CROSO's 2020-2021 Annual Report

CROSO Annual Report 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1: Mission & Board of Directors Page 2: Letter from the Executive Director Page 3-4: CROSO Finances & What CROSO Provides Page 5-6: 2020-2021 CROSO Scholars Page 7: CROSO Graduate Feature: Areto Caroline Page 8-10: Thank You Donors!

Back: Messages from CROSO Graduates Derrick during his teaching practice

Brenda doing field research

Titus presenting a project

Abraham graduating

CROSO's Mission CROSO is dedicated to making possible the transformation of Ugandan communities by providing post-secondary education scholarships to former street children in Uganda.

CROSO Board of Directors for 2020-2021 Beth Garstki Lampson (President)

Megan McBride

Michael Bowen (Vice President)

Sharon Nagy

Jamie McCourt (Treasurer)

Amy Petersen

Margy Roberts (Secretary)

Donna Pezzuto

Geoff Curtis

Sarita Pinto

Terri Evans

Elsa VanHove

Wendy Heineman

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Entering the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year, we knew this would be a different kind of year for CROSO. Being in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, we already knew that most of the rhythms of our operations, our scholars’ schedules, and even fundraising activities were no longer following typical expectations. I am incredibly proud of the way the board and I made decisions going into and throughout this fiscal year. We maintained a clear commitment to support our existing scholars and responded to their needs for additional funds to account for price inflations after country-wide lockdowns, to provide internet access in their homes, and to support them as they navigated fast changes in their academic programs.

For most of the year, our scholars were not learning in their classrooms. Each school handled it differently. Some scholars began remote learning immediately, while others were introduced to it a few months later, and still others were told that their studies would resume when they could safely gather students at their institutions again. Our scholars have expertly navigated the changing situations and have demonstrated great commitment to their programs, despite trying circumstances.

We were forced to make many difficult decisions this year - most noticeably, we did not accept new students in 2020 for the first time in CROSO’s 14 year history. We did this for several reasons, but one was to ensure that we could continue our same level of scholar support (or more, as it turned out) during these unpredictable times.

Knowing what I know now about how the school year went, I can say with confidence that we made the right decision. As our existing scholars navigated the challenges, and many other unexpected setbacks that accompanied the pandemic, we were grateful to have pre-established lines of communication and the ability to focus our attention on their needs.

I have often admired the resilience, resourcefulness, and tenacity of our scholars. This year, I watched as the rest of the world (ourselves included) needed to quickly gain skills and experience in those areas. I am grateful to our donors who helped us meet our revenue goals and reinforced their belief in our mission through their donations this year. I also want to thank our volunteers, especially our CROSO Liaisons (who write monthly to our scholars) and our board of directors.

CROSO volunteers continue to be a huge source of support and encouragement, while also helping to move issues and projects forward.

PAGE 02 | LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCES

July 2020 - June 2021 Specific Scholar Sponsorship $17,434.57 11.2%

Annual Appeal $7,091.98 4.5% Other $14,293.69 7.1%

#CROSOcommits $21,773.12 13.9% Annual Benefit $56,424.08 36.1%

Income $156,346.91

Major Gifts $42,329.47 27.1%

Program Expenses $97,991.49 63.9%

Administrative Expenses $31,789.44 20.7%

Year End Net Assets

Expenses $154,517.01

Fundraising Expenses $42,329.47 15.4%

$252,381.27

WHAT CROSO PROVIDES Tuition & School Fees Room and Board

Transportation

Books & Supplies Laptop & Internet Fees Internship & Study Tips Liaison Program Graduation Expenses

You may know that CROSO provides comprehensive post-secondary scholarships for former street children in Uganda, but what does "comprehensive" mean? CROSO goes beyond just providing tuition and aims to provide scholars with all the tools and experiences they will need to best utilize this academic "Thanks to opportunity. Each scholar CROSO that was able receives funds for housing, to cater for my internet, food, transportation, books, my education is not supplies, and a laptop. interrupted now."

During this past year, we - Apo Agnes also added funds for internet (CROSO Scholar) expenses, which previously

they accessed on their campuses.

We know that internships and study trips serve multiple purposes. They give scholars the experience of putting their classroom learning into practice and also a taste of the workplace environment. These experiences also give scholars the chance to begin building necessary professional networks to secure work One of our scholars, after graduation.

Mugisha John is studying to be a teacher and had the Beth Lampson, opportunity to have an internship CROSO's board (teaching practice) during this president from 2018year. "I have been able to 2021, says, "Providing implement my skills in class the resources and and build a teacher-student equipping our scholars relationship." with the means to access their own potential is really powerful. We don't do anything for them that they would not be able to do themselves but for lack of funds and connections."

