2021 Annual Report
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A Word from Our Leadership Love in Action - Meet Our Team Who We Are What We Do Impact by the Numbers Why We Do It Blessings & Triumphs of 2021 Not Your Typical Orphanage 2021 Financials Major Donors The Village Board of Directors Campus Tour
EMPOWER THE
A Word from our Leadership - IT TAKES A VILLAGE
2021 was a very difficult year globally. In Zimbabwe, it was exacerbated due to our already decaying economy, & characterized by the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Disruptions caused by the pandemic negatively impacted our young people’s education. We were thankful for the opportunity to provide remote learning, as many Zimbabweans do not have this kind of access. The prices of commodities grew, challenging our budget. Travel restrictions made commuting difficult for our employees – many had to work three shifts (or six weeks) at a time with no rest & were separated from their families. However, through your support, we were able to sustain & grow programs that benefited the children in our care & the surrounding communities. Some of my favorites: 1. Launching a farming program on our Youth Transition Campus, giving young people the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, have access to food security & nutrition, & earn income.
2. Graduating another young person from college! A young man who has been with us since he was a child graduated with a degree in Business & Finance & is now employed at a reputable company. 3. Family reunifications & adoptions – we successfully traced & reunited two children with their parents, have five more in process, finalized two international adoptions, & have three more in-country adoptions in process. In conclusion, I want to say that had it not been for Kuda Vana’s donors & volunteers, 2021 could have looked very different for us. The “Kuda Vana Village” has truly provided for the needs of orphaned & vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. We are very thankful to God & to all of you. May God Bless You!
William Pepukai Director
An old African proverb states “It takes a village to raise a child.” We are humbled and overwhelmed by the fact that so many of you have answered the call to be a part of “The Village” for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. It was another year of adaptation for Kuda Vana and our team. Luckily, we have been blessed with amazing people taking care of some amazing kids, and God truly blessed our organization through you. We are so excited about the direction Kuda Vana is taking. With your help, Kuda Vana is becoming a place that not just takes care of vulnerable or orphaned children, but a place that can help find them forever families through fostering, adoption, or safe family reunification. Our FAMily (Foster Adopt Mentor) Program grew significantly in 2021. Our staff threw themselves into tracing biological families and were intentional about ensuring a safe and thoughtful process was taken as children are being reunited with their families. We look forward to sharing the impact your gifts have on lives in this report. You have truly been “The Village” needed to ensure each child in Kuda Vana’s care not just survives but thrives. Thank you!
John and Colleen Ordelheide, Managing Trustees
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Love in action - MEET OUR TEAM
father cheer leader
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leader
What roles do our staff play?
Teacher, Counselor, Pastor, listener, example
Aunty mentor coach mother friend
hair stylist
This year our staff have made sacrifices,
going above & beyond to ensure that our children are well cared for and loved during this global season of unwell. Many have gone weeks without leaving campus, and all have given generously of themselves. We are only as good as our people, and God has blessed us with an amazing team who stepped up in the hardest of times.
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Build Families
Children First
Prepare for the Future
We provide group home structures for children, infancy through young adulthood. Each child is provided with nutrition, healthcare and educational play in a loving family environment where they can grow and thrive physically, spiritually and emotionally. In turn, one day they will model positive family behaviors to their own children. When possible, we seek placement in forever families through fostering, adoption, or safe family reunification.
The children we serve come first. Always. In everything. We do for our few what we’d like to do for many. In this way, we can invest deeply in each child who comes to us.
We are committed to ensuring each young person has the knowledge, skills and confidence to become selfsufficient adults. This means we provide personalized, quality education from preschool through college or trade school.
Community Driven We believe that Zimbabweans know the needs of their country’s children the best. Our local leadership team runs operations, implements initiatives and develops overall strategy, while our stateside team works to 88 secure resources.
Address the Past We proactively seek to heal the wounds our children have experienced through group and individual therapy with an on-staff psychologist. Additionally, we provide all staff with annual trauma-informed training.
