Guiding Light Orphans, Inc.

Overview

Guiding Light Orphans, Inc., abbreviated as GLO, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting orphans and critically vulnerable children, primarily those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, in rural Uganda. The organization focuses on providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water initiatives to improve the quality of life for these individuals.

Mission and Objectives

GLO's mission is centered around empowering vulnerable children and their caretakers through free, quality basic healthcare and training. The organization aims to break the cycle of chronic hunger and poverty by equipping communities with skills for self-sustainability. It operates under principles of personal honesty, trust, and ethical behavior, ensuring accountability to its supporters and the communities it serves.

Programs and Initiatives

• Healthcare Programs: GLO addresses the critical shortage of healthcare workers in Uganda by mobilizing Village Health Teams and conducting bi-annual medical camps. These efforts provide vital healthcare services in areas where they are scarce or nonexistent.

• Epilepsy Outreach Program: GLO has a specialized program to raise awareness and improve treatment and services for individuals with epilepsy. A significant success of this program is that over 85% of those attending its clinics remain seizure-free.

• Women Empowerment Program: The organization supports an all-girls school by providing uniforms, school supplies, and sanitary items, ensuring that girls do not miss school due to lack of resources.

• Clean Water (WASH) Program: GLO educates teachers and students on better hygiene practices, addressing the severe lack of safe water in rural Uganda, where millions face daily health risks due to contaminated water.

Impact and Achievements

To date, GLO has benefited over 70,000 individuals through its various programs. Its efforts have not only improved immediate health needs but also supported educational initiatives, leading many children back to school and enabling adults to resume their daily activities. The organization relies entirely on volunteer contributions and is transparent about how donations are utilized, ensuring donors are informed about the impact of their support.

Organization Structure and Operations

Guiding Light Orphans is operated entirely by volunteers, ensuring that all donations are used effectively towards its charitable objectives. This volunteer-based model allows the organization to maximize the impact of donations by minimizing operational costs. The leadership includes dedicated individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, social work, and non-profit management, who help guide the organization's strategic goals and programs.