Please support this unique life-changing program!

We want to help get the word out about the Hope for Orphans 5k Run/Walk taking place Saturday, June 7th. It's Boise's 2nd year to participate and the goal is to host 12 children from Philippine orphanages

Thanks to the generous donations of many Boise area businesses and individuals, Boise's first summer of Hope was a great success. For my family, it was much more—we ended up adopting the boy who stayed with us. After a lot of paperwork, I had the privilege of flying to the Philippines a few months ago and bringing James back for good.

After having firsthand exposure to the devastating poverty that these children come from, I can't help but become more of an advocate for the program. While my family is not hosting a child this year, we would like to ask that you consider supporting the 12 children planning to come.

The funds raised are just to bring the children and Filipino escorts here for the summer, the cost per child is approximately $3,500. For all the children who come it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and historically 80% of these older orphans who participate end up being adopted. Without participation in this program, almost none of these older orphans would be adopted. More information about the program is available at http://summerofhope.org

Here's how you can help:

1. Donate to RisingLine's Run/Walk team online. Any amount helps. All Donations are made directly to Sacred Portion Children's outreach a 501(c)3 charity are tax deductable.
   

2. Become a corporate sponsor
3. Participate as a runner or walker
4. Form your own team for Hope for Orphans Run/Walk '08. Contact Beth McDonald at (208) 672-8560

Thank you!

Doug Case
Managing Director—RisingLine New Media Marketing

PS. If you know other individuals or businesses who might be interested in participating as runners or sponsors please consider forwarding this info to them!

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Posted by Douglas Case @ Thursday, June 05, 2008 | 0 comments

As privileged citizens in one of the most prosperous countries in history, we have the unique opportunity to reach out to those most in need. Reflecting the best humanitarian traditions of the American people, the U.S. Government funds protection and life-sustaining relief for millions of refugees and victims of conflict around the globe, and remains the largest resettlement country in the world

An estimated 80% of refugees are women and children. They often carry the heaviest burden of survival for themselves and their families. Women and adolescent girls in refugee settings are especially vulnerable to exploitation, rape, abuse and other forms of gender-based violence. Children and youth constitute approximately 50 percent of all refugees worldwide. They are the deliberate targets of abuse, and easy prey to military recruitment and abduction. They typically miss out on years of education. ^[source]

Refugees being resettled in the Boise area come here not knowing anyone nor having experienced a western lifestyle. No doubt that makes their resettlement sometimes daunting and challenging.

With only a staff of seven, the International Rescue Committee in Boise is not able to comprehensively explain each and every detail of life in the United States. That's why refugees to the Boise community depend on volunteers to mentor them.

The IRC in Boise volunteer program needs you to join its dedicated volunteer team to help these resilient individuals acculturate. Please contact Boise's Community Outreach Specialist Keziah Sullivan at to schedule a volunteer orientation session and learn how you can get involved assisting refugees. For more information on the IRC and involvement opportunities please visit the Boise IRC Website.

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Posted by Douglas Case @ Thursday, February 14, 2008 | 0 comments