WHO WE ARE
Christ-Centered We introduce each child in our care to a Creator Who has designed them each with unique gifts and endowed them with intrinsic value, regardless of their family circumstances. We respect each child’s choice of belief system, but desire that when they leave us they are well-acquainted with a Father in heaven who will never harm or abandon them.
what we do - PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE Children’s Home
Our thoughtfully built campus provides a safe, familyoriented environment for 50 children ages 0-17 in four family-style group homes and a nursery. Professional staff provide holistic care to ensure each child not just survives but thrives.
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Youth Transition Program Primary School
The on-campus primary school emotionally and academically prepares our youngest students for a successful secondary experience.
Like any family, we feel it’s our job to equip each child to transition to selfsufficient adulthood. This includes temporary housing, tuition and income-generating opportunities for young people ages 18 to 23.
Thrive Farming Program This program provides enhanced nutrition and food security, fosters and develops important life skills for children and staff, and ensures a measure of organizational self-sustainability.
Family Assistance Program
The best place for children to be raised is with their families. We help keep vulnerable families intact through seed and food distribution, medical assistance, and more.
FAMily (Foster Adopt Mentor) Program We seek to give the children at Kuda Vana the opportunity to become part of a traditional, forever family. This includes foster care, adoption and safe family reunification.
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2021 Impact - BY THE NUMBERS Kuda Vana has been serving vulnerable children for 16 years FAMily Program
Welcome!
• 1 family reunification training completed by 2 staff members • 2 completed international adoptions • 1 successful family reunification • 5 family reunifications in progress • 3 domestic adoptions in progress • 4 children fostered
1 child was added to the Kuda Vana family this year, meet baby JJ!
Children’s Home
• 6 boys in the nursery • 23 boys, 23 girls • 46 total children • 21 staff on site
School
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• 12 students in high school • 21 students in primary home school • 5 students in preschool • 5 students in trade school • 2 students enrolled in university • 1 university graduate
since 2006 we have served over 200 vulnerable children & families
Thrive Farming Program
• 12 acres of land being utilized for food production • Constructed a maize drying house for safe food storage • More than $2,000 saved through food production • 88 chickens producing 60 eggs per day
Family Assistance Program
14 families and 48 children provided with food, seeds, & additional assistance
Youth Transition Program
• 12 young men call it home • 8 young women call it home • One chicken run constructed • 250 chickens raised and sold for profit • 1,500 cabbages planted, grown, and sold for profit
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why we do it (IN ZIMBABWE) Angola
Zimbabwe:
Zambia
Malawi
√ Has a population of 15 million: half the population are below 21 years of age √ Has 16 official languages—the most of any country in the world Mozambique
Namibia Zimbabwe
Botswana
√ Home to five UNESCO World South Heritage sites, & largest waterfall,Africa and largest man-made lake in the world √ Was one of the last African states to attain independence from British colonial rule in 1980 √ Has the 2nd Largest elephant population in the world at more than 85,000
Mozambique Channel
√ Believed to be the location of the Biblical city of Ophir, where King Solomon procured ivory, gold and other precious items √ One of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates – 5th place at 14%: More than 1.3 million children have been orphaned by AIDS and face discrimination and other vulnerabilities
√ Life expectancy of 61 years
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Approximately 68% of zimbabweans live belove the poverty line
Zimbabwe does not typically allow international adoption, and cultural stigmas and economic strife prevent many Zimbabweans from adopting.
60% of orphans across the globe are forced into prostitution after
aging out of care. 100% of Kuda Vana kids have a safety net in our Youth Transition Program.
blessings & triumphs OF 2021 Launched an agriculture project on our Youth Transition Campus, including a chicken operation, maize and cabbage growing fields.
Constructed a drying shed & storage room
for the maize grown on our Children’s Home campus.
safely reunited several children with biological family members
Graduated another Facilitated the completion of two international adoptions, began the process of three domestic adoptions.
student from university with a bachelor’s degree in Business & Finance.