PAGE 04 | WHAT CROSO PROVIDES

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Angolere Michael

Apo Agnes

Baraza Stephen

Dimokoli Sam

Ejiet Moses

Gidudu Derrick

Ilukol Vicky

Kakai Joan

2020-2021 CROSO Scholars

Kateme Mercy

Lokuun Abraham

Lotimong Esther

Loukae Peter

Mugisha John

Mutesi Lydia

Nalwoga Brenda

Namuwenge Ingrid

Okello john

Opio Denis

Otukei Francis

Otyeha Brenda

Walufu Titus

Washi Ronald

Wokwaba Brian

PAGE 03 | INTRODUCTION

REFLECTIONS FROM SCHOLARS During this strange academic year, we wanted to share some thoughts directly from our scholars about their experiences.

BARAZA STEPHEN During the pandemic, Stephen realized the strength of his commitment to the legal degree he pursues. "I discovered I really have a passion to pursue my studies."

WALUFU TITUS With several breaks in class instruction due to lockdowns, Titus continued to seek knowledge through internships and online learning. "I think with the knowledge I have so far acquired personally, I am fit to work in any field under civil and building engineering."

OTYEHA BRENDA While this pandemic has caused significant challenges, it also reinforced for Brenda her confidence in her own ability to persevere.

"I have the faith and I believe in myself that my dreams will never be stopped no matter the situation."

LOTIMONG ESTHER Esther completed her final 14-month internship in April. As she was wrapping it up, she shared, "I have really realised the importance of this long internship for a medical student. It gives one confidence and intellectual understanding of how things are done."

ANGOLERE MICHAEL Michael reflects on how the pandemic impacted his studies. "Despite the fact that COVID-19 interrupted almost everything, I am glad that my studies were not disrupted so much apart from internship issues."

PAGE 06 | 2020-2021 CROSO SCHOLARS

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

CROSO GRADUATE FEATURE Carol in 2013

Areto Caroline was a CROSO Scholar from 20122015. She studied at Uganda Christian University (UCU) where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During her time at UCU, Carol was a part of the entrepreneur business club, where she participated in seminars that helped shape her creative thinking, idea generation and implementation, all factors preparing her for life after UCU.

After graduating, Carol was hired by Child Restoration Outreach (C.R.O.), the Ugandan NGO that helped change her Carol's graduation day life as a small child. Back in 1993, when Carol was just five years old, C.R.O. social workers found her during one of their daily street walks and ended up supporting her through primary and secondary school. Working for C.R.O.'s finance office as her first job after graduation allowed Carol to give back to the community that first gave to her. She went on to work for another local NGO, Youth for a Covenant Vision, where she served as their Senior Finance Manager.

Though Carol was pouring back into the glass that was once poured into her, she felt as if something was missing. In 2019, Carol co-founded an ethical and sustainable clothing brand called SELA, where she serves as the director and the accountant to handle the managerial and financial aspects of the company. Through SELA, Carol has become a job creator, employing other young women in their community as seamstresses that otherwise might not have consistent work opportunities.

When reflecting on what role access to higher education played in her life, Carol said it was “a golden opportunity that is currently helping me to fulfill my heart’s desire of bringing back to myself, the family and community at large.” In addition to her role at SELA, Carol volunteers as a mentor for young girls at C.R.O., helps others network to find jobs, and has joined with other C.R.O. alumni to sponsor primary school children and others for vocational training. Carol even is giving back to the CROSO community by serving as a member of the CROSO Ugandan Advisory Committee.

Carol at the SELA office

Carol with the CROSO Ugandan Advisory Committee

THANK YOU DONORS! YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE CROSO'S WORK POSSIBLE

OVER $10,000 Anonymous

Nicole Abreu Shepard & Luke Shepard

$2,500 - $9,999 Julia & Chris Budde Beth Lampson & Matt Kennedy Margaret Feit Clarke & Brian Clarke Molly & Sean MacCready Marge & Neil Gambow Lynne & Dan Mapes-Riordan Eileen & Bob Heineman Vicky & Josh Rauch Maryjoy & David Heineman Margy & Randy Roberts

Emily Sammon & Geoff Curtis Margaret & Bud Sents Marion Walsh

$1,000-$2,499 Carolyn Aler & Ben Irey Jesse & Jamie Bergstrom Michael & Joyce Bowen Joan Bransfield Kathy & Bob Carey Lana Ewing & David VanHove Marion Flynn

