a good student doing well in her studies,” her father says. “Chalice has saved my daughter’s life and gave a new hope to go ahead and reach out her life goal.”
New year, new home
Our St. Dominique sponsor site in Haiti was the most directly affected by the gang activity throughout Haiti. Violence forced them to move to a safer location within the city.
“We were displaced with over sixty children and staff members in Port-au-Prince,” says Wendell, St. Dominique site director, “and faced the overwhelming challenge of finding a safe place to stay, feeding everyone, and continuing the education of our children.”
Wendell and his staff were able to cover rent for the new orphanage location for eight months, as well two houses for male and female youth who are still under the shelter’s care, and a new site office location. You provided chairs, living room furniture, and kitchen supplies for both the orphanage and transition houses.
The orphanage had enough food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and propane to cook the children’s meals. Wendell was also able to disburse extra funds to the 260 St. Dominique sponsored children who do not live in the orphanage for their families to use for food. Your support also covered the orphanage’s 50 school-aged students’ tuition fees, school supplies, uniforms, and books.
“We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission and for standing with us every time we need mostly during these challenging times in Haiti.”
New year, new skills
Our Chiclayo site’s nutrition program is in its second year; the team is promoting healthy eating habits to improve the health and well-being of 80 children and teens in two low-income neighbourhoods.
On top of the weekday meal program, site staff run workshops, talks, and educational activities for families in the community.
The 80 children and their families participated in the workshop: “Learning to Prepare Healthy Snacks,” led by nutritionist Carmen. “The parents learned culinary skills to prepare nutritious and delicious options for their little ones during the school year,” says Ludi, the Chiclayo site’s nutrition leader.
“Mothers are the primary caregivers for their families’ diets,” says Carmen, “so it is essential that they have the tools and knowledge they need to make healthy choices.”
“During the workshop, mothers had the opportunity to learn about the importance of a balanced diet and the selection of fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Ludi.
“This workshop has been very useful for me,” says a mother named Cecilia. “I have learned new recipes and now I feel more confident in preparing healthy snacks for my daughters.”
“Nutrition education is key to the well-being of communities,” says Ludi. “By empowering families, we empower future generations.”
Looking ahead for 2025, lets focus on new impact by reaching even more families in need and create an even greater year of giving. Your generosity has made a difference, and with your ongoing support, we’ll create more opportunities for those in need. Join us with our mission and give new hope, homes, and skills around the world with Chalice.