It’s that time of year again.  The color of the leaves are changing and the temperature is a little cooler when you go out to your car in the morning.  This can only mean one thing:  it’s getting close to the Annual Right Steps Benefit Dinner will be held October 24, 2009 at 7:00 PM, and will take place at the North Atlanta Church of Christ Family Enrichment Center (click here for directions and information on this location).   For more information or to register, click here to contact us.

Right Steps Executive Director, Chi Ekwenye will be back in the US again this year to provide an update on the historical progress that we have been blessed to enjoy this past year, despite the growing challenges the world continues to face.  In addition to Chi’s address, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from other speakers who will talk further about the opportunity that Right Steps has to help children in Nigeria, and how you can be a part of that mission.

Right Steps, Inc. is a non-profit Christian relief organization operating in Southern Nigeria.  Right Steps’ mission is the fulfillment of a life-long passion of Dr. Chi Ekwenye-Hendricks, who came from her native Nigeria to earn a PhD at the University of Georgia. With the help of a small group of advisors, Chi founded Right Steps in 1998. She returned to Nigeria and established the organization’s first outreach project – an orphanage named Susana Homes. Today, Susana Homes cares for more than 65 children, from premature newborns to teenage young adults.  Since its beginning, Right Steps has expanded to include the Right Steps Christian School which enrolls more than 300 students from pre-school through tenth grade; a medical clinic that provides primary care for local residents; and a vocational school for older youth and young adults.  In addition, in 2009, with funding from the World Bank and the Nigerian government, Right Steps has begun construction on a new facility which will provide an education program to address the needs of children with learning and physical disabilities.

The Opportunity:  Nigeria has a population of more than 154 million and is the most populous nation in Africa, ranking eighth globally. Nigeria also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world with more than 60,000 women dying each year due to pregnancy related causes. This leaves thousands of orphans in a country with little or no infrastructure to provide opportunity for a fruitful life.  The objective of Right Steps is to rescue children who become orphans when their mothers die during childbirth and their fathers are unable to provide basic care.  Susana Homes provides an environment where these children can be nursed back to health and given an education and the tools they will need to live happy and productive lives. Chi leads Right Steps’ efforts to overcome the challenging environment, ultimately offering an oasis in the midst of chaos for these children with no other options.  The work of Right Steps has provided food, clothing and shelter for hundreds of children since its inception in 1998, in addition to providing healthcare and education for thousands of other children and adults from surrounding villages.  Through the gracious support of many people and organizations throughout the world, Right Steps has been able to fulfill this mission of caring for those humans who need it most.

Who:    We need you to become informed of this opportunity and to become “…a pencil in the hand of God…” helping to write a bright future for these children.

What:  Annual Celebration Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction

When:  Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.

Where:  North Atlanta Church – Family Enrichment Center; 5676 Roberts Dr; Dunwoody, GA 30338

Why:  To make an eternal difference in the lives of God’s little ones. Nigeria has 25 million children under the age of five – you are the face of hope for these children.  Right Steps needs you!

Click here to contact us for more information about this event or to register.  If you know that you will not be able to attend the event but still would like to contribute, feel free to make a donation to Right Steps online by clicking here.

Earlier we announced a new initiative started by an 8-year old girl in Tennessee, Mary Grace Coffman, who is collecting books for a new library at Right Steps Christian School in Nigeria.  Since being launched, Mary Grace’s project has already received a lot of support and attention, including press coverage from the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Mary Grace Coffman, age 8, may be the world’s youngest librarian. The Signal Mountain thirdgrader and her father, pediatrician Allen Coffman, have resolved to help provide a library for a school in Nigeria. “I was amazed that they didn’t have a library,” said Mary Grace, who attends Nolan Elementary and enjoys mystery books. “I told my dad, ‘It’s not a school without a library.’”

The Coffmans came to know about the school through a family friend, Chi Ekwinye, an America-educated Nigerian who earned a doctorate from the University of Georgia and returned to Africa to establish a church-sponsored orphanage, a school and a shelter for battered women.

We are very honored by the work that Mary Grace has started and we look forward to delivering the books to the students in Nigeria in the near future.  Most people would not expect an 8-year old to spend her summer raising books for children she has never met in a place she has never been, but it is truly amazing what God chooses to do, and through whom He chooses to show His love.