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Not Your typical orphanage Gigi’s Journey Home
Gigi has been at Kuda Vana since she was an infant. Her mother died in childbirth, and her father was not able to care for a baby girl alone. Social Services brought Gigi to us and gave us very little information. Gigi is now a quiet, sensitive nine-year-old who almost always has a big smile on her face. She loves school, and especially enjoys reading. Gigi has always known about her father and has always looked forward to the day he might come for her. Unfortunately, it had been several years since anyone at Kuda Vana had heard from him. In 2021, Kuda Vana’s staff began to do further checking into Gigi’s past and noticed that there was a cousin’s name in her file. They were able to locate her and discovered that this individual had cared for Gigi when she was born. We also learned that Gigi’s father had sadly passed away. Gigi & her Cousin
Gigi’s cousin was deeply emotional when she learned Gigi’s whereabouts, and even though it was challenging, she managed to visit her at Kuda Vana this past summer. Gigi was so thrilled to have a relative visit and was told she reminded her of the mother Gigi never knew. Arrangements were made for them to spend more time together, and our team worked with the family as they began a relationship and ensured it was a safe environment. Gigi has now spent two school holidays with her extended family, and they would like for Gigi to come and live with them permanently. Kuda Vana will continue to support Gigi’s education: a very good school has been selected and she will begin attending in 2022 when she moves in with her family.
Your financial support helps ensure we can keep our promise that the children in our care will not just survive but thrive, be it with us or in the care of a forever family. Thank you for helping make this beautiful reunion possible!
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From Surviving to Thriving
Runaka was around seven years old when he lost both of his parents and came to Kuda Vana. It was evident early on that he was a bright boy with a love of learning, and deep feelings. With support and love from the Kuda Vana Family, he has grown to be an introspective and hard-working young man of 23 who marches to his own drum. In 2021, Runaka graduated from Midland University in Zimbabwe with a degree in Business and Finance! He is already employed and working in administration as an assistant to the accountant at a reputable company. We are also happy to share that Runaka recently made the decision
to give his life to God. He celebrated this commitment with a baptism in front of friends and family at a local church. Runaka wrote to a Kuda Vana family member recently and shared: “I don’t want to care about all the things I thought I used to want to become or do. I want to melt in the Potter’s careful hands so He can make me whatever He pleases. Whatever He calls beautiful, that’s all I want to be.” Your support and prayers help Kuda Vana’s staff and volunteers be mothers and fathers to young people like Runaka, seeing them all the way home on their journey to self-sufficiency and spiritual wholeness. Thank you for ensuring Runake not just survived, but thrived.
Our Youth Transition Program ensures young people like Runaka don’t end up a statistic
Runaka, at Age 7
Runaka, Age 23
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2021 FINANCIALS Amistad International*: $62,417 Corporate: $57,703
These financials represent the combined work of Kuda Vana Partnership International (a U.S. 501(c) (3) and Kuda Vana Partnership Trust (a Zimbabwe organization implementing programs).
8% 8% 4%
** Kuda Vana Partnership International has specific donors who cover administrative and fundraising costs, allowing 100% of all other gifts to go directly to empowering the most vulnerable children of Zimbabwe to not just survive, but thrive.
Foundations: $ 25,953 In-Kind: $2,617
2021 Total Revenue
$
739,673 Individuals: $590,982 80%
General & Administrative: $20,320 4%
Fundraising**: $53,175 10%
ASSETS Current Assets: Fixed Assets*: Total:
2021 Total Expense
$
$597,783.17 $589,729.84 $1,187,513.01
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
520,181 86%
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Statement of Financial Position
Programs: $ 446,686
Total Liabilities: Net Assets: Total:
$0 $1,187,513.01 $1,187,513.01
*Amistad International is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds on behalf of Kuda Vana Partnership
Major DONORS A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed in 2021. Your trust in our work is humbling, and we pledge to put it to the best use caring for vulnerable children.
