UPS work in DR

	The community of Rancho Nuevo is in dire need of potable water. The majority of the residents there are currently getting their drinking water from local springs, a water source that looks clean, but is contaminated with life threatening bacteria and parasites.
Related Item: See Photos of the Projects

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2013) – UPS is helping to improve the lives of dozens of families in the Dominican Republic with the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor.   

The UPS project will provide for the installation of a 12,000 gallon concrete water tank, which will house and pump clean well water for the tiny community of Rancho Nuevo, near Puerto Plata, and the construction of a 3,000 square-feet greenhouse in Batey Antonci, Monte Plata.

Helping families to become self-sustaining by way of agriculture is a key strategy of Food For The Poor. The greenhouse in the farming community of Batey Antonci will produce 2,400 pounds of fruits and vegetables four times a year, providing the community with a year-round supply of nutritious foods and agricultural training. This greenhouse project will be operated by local farmers, which will be a source of employment for many of the town’s residents.

“Food For The Poor began working in the Dominican Republic 13 years ago and is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Caribbean country by creating opportunities for people to help themselves,” said Robin Mahfood, President and CEO of Food For The Poor. “It is important to educate those in the farming communities on how to plant, grow and harvest a better crop for a self-sustaining food source, and as a source of income.”

The greenhouse facility also will have a drip irrigation system fed by a water reservoir and underground supply lines, which will be installed by Food For The Poor.

The community of Rancho Nuevo is in dire need of access to potable water. The majority of the residents there are currently getting their drinking water from local springs, a water source that looks clean, but is contaminated with life-threatening bacteria and parasites. Many of the children suffer with diarrhea and a variety of waterborne health problems as a result.

Food For The Poor’s development team has determined it will take 30 days to install the water project.  Once the water tank is fully operational, piping installed from the tank will run water lines to as many homes as possible or to a community location, providing clean water with the twist of the faucet.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

       

Inmates go home for Christmas

	(L to R) Sandra Ramsey and a prison guard at Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Jamaica release an inmate in time to spend Christmas with his family.
Related Item: See More Photos on Facebook

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2013) – Thirty-three prisoners received a second chance from Food For The Poor at St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on Dec. 13. Only after the inmates were escorted from their cells to the center’s Chapel did they believe that generous Food For The Poor donors had paid the fines for their nonviolent offenses, and that they would be released in time to spend Christmas with their families.     

In addition to releasing a total of 37 inmates from three prisons in Jamaica, Food For The Poor also will release prisoners in Guyana (15), Haiti (10) and Honduras (22) in time for them to spend Christmas with their families.

At the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre’s newly refurbished chapel, the inmates were greeted by The Very Reverend Burchell McPherson, Bishop of Montego Bay, Jamaica; Father Richard Martin, pastor at Church of the Nativity, in Burke, Va.; Jevene Bent, Jamaica’s Commissioner of Corrections; and Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor.

“We pray the released inmates will recognize that God is merciful, and He is a God of second chances,” said Mahfood.

During the dedication of the chapel, the inmates received words of advice from the distinguished guests. Bent encouraged the inmates to use their experience in prison to influence someone to become a better person, and cautioned them never to return and lose their freedom again.

“I was thankful Food For The Poor intervened to release the men and women who could not afford to pay their meager fines,” said Bishop McPherson.

“I see the real stars in front of me right now,” said Fr. Martin, to the inmates at St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre. “Stars give light and you have given me that light. I feel like I am living out the scriptures today as outlined in Mathew 25. You have a great future ahead and you can shine even brighter than you are already doing.”

Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program is based on the scripture, “When was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you…” (Matthew 25: 31-46).

“I have been commissioner for just under six months now and everywhere I go, every penal institution I visit, all I hear is Food For The Poor,” said Bent.  “We have had many partners over the years but Food For The Poor stands out not only in terms of material provision to the prisons and inmates but also the spiritual component that you bring. Food For The Poor, may God continue to bless you and expand your boundaries.”

In developing countries, the destitute sometimes have no way to feed their families other than to steal food. The consequence often is imprisonment without first appearing before a judge, or receiving a prison sentence. Sometimes, by the time they are tried, they have spent years longer in jail than their prison sentence requires.

“Prison conditions and poverty are drastically worse in developing countries than they are in the United States,” said Mahfood. “Overcrowded prisons are common, and perpetuate the spread of disease and violence.”

Twice a year – during the Christmas and Easter seasons – it is a Food For The Poor tradition to release nonviolent inmates who have been incarcerated due to their inability to pay the required fines for committing minor offenses.

Since the inception of Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program in 1998, the charity has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing prisoners back into the community as productive citizens.