Read the full story from the Times Free Press here and click here to learn more about the Donate Books to Nigeria project at Mary Grace’s blog.

Right Steps is proud to announce a partnership with a new project aimed at collecting books and building a library at Susana Homes in Nigeria.  Mary Grace Coffman, an 8-year old elementary student in Signal Hill, Tennessee started Donate Books for Nigeria:  A Library in a Box for a Nigerian School in the spring of 2009.  Since Mary Grace started this project, she and Right Steps, along with many of our regular supporters throughout the US and the world have combined efforts to collect thousands of books that will be shipped to Nigeria in a crate later this year.  These books will be the initial infrastructure of the new library that will be built in late 2009, early 2010 at Right Steps Christian School, a primary school at Susana Homes.

“It is truly amazing what can happen when someone puts their energy and talents to work towards something that will benefit others,” commented Mark Reiboldt, Vice President of Right Steps’ Board of Directors.  ”Whether you are a large foundation or government organization, or young girl with a drive to help others, it never ceases to amaze me when I see the good works come out of people that have a desire to care for others.  Because of this work that Mary Grace started, the children living at the Susana Homes orphanage and the more than 300 students at Right Steps Christian School will be able to not only learn to read, but also enjoy the many lessons that books have to offer, which is something they would likely not otherwise be able to enjoy.”

Mary Grace’s work has grown to be contagious, as many individuals, families, churches and non-profit organizations have joined forces to participate in and contribute to this worthy cause.  People from California to Texas to Tennessee and Georgia have are collecting books to send to Nigeria for the new library.

For more information about Donate Books for Nigeria, please click here to contact Right Steps, or view Mary Grace’s blog to learn more.  You can also contact Ken Snell at ken.snell@nacofc.org for information on how to contribute books for this project.

By Mark Reiboldt, Board of Directors*

It’s May 1st and we are excited to launch the first annual May Day Appeal for Right Steps.  As the Board met with Chi just last night, we talked about all of the amazing progress that has been made over the last two years.  Right Steps has experienced more growth during that time than ever before.  We have initiated new projects and have been blessed to experience amazing support from our base in the U.S.  Further, we have expanded our facilities in Nigeria, welcomed numerous new children at Susana Homes, and have recently been approved to educate students completely through high school.  Ten years ago, Right Steps started as a home for a few battered women and children; today, we have cared for more than 100 children and we daily educate more than 250 children from the local community, not to mention provide medical care and other resources for a large population within Southern Nigeria.  We have truly been blessed.

Last night, we also spent a significant amount of time looking forward to some of the ambitious plans that we have outlined for the next three to five years.  While the growth has been celebrated, it has also brought with it more responsibility and demands for resources.  We aim to increase the amount of children we can save from the streets of Nigeria every day; however, we also have to house, feed and educate those children.  Further, now that the school is one of the key education resources for our community, many people depend on Right Steps for receiving an education, both traditional academic and vocational. 

Growth is always a great ‘problem’ to have, because it means we’re making progress, and in our business, it means we’re helping more people.  But, we have no intentions to grow if we cannot do it in a way that is best for the children we aim to help.  Meaning, if we do not have the resources to support the children, then we will not take on more, because the last thing we want to do is put them in a situation where there is potential for more harm to their well-being.  These are the things we are currently working on, and this is the key theme of the May Day Appeal this year. 

Right Steps is currently working to raise funds to meet the very specific needs of our recently established three year strategic plan.  Among this plan are projects such as:  

• Replace the broken-down SUV that serves as the primary transportion for Chi and staff
• Build a new residential facility for our teenage male and female residents
• Update/expand the medical clinic, which requires much-needed repairs
• Add full-time or part-time nurse clinician to expand primary healthcare to the community
• Complete electrical repairs within the living facilities at Susana Homes
• Add a vocational training center to provide ‘living skills’ to residents and students (i.e., carpentry, mechanics, etc)

And, these are just a few of the items on our list.  We understand that not all of these will happen right away.  Further, some of the more urgent needs will have to receive priority, while needs that can wait will have to move further down the list, until we have the capability to complete all of the items in our plan.  

