Project Report
| Aug 3, 2016
Kaya Children's Transition Plan and Upcoming Needs
In 1997, we made an audacious claim - to completely transform the life of one street child in La Paz, Bolivia.
Back then, I was single with a full head of hair - youthful and hopeful. Netscape Navigator was the preferred internet browser; the number one song was "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John; and the number one movie was Titanic. Hours of hard work on the streets, hundreds of meetings, and multitudes of personal sacrifices by many of you accomplished the following miracles:
- 2 homes for boys
- 1 home for girls
- A drop-in center
- Outreach to thousands of children through over 20,000 encounters
It is 2016. I am married with a great wife, three wonderful daughters, two beautiful grandchildren, an Australian Shepard, and a lot less hair. My back and left knee would have difficulty tolerating the midnight soccer games on the streets and jumping into the nooks and crannies where our children play. Google now reigns dominant; the number one song is "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars; and the number one movie is The Secret Life of Pets. Some of the Kayachildren from 1997 are adults and my friends on Facebook.
What has not changed after nearly twenty years is our focus on transforming the lives of street children. It is with mixed emotions and my tears of sadness that Kaya is coming to an end. My final ask to friends of Kaya is to allow us to finish the race together – fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Transition Plan and Needs:
As Kaya has walked with each child, they have learned their great value and have experienced the love of God. Now, as we transition out of Bolivia, our goal is to honor the investment already made in the lives of the children we have served. To do this, we have several immediate needs. We ask you to consider joining Kaya in supporting the children during this transition. We believe in the impact we have already made in each child’s life and hope you will continue your support so we are able to make the best transition possible out of the country. We know this will make a difference.
1. Continuing the Kaya Center Prevention Programs through as close to the end of the school year in November as possible to allow for a smooth transition for the families and children. For the last eight years, the Kaya Center has been a safe place for children who are at high risk for life on the streets. Your support will keep the doors of the Kaya Center open for a few more months. During these months, the staff of the Kaya Center will work with the children and families to prepare them for the closing of the Kaya Center. Approximate cost: $45,000
2. Transition-to-Independence Program: Four boys who grew up in Kaya’s Residential Program are now in Kaya’s Transition-to-Independence Program. This is the last stage before they graduate from Kaya’s Residential Program to living fully independent lives. In this program, the young men are supported with housing, technical training, food, and other expenses. Your support will allow this program to continue serving these young men for one more year so they are fully prepared to live healthy, independent lives. Approximate cost: $12,000
3. College tuition for two Kaya graduates: Henry and Marcos, two Kaya graduates, are finishing their last year of college. As an organization, we have committed to helping them with their college tuition. Your support will allow us to cover the tuition for their last year at university so these young men are able to receive their degrees. Approximate cost: $3,000
4. Staff severance in Bolivia and the United States: The Kaya staff have worked tirelessly to invest in the life of each child. Kaya’s cook, Panchita, has faithfully cooked for the children at Kaya for fourteen years. Houseparent Gonzo has lived with and taken care of the children for sixteen years. The Kaya staff are entering a time of transition; all are losing their jobs and some are losing their homes. We want to do right by our staff members and honor the work they have done. Bolivian law dictates what severance needs to be paid. Your support will allow us to pay our obligations to the Kaya staff and part in a positive manner. Approximate cost: $20,000
5. Legal and other fees: We have retained legal counsel in Bolivia to help us navigate the legal aspects of this transition out of the country. Your support will assure that Kaya will close with integrity in the country where we have served for the last 19 years. Approximate cost: $5,000
Financial Need: $85,000
Kaya's bank balance is low. Without your support, we will be unable to move forward with the transition plan. Please consider donating toward the needs above in order to help us bring Kaya to an end deserving of the work it has done over the last two decades.
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