Kris & Mark Garstki Allison Getz & Larry Williams Barbara & George Giudici Nora & Luke Johnson Stephanie Levy & David Blumenthal Nick Lumley Kay Malone

Sharon Nagy Christine & King Ng Claire Noonan & Tony Schmitz Rev. Bob Oldershaw Donna Pezzuto Ann Rhomberg Kristy & Cory Rupprecht

$500 - $999 Mary & Mike McGillicuddy Adeline Bodart Sara & Bob Burson Martha Clarke Missy & Michael Daniels Mary Feighery Wendy & Michael Heineman

Linda Hu & Nestor Alvarado Maggie & Mike Powers Deborah Kennedy Sally Ryan & Joe Boyle Joy & Kevin Kreuser Elsa VanHove & Siamak Mehrnami Megan & Ian McBride Mary Lou & Pat Voitik Margaret McClory Mary Rose Zink Molly & James McCourt Marybeth O'Mara & Jeff Shepard

$250 - $499 Amy Anichini Ellen & Matthew Feldman Patricia & James Mayer Jill Apel Patricia Finn Michael McCourt Joanne & Tom Bertsche Linda Gerber Lindsey & Ryan Moorman Barbara Blough Kieran & Matt Gilreath Eileen & Mark Mullins Diana & Joe Carter Eileen Heffernan Holly & Brendan O'Grady John Chandler Eric Heineman Amy Petersen Jean Clough & Karl Andros Leona Hoelting Kate & Chris Reilly Paulette Crooke & Michael Toner Carolyn & Tony Kambich Elizabeth Roberts & James Fitzgerald Daniel Dahlke Jenna Brubaker & Adam Kornblit Debra & Jeffrey Senglaub Rema & Joshua Davis Diane Krier-Morrow & Michael Morrow Barb Soricelli & Dan Maloney Angela Donovan Donald Kufrin Laura & Patrick Strybel Tyler Duff Marianne Littau & Jean O'Keefe Jancey Wickstrom & Will Del Genio

PAGE 08 | THANK YOU DONORS

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

$100 -$249

WHY I GIVE Here's what donors are saying about why they give to CROSO:

"I give to CROSO because I think education is the most profound gift that anyone can give or receive."

- Kia Carter "By helping one child at a time achieve their degree and the ability to then become a teacher and influencer in their community, my time, talent, and treasure will be multiplied for generations to come."

- Michael Bowen

"Being part of CROSO has made me a better person and has greatly enhanced my world view."

- Randy Roberts

"I believe education is the path for change for all of us."

- Margaret McClory

Heather & Ken MacCready Adi Agrawal Regina & Bob MacCready Anthony Amorini Krista Mahoney Caterina Anderson Michael Martin Rose Marie & Silvio Anichini Katie Matteson Hannah Bergstrom Anna Mayer Alison Black & Kevin Preslan Rita & Pat McCourt Kenneth Blumenthal Theresa & Tim McDermott Erin Bole Barbara McGary Judy Borchers Michelle Mennen Mary Claire & Sean Brady Anne Miller Kia Carter General Mills Cathy Chester Aarti Nagaraju Caroline Decker Sara Nelson Jeffrey Dempsey Cindy Nowinski & Bill Miceli Dom Doherty Julie & Brendan O'Connor Daniel Downing Patti Parker-Long Julie Drew Mamta Patel Noreen Edwards & Mark Metz Peggy & Jack Percival Marjorie & Richard Ettlinger Andriana Perovich Daniel Foertsch Anne & Steve Persaud Janet & Rich Gayes Karen Petersen Laurie Gayes & Michael Thompson Eileen & Matt Pittinger Rachel & Billy Georgakis Sharon Roberts Nancy & Richard Girard Beth Rohrer Becky Greene & Kyle Lauterhahn Andi Rosen Thomas Guttosch Roselie & Charles Ruebelman Frances Hack Stephanie & Omar Salem Susan & John Hall Jacqueline Schuh Mary Hawley Emily Schwartz Mary Kate & William Heineman Alison Shapiro Martha Holman & Wayne Guzy Dave Siehoff Kathy & Andy Horn Mary & Edward Signatur Lisa & RC Hyatt Alyson & Andy Simkins Sheryl Isenstein Richard Skews Bethe Jarcaig Kathy & Robert Slaughter Jim Karela Kathy Tate-Bradish Maxie & Edward Kasule Joan & A.J. Wagner Lou Anne & Mike Kelly Sally Weidemann & Chuck Mitchell Betsy Kennedy Beata Welsh & David Phillips Gloria & Moses Khisa Kirk Westfahl Madaline & Ted Kiedysz Jane Winter Sarah & David King Melissa & Pete Zielinski Jennifer Kovers