We can also assure our supporters that the three year plan is based purely on projects that are truly needed to build and grow the critical services that Right Steps provides on a daily basis.  In plain terms, there are things we would like to have and things we desperately need, but the needs will always be the first priority, because those are the items needed to provide the basic services and resources for our residents and students in Nigeria.  

In addition, the Board has expanded our focus to consider collaborative opportunities, where we can benefit from the support of other organizations in Nigeria, as well as global organizations looking to get involved in Nigeria.  We have actively been working with foundations, other non-profits and NGO’s on funding opportunities to support Right Steps’ projects.  As Right Steps has been recognized as one of the most successful humanitarian projects in Southern Nigeria, both the Nigerian government and other organizations have expressed interest in getting involved.  

An example of this that we are currently working on is a project that the Nigerian government leading throughout the country.  This project, which is being funded by the World Bank and other collaborating NGO’s, is focused on providing improved resources for children facing mental and learning challenges.  As we have a number of residents and students that struggle with mental and/or physical disabilities, the government has discussed with us the possibility of receiving resources to establish a special learning center for students with disabilities.  We believe that these children deserve just as much of a chance to learn and thrive as others; therefore, we are committed in this effort to expand the resources and opportunity for all of the children we support.  We are excited about this opportunity, and while we still have a long ways to go in this specific initiative, we are very optimistic about the progress made thus far.  

These are just a few of the things we have been working on lately at Right Steps.  We look at every day as an opportunity for us to serve God through helping His children in Nigeria. The people of Right Steps have been so blessed by the amazing encouragement and resources received from our supporters around the globe.  We will continue to grow these efforts, and we look forward to continuing this work with you and the rest of our wonderful supporters each and every day.  

Stay tuned for more updates and as always, we graciously accept any support you can offer Right Steps, particularly during this critical drive that will go towards obtaining our most urgent needs.  Click here for more information on how you can get involved or you can donate online safely and securely here.  

Mark Reiboldt has been a member of the Right Steps Board of Directors since 2007, and has worked with Right Steps since first visiting Nigeria in 2004.  For more information, click here to contact him or other members of the Right Steps Board or staff.

by Mark Reiboldt, Right Steps Board of Directors

We have officially entered the time of year when people talk a lot about what they’re thankful for.  Many people have been commenting that this year will be a unique one, because for the first time in many years, a great many Americans will have to do with less.  The economic downturn will no doubt limit the amount of XBox systems, flat screen TV’s, and new vehicles that people will purchase.  And indeed, there will be a decrease in the amount of legitimate purchases, where people cannot afford to purchase materials for large, extravegant meals; some may not even be able to have a Thanksgiving and Christmas meal this year. 

As an economist and market analyst, I can tell you that retail expenditures will indeed be down significantly this holiday season, which is a time when these businesses typically do their most volume.  Moreover, businesses in general will continue to be challenged, and small businesses will also face difficulties as they reduce bonuses and parties that are typically seen this time of year. 

This really is a serious situation for the American and global economies.  And, I really do hate the idea that this holiday season will not be as good for many people as other years have been.  However, I encourage every American to look deeply at their situations.  I am not minimizing the seriousness of the challenges people face, but I hope people will realistically ask themselves whether or not this is really bad, or if it’s just not as good as we have become used to.

I know it gets old hearing people say things like, “think about little kids without food in Africa,” or “what about the people without shelter from the cold,” etc, but I think it’s time we start looking at our “crisis” with a realistic lense. 

In recent years, when we approach the holidays, I have gotten in the habit of making an appeal to family, friends, colleagues and the general public to look for opportunities to give back.  Yes, this is a time of giving thanks for all that we have, and don’t be mistaken, even in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, we still have more than most people could ever imagine.  But, in addition to giving thanks, I challenge people to go a little further.

I serve on Right Steps’ Board because I know firsthand how important our work is, and I understand the vital impact that we have on people we support.  I can tell you firsthand that Right Steps does great work for the people in this region.  My wife and I have spent time in Nigeria working with the staff and building programmes that will further this work, making it sustainable over the long term.  Our Executive Director, Chi Ekwenye has built an organization that many people have not been able to do, because the environment there is so challenging and the work itself is so difficult.  The success of projects like these are almost unheard of in Nigeria, where corruption runs rampant, not to mention the social, economic and political challenges can make it near impossible to acheive success in rescuing people that many there just write off as being hopeless.