$25,000+
The Denney Family Dr. Gregory & Marsha Falk Frontline Management Steve & Jodi Veluscek
$10,000 - $24,999
The Arthur Family Jeff Baldwin Dr. Randy & Cindy Haffner Carl & Brenda Hall Dr. Bill Boyle & Karen Lewis Dr. Franklin & Sharon Ordelheide John & Colleen Ordelheide Debra Perry Robert R. & Kay M. Onstead Foundation Gary & Gina Schlisner
$5,000 - $9,999
Dr. Jill Chrispens Gerald & Cheryl Curry Marvin & Carolyn Denney Wayne & Linda Eastham Dietmar & Audra Grellmann Aleta Johnson Dr. James Lee Dr. David & Janelle Smith Zimmer Family Foundation
$2,500 - $4,999
Lois Blackwelder* Eric & Jennifer Brodis Thomas & Juanita Byrd Dorothy Cheeseman* Ron & Connie Dupper
Richard & Sherry Ivy* Karen Kotoske* Dr. Bruce & Cheryl McArthur Ila Peterson Gene Preston Nickie Rocchio* Holly Slikkers Dr. Verle & Karah Thompson Duane & Gay Wilson Michael & Linda Wood Loren & Caroline Wright Graham & Ella Booyens*
$1,000 - $2,499
Roland Anderson Wendy Askelson John Bailey* Adam Baker Cliff & Flo Bartley* Bellafina Chocolates Richard & Darisa Bender Ron & Joyce Benfield Daniel & Lydie Birai Sten & Julie Bolander Carol Bolden Doug & Sue Bolejack Dawn Bookhardt Cheri Brandon Dave & Jane Campbell Ron & Tanya Cardwell Steve & Marit Case Carolyn Civitarese Michelle Deegan Todd & Trina Folkenberg Jere & Bonita Gimbel Bruce & Diana Hamberger Daaron & Kimberly Hartman Mike & Bobi Haugen Leslie Haworth Joyce Hoatson Laurence & Ruth Jennings*
Donnelly Johnson Robert Jones Russ & Teresa Kamerman* Ethan Kamerman* Dr. Tom & Sue Knutson Charles Larson Richard & Eleanor Mathews Rick & Cheryl Mautz Oz & Sherry Muller Dr. Julio Narvaez Linda Nottingham Dena Olson Heather Orback Peter & Gretchen Ordelheide Gale & Sheryl Page Margaret Petersen Erik & Tara Petersen Abigail Peterson Reggie & Jacque Ragsdale Rusty & Chrissy Reynolds Ruth Richmond Scott & Cami Ritsema Maria Rocha Ed & Jean Rouse Bruce Sacco* Kelly Saracino John Sechler Eleanor Von Gunten Kevin & Bonita Wasli Teresa Wilkens* Marleen Ziegler
Other significant supporters Anonymous Alan & Tricia Carlson
*Support Kuda Vana through Amistad International
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OUR VILLAGE - MONTHLY DONORS Anonymous Nicole Agnetti Roland Anderson Taylor Armstrong Adam Baker Ron & Joyce Benfield Jennifer Biddulph Daniel & Lydie Birai Carol Bolden Doug & Sue Bolejack Thomas & Juanita Byrd Dave & Jane Campbell Ron & Tanya Cardwell Mary Carlin* Solon Carpio Brian & Donna Carr Jacquelin Carroll Dr. Jill Chrispens Rose Connors* James & Judith Culpepper Gerald & Cheryl Curry Victoria Curtis Cathy Cusson Cynthia M Davis Michelle Deegan The Denney Family Marvin & Carolyn Denney The Dickerson Family Aubrey Duncan Wayne & Linda Eastham Stephanie Deree Eriksen Alice Esparza* Janice Farmer Jeff & Jackie Gal Jere & Bonita Gimbel Karen Goebel
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Eliana Grabiner Freda Hale Carl & Brenda Hall Bruce & Diana Hamberger Daaron & Kimberly Hartman Mike & Bobi Haugen Valerie Hawkins Betty Hayman Dr. Nathan & Abby Helm Danelle Herra Vern & Carol Holsten* Richard & Sherry Ivy* Donnelly Johnson Aleta Johnson Robert Jones Juanita Keeler Dean Kiklis Evan King Christine Kirkpatrick Ryan & Jaclyn Knight Wendy Kramer Jean Boutcher* Amber Lee Dr. Bill Boyle & Karen Lewis Alexandria Lowdermilk Jerry Mack Rindai Magezah Dr. Bruce & Cheryl McArthur Beth McClanahan* Sharon McCoy Amy Miller Rita Moyo Paunganwa Annmarie Mundle Hannah Napitupulu Lisa Neuharth* Dena Olson
