from our DA to the USA



Leeds, England registered UK Charity No.1087961
Kingsport, USA charitable non-profit # 86-0957704
Oradea, Romania registered Charity No.14839712

 
...making smiles in Romania





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July 2010                             
Development Associate Report for America


As reported in recent updates, it has been thrilling to see increased activity this year from America towards our work in Romania. This past month it was great to have three Eye Doctors from Florida who, in addition to meeting with leading Eye surgeons in Oradea also served the immediate needs of over 700 people in a week. Many tears were shed as people who had not seen for years, were able to leave the clinic reading the copy of God’s Word given with every pair of glasses. Our sincere thanks to Dr.s Jim and Donna Watts and Dr. Jerry Maida for their commitment to the people of Romania. We are already looking forward to next time! 

Also, as a result of the new Partnership between Smiles and KORE Foundation – this past month we started the Chicken Coop Enterprises for families within our Family Care Project. This month news from America is focusing on the first Chicken Coop built for the Potioc family, now living in a Smiles House located in Mierlou, sponsored by Gorsley Baptist Church.

It is an amazing story of bringing people from the depths of despair in poverty, to renewed hope and dignity of providing for the needs of your family through support of this American Foundation.  Enjoy …. And give God all the Glory.

Potioc Family’s Story

Smiles first met the Potioc family in 2009, when they desperately came to our office to ask for help.

“We will be evacuated from our social house, offered temporary by the
City Hall”,
they said. “We have no other place to go with our children…”

After we got to know the family better we discovered that both of the parents are hard workers. Mr. Potioc worked for many years as a carpenter but, since he lost his job, he now works day to day as he can find work. Mrs Potioc was employed as a housekeeper for many years, but in the current economic climate, she was dismissed. Their four children are clean and polite, a bit unexpected for their age and for the environment in which they were raised. Alexandra is 14 years old and she is the one responsible for the other three little siblings, aged 5 to 13, when mum and dad are working. We could see that she shares the burden with her parents, being aware of the hard period in their life. Her little sister and brothers, even if younger, will also understand the problems and difficulties. While a child should play and have no worries at this stage, these little angels can afford to be only “part time” children.
Earlier this year, the inevitable news broke. They were told:

“This week, as the owner has changed, the house will be demolished.
You need to move… NOW!”

We will carry with us forever, the wonderful experience we had when we went to tell these people that Smiles will provide them a house. We found only Alexandra home, taking care of the little ones, as usual. Her parents were out, looking for a place to temporarily move their belongings after eviction. We shared the great news with the shy and beautiful little girl, trembling in the door. Her reaction was both surprising and touching, even if we knew she is more mature than her age would suggest. She started to cry instantly, after a deep shaking. Released, and with a new hope growing inside, she timidly said:

“Thank you! I just can’t wait to tell them when they will be back.
Thank you, thank you!”

Only one day later we left the Potioc family happy in their new house. Not after that we told them we had selected them to have a chicken coop built, through partnership with the Kore Foundation. Now they can start building a future. Six 'hope-less' people, once struggling for a roof and for the basics of life, are now learning to smile, because of the support we raised and now offer through our partners.  

Keep smiling! 

Nine more families will have this opportunity during the initial commitment of building ten Chicken Coops for families living in poverty.

Any US supporters wanting to get in touch with Smiles please telephone or e-mail us.

Tel: 423-239-9525

E-mail: USDA@thesmilesfoundation.org


Previous News from the USA

June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010

January 2010


December 2009

November 2009
October 2009

September 2009

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    Page last updated on 06/07/2010 04:41:19 PM
   by ADMIN1

  

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