FluentinSpanish,English,andFrench,Dr Thomas also has communicative proficiency in Italian and Mandarin Chinese She holds multiple advanced degrees, includingaPhD inAppliedLinguisticsfromNewYorkUniversity
With a background in socio-linguistics, Dr Thomas has delved into sociology and cultural studies; areas of expertise that align with EPF’s mission and goals! We are excited to welcome her to share herperspectiveoftheworkaheadforElProyectoFenix.
This amazing handmade Christmas quilt was donated by NIOS DE DIOS, an organization dedicated to providing handmade items for babies Three of their expert quilters collaborated to make this one-of-a-kind item
It’s one of EPF’s auction items Bidding is open now until November 10, 2024 so the winning bidder will have this beautiful Christmas quilt to enjoy for this Holiday Season. Starting bid is $100. You may submit a bid by texting EPF on WhatsApp at 507 6161 6787
He succeeds Cynthia West, treasurer, and the late Sandy Yannotti, bookkeeper
Shay Engram is also new to the EPF team as Ad Sales Manager for the Imagine IT!
event program She is leading a group of young people who reach out to businesses for support through advertisements Individuals are also encouraged to contribute by purchasing a personal small space ad for $15
Volunteer Opportunities
Trainers. You don’t have to be a teacher We provide the curriculum and all you need is your bilingual skills and the desire to help someone get to a better place in life Commitment is estimated to be a minimum of 3 hours per week
Board Members. Help shape the future of EPF, Inc with your ideas and talents Proven experience and expertise in at least one of the following areas is desired: 1) local culture; 2) social media; and 3) non-profit fundraising and creative 21st century ideas Time commitment is approximately 2 hours a month for the meeting and additional time with projects as needed EPF will never ask you to give us more time than you are able Experience in boardsmanship is a plus
Advisors. Our families sometimes need one-onone support to understand EPF’s requirements and to follow up with their training You may very well be the person who helps someone get better prepared for employment Wouldn’t that be a great gift to offer!
Forbes Welch Shay Engram
Founders’ Highlights
Time does indeed fly! We at EPF experience this as we are engaging in the day-to-day affairs of running a non-profit on a tight budget and trying to grow the funds for the important work ahead of us
We are unlike other nonprofits How so, you ask Most obvious is that we don’t do handouts, as a rule Our mission is to teach people how to become selfsustainable That means not giving them anything if they are not willing to offer something in return. This process was in action at July’s Garage Sale where families came to work at the sales tables to earn tickets they were able to use to buy goods for their homes and families Everything EPF offers requires our families to participate in tangible ways We believe this instills pride and enhances one’s abilities and skills, skills they sometimes don’t even know they have
That is why we aren’t as visible in the community as are other organizations The organizations that give away things are needed as well, don’t misunderstand We all have a place and a mission to accomplish the goals we set for helping those in need. We are different, not better or more important than others Our mandate is to create a community of selfsufficient people who are willing to attend training, roll up their sleeves to do some work, and make themselves available to help another family like themselves We EXPECT they be accountable
Partnerships
It would be great to have a long list of accomplishments to share, but the reality is that we have met obstacles along the way. So, a short but important list Is offered
Garage Sale. The July sale was so successful we are planning another one If you have items to donate, please contact us at 507 6161 6787 The happy customers who were able to purchase household goods they otherwise would not have been able to afford made the sale awesome.
Nonprofit Status. EPF continued the work of gathering documents, getting them certified and apostilled, and waiting for the recognition as a Panama nonprofit corporation We can see it on the horizon Kudos to Cynthia West for her tenacity with this project!
Land Search. EPF has scouted land by taking road trips to visit and evaluate several parcels for our first Fenix Community This has included conversations with a construction experts to help us determine build-ability and to make sure we are following the rules of Panama Additionally, we have also done a deep dive gathering information regarding what is needed for funding this project.
Website. https://wwwelproyectofenixcom EPF’s website, is on its way to completion thanks to the efforts of Tim Rowley who is working closely with Linda Bronson and Cynthia West to make it excellent
Partnerships with sponsors, businesses, churches, and caring, generous individuals is of paramount importance to EPF These collaborations are vital to expanding our impact and reach, and enable the work that we continue to fight to do As a partner, you can play a very important role in the fulfillment of our mission which is to elevate the standard of living for the neediest Panamanian families in our local communities
It is a substantial undertaking which requires more than a few people willing to lend their time and energy EPF needs everyone in our community to take part, no matter how small the contribution is, IT COUNTS!
So, we encourage you to sign up for a monthly amount that is comfortable for you This allows us to plan ahead without worrying about not having enough to continue what we start In 2025 our commitment to the mission will blossom as we appropriate funds for purchasing land and building the first Fenix Community. Imagine knowing that your support made it possible for a family to finally live in a house with electricity and running water We sincerely thank you in advance for your ongoing support as a Partner with EPF
EPF extends love and thanks our retiring board members, Wesley Shorter (Sargent-at-Arms) and Cynthia West (Treasurer) for their faithful service and belief in the vision and goals of EPF from its inception. EPF also recognizes and appreciates the late Sandy Yannotti’ s work and expertise in transforming our financial records. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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Adsmaybepurchasedat: info@elproyectofenixcom Afterpayingfor yourad,uploadyourcamerareadyart, businesscard,orother,labeledwithyour nameandemailaddresstothislinknolater than November10,2024:
How does spending $50 for the chance to win $2000 sound to you? With the BIG TICKET drawing, you’ll have this opportunity! Here are the details:
TICKETS $50 each or 5 FOR $200
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 4, 2024 through Friday, January 10, 2025 online at wwwelproyectofenixcom and in person from Ruth Rivera or Linda Bronson Contact us via WhatsApp at 507 6168 6787
Drawing will be live via Zoom on Friday, January 17th at Casa Mar, Las Olas Restaurant at 6 PM Panamà time (Cards and Games night)
Must be at least 18 years old Must have email address Do not need to be present to win Join us for the drawing which will be by random number generator
A complete list of numbers with corresponding names will be sent to ticket purchasers via email no later than January 13, 2025 Winners will be contacted for prize distribution
