The inspiration for the Active Compassion Transforms vision came about in the summer of 2008 when I spent three brief, powerful weeks in the Cape Town area of South Africa.
I had the privilege of meeting the School of Hope students during a three day camp. In that time, I experienced heartbreak like never before as tears of anger, sorrow, and frustration mingled with tears of hope and joy as the disparity between the perceived reality of these precious students and the abundant life and potential they possess became apparent. A compassion that I never knew existed in me was so stirred and the strength of the relationships that had been birthed in those three days were so compelling that I decided to extend my 10 day trip in order to spend time with them at their school.
In the meaningful time invested with them, I observed a generation still healing from the past injustices of the apartheid system and struggling with the reality of the AIDS epidemic, yet motivated and courageous enough to believe in a better life.
Many of the students are former street children, rehabilitated drug addicts or come from abusive, neglectful homes. Some live in different childcare institutions and homes for older youth. They experience poverty, hunger, and struggle with the lure of local gangs in the area daily. As I continued to have conversations and heard more stories from their young lives, I realized the great impact just one healthy and loving relationship in their lives could make in these beautiful, promising, motivated students staying in school and reaching their potential, living fulfilling and productive lives that positively impact their communities.
I thought to myself, “Who am I, but only one person who cares? There’s a world out there that wants their lives to make a difference too.”
Everyone loves a new and exciting experience, but when it comes down to it, life is about relationships. The relationships we have are what cause us to thrive; it’s in the power and health of these relationships we attempt the impossible and we become our best.
I am who I am and where I am because of the many people who have invested in me. I hope you consider joining us in investing in these promising young lives.
Erika
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
12/29/08 Incorporated in NY State
2/9/09 Retained pro bono counsel from Goodwin Procter
2/26/09 Obtained 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship under Good Neighbor Foundation
4/9-19/09 Inaugural impACT trip to South Africa with 11 New Yorkers
4/20-24/09 Mentee orientation and intake for interACT mentoring program at School of Hope, South Africa
7/20/09 Launch of interACT mentoring program with 14 matches between SOH mentees and professionals in NYC
8/13-28/09 Second impACT trip to South Africa for School of Hope