Kathryn Lackie Marilyn Levi-Baumgarten Randi Levy Katherine Lockerby

$1-$99 Courtney Henigman Margaret Paulson Luisa & Eduardo Abreu Lizzette Hernandez Stephanie & Greg Pellish Karen Allen Lorena Hernandez Sue Peterson Mary Ann Meale Sarah & Juan Hinojosa Sarita Pinto Sr. Annie Klapheke Joan Hinsdale Nicole & Jason Plourde Sally & John Arden Theresa Hipp Reed Porada Marissa Argentina Amanda Hodgman Maureen Pritchard Hannah Barnet Colette Hogan Melissa & Conan Provost Ray Bayless Mary Hogan Nicole Ashley Quien Kayla & Brian Behl Katy Hogan Agnes Raap Jason Belcher Alexander Hoy Dana Resnick Josh Belcher Devin Jarcaig Anna Rinaldi Cassie Belek Erica Jarcaig Sarah Roberts Jaime Bell & Sean Grossberg Mary Jo Hoag Brittney Robins M.A. Bellanca Amiya Johnson Robert Rohde Lynsay Bensman Stephanie Kimmes Diana Rose Snyder Hadassah Bergstrom Chris Klouman Patti & Chuck Russo David Berkow Pamela Kowalski Rodrigo Sanchez Elizabeth Blake Val Krejcie Kate & Mark Scanlan Douglas Blouir Eli Lampson Danielle Schmidt Steven Bodie Andrew Leinss Shannon Schwingle Greg Bork Joseph Leinss Jennifer Scionti & George Heineman Jean Bryan & Thom Clark Hayley Leinss Laurie Scovotti Michela Buccini & Todd Chamberlain Marcia Leventhal Margie Scribner Melinda & Ned Buchbinder Daniel Levy Rachel Sehgal James Burns Rachel Lewin Barb Hoff & Pankaj Sharma Pat Callahan Brianna Liebling & Michael Madsen Maddie & Scott Shepard Ethan Choi Mary Lopez Lois & Bob Shuford Clare Connelly & Alex Cockrum Nancy Lu Rosenheim Matthew Siehoff Alexandra Cosgriff Stephanie Lytle Steven Smalley Daniel Croal Matthew Madges Chantal St Germain David Dejewski Mary Madigan Barbara Steinbeigle Millie Dsouza Beth & Mark Magner Jenna Stern Marie Durkin Scott Mariouw Sara Sullins Katie Dwyer Katelyn & Dan McCann Trina & Royal Taylor Melissa & Dan Eck Sheila McCarthy & David Daskovsky Christy & Marc Tillinghast Sabrina Ehmke & Bill Latham Letitia McGrath Katie Tobin Grace Feighery Annie McGuire Patricia Trafton JP Feighery Katie Mika Benjamin Vail Kate Feighery Kate Monahan Jordyn Vielbig Natanael Figueroa Brandon Monjaraz Neelesh Vilekar Adrienne Frie & Kevin Garstki Valeria Moreno Jake Vojcek Lauren & Drew Formentini Barbara Mott & Damian Barta Pramila Walder Bridget Geraghty & Mary Frances Charlton Eric Newson Thomas Warth Megan & Tom Giltner Tina & Kevin Nolan Eric White Sergio Gomez Brett Nowatske Lindsey White Ed Greene Katy & Chris Orenchuk Joann Wieland Susan Hackney Ann & Bob Pantoga Ann Yang Klouman Christine & Bob Harvie Alice & Tom Pappas Maryam Zokaeinikoo Megan Hayes Kimberly Paulk Liesa & John Heineman

Thank you to our corporate supporters: Amazon Smile Citizens Bright Ideas Inc Citizens Charitable Foundation

DMD Marketing Corp Macy's Google, Inc. Sisters of Charity Horizon Therapeutics PAGE 10 | THANK YOU DONORS

CROSO 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

BACK PAGE

LOUKAE PETER "Pursuing the career of my choice provided that I can help develop my community and country at large."

CROSO Scholar 2019-2021 National Certificate in Plumbing

KAKAI JOAN "Thank you very much CROSO for supporting me. You gave me hope.

Because of you, I am not giving up on my dream of becoming a gynecologist."

CROSO Scholar 2017-2020 Certificate in Midwifery

LOKUUN ABRAHAM "Thanks so much for your continuous and endless support towards my studies that I have completely finished my degree."

CROSO SCholar 2017-2021 Bachelor of Development Studies

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