Well, we at Right Steps do not feel any child or human is hopeless; therefore, it is our objective to do whatever we can to provide care for these people who need it most.  For the people we aim to help, Christmas is not about whether or not they will receive a new Macbook or what kind of new applications they can get for their iPhone.  Most of these people are just thankful that they have a meal, a roof, and made it another day. 

So, as we think about the things we’re thankful for this year, I can assure you that many Americans will feel very down, because it has indeed been a rough year for many of them.  But, I encourage us all to look at our situations and ask ourselves just how bad is it really.  Could it be worse?  What are others who do have it much worse doing right now?  Most importantly, how can we help them? 

We’re asking our supporters and the general public to contribute $20, $50, or $100 towards giving a child or mother a meal, home and education for another three months (click here to donate online).  That’s all it takes.  It may seem hard to give this year, but in the end, the most valuable commodity this world has ever seen is the caring mentality of those with more giving to those with less. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last night, the Right Steps Board of Directors hosted a benefit dinner to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and to honor our Executive Director Chi Ekwenye for her tireless efforts to grow this organization beyond everyones’ expectations.  The event was a great success and at the last count, we raised over $13,000, which doesn’t include the numerous pledges and those who registered for monthly giving. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Chi, we want to thank all of those who attended the event, as well as our supporters who contribute to this worthy cause year round.  As we continue our growth, we want to continue asking for your prayers and support.  For more information on how you can get involved with Right Steps’ work in Nigeria, feel free to contact us or click here for more information on contributing.

We’re getting ready for our annual benefit dinner for Right Steps this weekend and we would like to make one final appeal for people to join us or contribute to our fundraising efforts in this event.  Chi Ekwenye, the Executive Director of Right Steps, arrived in the States last week and we are all looking forward to celebrating ten years of this worthy organization at the dinner Saturday. 

If you would like to attend the dinner, click here for more information or contact Debbie Scobey at dbscobey@bellsouth.net to purchase tickets or reserve a table. 

If you are unable to attend the dinner on Saturday, but would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, click here for more information on different ways you can donate to this worthy cause or donate online now.  We greatly appreciate your help! 

P.S.  Stay tuned to the Right Steps blog, as we will be publishing a new video featuring Chi, who provides an overview of all of our projects and growth successes over the last ten years.

As we previously announced, Right Steps will be celebrating our ten year anniversary with a dinner hosted by North Atlanta Church of Christ on October 25 at 7:00 pm.  This dinner, which will be held at North Atlanta’s Family Enrichment Center, will benefit current Right Steps projects in Nigeria, specifically focused on raising money for expansion of Susana Homes, as well as expansions of the school at Susana Homes, which are currently taking place.

Below is an invitation and please feel free to forward this on to friends and invite anyone that might be interested!

The price of attendance will be $50 per plate or you can sponsor a table for $400.  To reserve a place at this event for Right Steps, contact Debbie Scobey at dbscobey@bellsouth.net or click here to submit an online request.

The Right Steps Board of Directors will be hosting the First Annual Right Steps Benefit Dinner, celebrating the Susana Home’s 10 year anniversary, on October 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  The dinner, which will be held at North Atlanta Church of Christ, will feature Chi Ekwenye as the keynote speaker.  Chi will provide an update for Right Steps supporters on our current programs and efforts on the ground in Nigeria, as well as a look back at the amazing work Right Steps has done over the past ten years. 

Throughout the evening, in addition to hearing from Chi, attendees will also get a chance to hear testimony from members of recent teams that have traveled to Nigeria from the U.S. to work on projects at Susana Homes.  Attendees will also hear from the Right Steps Board on the strategic direction of Right Steps and where we aim to go in the next ten years. 

The price of attendance will be $50 per plate or you can sponsor a table for $400.  To reserve a place at this event for Right Steps, contact Debbie Scobey at dbscobey@bellsouth.net or click here to submit an online request. 

Join us at 7:00 pm on October 25th at North Atlanta Church of Christ!  More details will be coming soon, so stay tuned to Rightsteps.org and the blog for more information on this great event.