Family & Friends-
You all know about my true passion for biking... it's not just the wind in your hair, seeing the outdoors from a different lens, or the chaos of Chicago's Lakefront path- but the fact that you're propelling yourself forward. Whether forward is met with rain, wind, or sunshine- it's forward. Progress. And so it goes, an organized biked ride just felt like the right way to celebrate this year's birthday... but of course you know there's more to this story.
Approaching my 35th birthday causes me to reflect back on the many gifts I’ve received either knowingly or unknowingly over my life to date. Meaningful relationships. A secure job. Loving parents and sister fostering a foundational upbringing. Access to incredible education and financial resources in this country we call home. Even ‘earned’ things stem out of blessings gifted to us from God, some say.
We have all experienced compassion when others share their gifts with those who don’t possess them; giving tends to ignite a joy and fulfillment beyond measure- especially so for our sis & brothers across the globe who have very little... enter Opportunity International (OI).
Opportunity International’s mission is to end the cycle of poverty by listening and then acting with humility, respect, and integrity. They accomplish this by providing financial loans and training to small business owners, farmers, and teachers within the most underserved communities on earth; OI empowers people living in poverty to transform their lives. What caught my attention about OI that sets it apart from similar orgs is this — the loan is just the beginning. The majority of their strategy and efficacy is fueled by educational resources and accountability support provided on the ground through trained case workers living in these countries. This model empowers each community group member leveraging the loan to create a sustainable business model that pulls their family, and sometimes their entire community, out of poverty.
OI operates in 33 countries, has reached 10M children through their Education program (via $500M in education sector investments) and reached 150,000 households via $50M in capital through their Agricultural Finance program. They created a particular program called The Malawi Project (video below) that is making a powerful impact on a remote community in Africa, where 70% of people live on less than $1.90 per day. With so many families in Malawi reliant upon agriculture for their livelihoods, OI equips farmers with tools and knowledge needed to diversify crops, increase yields, and better support their families. This program focuses on reaching refugees, poor rural families, and women; case workers in Malawi provide education on financial & digital literacy, and business planning- leading these groups toward financial confidence. Another goal of OI's Malawi initiative is for all children of participants to be in school by the end of the 18 month program.
To tie this all together- I’m coordinating a 35 mile bike ride with friends around Chicago in support of Opportunity International. Join us on October 7th either in person on your bike (you knowww Divvys are welcome!), at a stop for food & drinks along the way, or from afar by supporting if you feel compelled by the cause!
I've committed to a 2023 fundraising goal of $22,000 specifically for the Malawi project. Why $22k? I don’t know about you, but I’m feelin’ 22 (even though I’m turning 35) AND this amount will fund almost 9 families in Malawi to complete the program and absolutely transform their lives and their kids’ futures. You guys this is powerful stuff. You can contribute by sponsoring 1 mile, 10 miles, or all 35 miles! The sponsorship amount tied to each mile is $30, because OI's Education Finance program that launches in communities without accessible schooling uses $30 to educate 4 children for A YEAR.
By supporting, you’ll be helping OI intervene in the cycle of poverty, as they continuously pour into these hardworking men and women across the globe to pave a new and empowered pathway forward- for themselves, their families, and even entire communities.
Sending love and gratitude to you all for your support, and thanking God for the opportunity to make a difference.
Lauren