Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc.

Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the work of Rehema Home, an orphanage based in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization was founded in 2004 to provide financial support for the expansion of Rehema Home's activities.

Background

Rehema Home was established in 1998 by Irvin and Ruth Schwandt. The name "Rehema" is derived from the Swahili word for "mercy" or "compassion." The orphanage is committed to caring for orphaned and abandoned children until they reach the age of 18, regardless of their health status. Originally, the orphanage cared for four children, but it now supports over 100 children, with half of them being HIV-positive.

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. is to provide financial assistance for the work of Rehema Home in Kenya. This includes funding for expansion projects and day-to-day operations. The organization also offers sponsorship programs, enabling donors to match their support with specific children at the orphanage. Additionally, it organizes trips for supporters to visit Rehema Home.

Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. operates as a public foundation, classified under the category of Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking Foundations. Donations to this organization are tax-deductible.

Financial Operations

As of the latest available financial data, Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. reported a revenue of $300,000 and expenses of $299,000 for the fiscal year ending December 2023. The organization had total assets of $27,500 and liabilities of $43,000 for the same period.

Leadership

The organization is led by a board of directors, which includes individuals such as Shaye Reagan, Karen Wozniak, Irvin Schwandt, and Roger Smith. Jonathan Schwandt, son of the founders of Rehema Home, serves as the U.S. director.

Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. has transitioned from being an all-volunteer organization to having full-time staff, reflecting its growth and increasing need for professional management.

Relevance and Impact

The efforts of Rehema Home US Fundraising, Inc. contribute significantly to addressing the substantial challenge of orphans in Kenya. According to the United Nations, Kenya has about 2.3 million orphans, many of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. By supporting Rehema Home, this organization plays a critical role in providing care and education to these vulnerable children.