Heather Orback John & Colleen Ordelheide Nic & Joy Owens Gale & Sheryl Page Steve & Sarah Peck Donna Pershall* Margaret Petersen Erik & Tara Petersen Ila Peterson Ina Price Lissette Quintana Ruth Nelbertha Richmond Scott & Cami Ritsema Maria Rocha Janet Rodelli Cherise Salas Kelly Saracino Gary & Gina Schlisner Dr. David & Janelle Smith Greg & Deborah Smith Jean Sommer Barbara Taylor Zora Waller Dennis Wallstrom Whitney & Nicolle Walters Kevin & Bonita Wasli Joe & Desiree Wentland Raylene West* Katelyn Weyant Duane & Gay Wilson* Winfield Senior Living Community *Support Kuda Vana through Amistad International
“It takes a village to raise a child” (African proverb). Monthly donors are our village, ensuring each child has what they need just when they need it most. Thank you!
Board of DIRECTORS U.S. Board of Directors Steven Veluscek - Chair Founder and CEO Frontline Management Connie Dupper - Treasurer Senior Accountant, UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation Dany Herdandez Director of Mission Integration Centura Health Karen Kotoske Executive Director Amistad International Colleen Ordelheide Managing Trustee and Community Member
U.S. Advisory Board Brian Denney Clinical Informaticist, Rady Children’s Hospital Lori Hernandez Occupational Therapist
Tami Denney Sr. Consultant, IRI Consultants Inc. Amy Boulnois Community Member
Busi Marandure Lead Client Relationship Manager, USAA
Zimbabwe Board of Directors Steve Veluscek - Chair Founder and CEO Frontline Management
John and Colleen Ordelheide Managing Trustees and Community Members
William Pepukai Director
Davis Mundirwira Administrator
Zimbabwe Advisory Board Chiedza Ndhlovu Research Consultant Research Bureau International
Richard Ndhlovu Audit Manager, GCAS
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Campus Tour - WELCOME TO OUR HOME
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Map GUIDE 0. Nursery
17. Chapel
1 to 5. Group Homes
18. Pump House
6. Volunteer House
19. Trash Incinerator
7. Existing Classrooms
20. Guard Housing
8. Administration housing
21. Electrical & Generator House
9. Office, Clothing Room, &
22. Water Tanks
Food / Supplies Storage 10. Garage and Workshop
24. Covered Play Area
11. Teacher/Staff Housing
25. Entrance Gazebo
12. Prospective
26. Irrigation Reservoir
Classrooms / School 13. Prospective Teacher / Staff Housing 14. Bulk / Dried Food Storage Houses
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23. Center Gazebo
15. Drying House 16. Chicken House
27. Group Home Garden Areas 28. Communal Garden Areas 29. Lookout Tower 30. Playground 31. Entrance Gate 32. Small Soccer Field
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"I feel so good
giving to Kuda Vana. Small matters. My gifts, no matter how small, really matter and will be put to good use. When you do for a few what you’d like to do for many, you can truly make a difference." – KUDA VANA DONOR
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We at Kuda Vana thank you for your support. May God Bless You & your family in 2022.
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Kudavana.org 720-515-5148 tara@kudavana.org P.O. Box 631066 Littleton, CO 80163 Instagram: @KudaVana
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Facebook: Kuda Vana Partnership