To support Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Program, checks payable to Food For The Poor can be mailed to 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Fla. 33073. Please include reference number “SC# 74122” to ensure your donation is correctly routed.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

        

Pre-party for gala

	The community of Rancho Nuevo is in dire need of potable water. The majority of the residents there are currently getting their drinking water from local springs, a water source that looks clean, but is contaminated with life threatening bacteria and parasites.
Related Item: See Photos of the Projects

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2013) – UPS is helping to improve the lives of dozens of families in the Dominican Republic with the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor.   

The UPS project will provide for the installation of a 12,000 gallon concrete water tank, which will house and pump clean well water for the tiny community of Rancho Nuevo, near Puerto Plata, and the construction of a 3,000 square-feet greenhouse in Batey Antonci, Monte Plata.

Helping families to become self-sustaining by way of agriculture is a key strategy of Food For The Poor. The greenhouse in the farming community of Batey Antonci will produce 2,400 pounds of fruits and vegetables four times a year, providing the community with a year-round supply of nutritious foods and agricultural training. This greenhouse project will be operated by local farmers, which will be a source of employment for many of the town’s residents.

“Food For The Poor began working in the Dominican Republic 13 years ago and is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Caribbean country by creating opportunities for people to help themselves,” said Robin Mahfood, President and CEO of Food For The Poor. “It is important to educate those in the farming communities on how to plant, grow and harvest a better crop for a self-sustaining food source, and as a source of income.”

The greenhouse facility also will have a drip irrigation system fed by a water reservoir and underground supply lines, which will be installed by Food For The Poor.

The community of Rancho Nuevo is in dire need of access to potable water. The majority of the residents there are currently getting their drinking water from local springs, a water source that looks clean, but is contaminated with life-threatening bacteria and parasites. Many of the children suffer with diarrhea and a variety of waterborne health problems as a result.

Food For The Poor’s development team has determined it will take 30 days to install the water project.  Once the water tank is fully operational, piping installed from the tank will run water lines to as many homes as possible or to a community location, providing clean water with the twist of the faucet.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

       

Designers set for show house

	The exclusive Designer Show House 2014 VIP Reception will be Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in Lighthouse Point, Fla.
Related Items: Get Show House Tickets See Photos of the Designers

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2013) – Lighthouse Interiors is pleased to announce the South Florida designers selected to join Bridget Conway, Principal of Lighthouse Interiors,  in the design of a multi-million dollar Lighthouse Point waterfront home, Feb. 20-23, 2014. Proceeds from the unique event will be used to build Food For The Poor homes in Haiti.

Designers include Bridget Conway, Principal of Lighthouse Interiors; Bernard and Stephanie Molyneux, owners of ACP Home Interiors; Kenneth Crawford of Kenneth Crawford Interiors; Ellen de Vos of Michael Taylor Designs; Frances Herrera of Frances Herrera Interior Design; Sonia Lise Longchamp ASID, Kay Smith, and Gene Valentino of Sklar Furnishings; Kendall Marcelle of Kendall Marcelle Design Associates Inc.; and Sabrina Wilson of Lighthouse Interiors.

The exclusive Designer Show House 2014 VIP Reception will be Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at 2316 NE 30 Court, Lighthouse Point, Fla., 33064. The ticket price is $150 per person.

VIP guests will enjoy savories and cocktails as they tour the new construction of a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, coastal-inspired home on the Ibis Waterway. El Tamarindo Café’s Head Chef Néstor "Alex" Amaya will prepare samples of his signature cuisine in the home’s gourmet kitchen. The evening will also include a specialty Bacardí rum bar, silent auction, fashion show and music by Miami’s DJ UP.

The Designer Show House 2014 event will be open to the general public on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Each day will feature a different event, and the ticket price is $30.

• On Friday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m., guests will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting.
• On Saturday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., champagne and sweets will be served.
• On Sunday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m., guests will be treated to the melodies of a steel pan, and a fashion show hosted by Noelle Swimwear.

The 10,000-square-foot residence, designed by Conway, boasts separate guest and pool houses, as well as unbelievable waterway views from almost every window. From the dock, boat owners will have quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro Inlet and lighthouse.

“This exceptionally stunning project is full of classic lines and clean elements, built with today’s lifestyle in mind,” said Conway. “The spectacular lighting with several chandeliers and an abundance of sconces throughout the home complement the rooms’ natural lighting.”

Sponsors include Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate, The Bay Branch Foundation, and The Prenner Team — Cathy and Jack Prenner.

For additional information and tickets, please call 888-404-4248 or visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/showhouse.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

Man to walk 500 miles

	Daniel Valdez has spent recent months preparing for his second 500-mile walk from Lovington, N.M., to Chihuahua, Mexico, starting on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
Related Items: Support Daniel with a Donation See More Photos of Dan

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2013) – With a whole lot of faith and a desire to raise awareness about the needs of those who are often forgotten, Daniel Valdez is preparing to embark on a great adventure on Dec. 20, 2013. It is one that will have him walking through 16 U.S. cities, and across the border and into Mexico.

"Helping others makes me feel that I am doing God's will,” said Valdez. “When I see hope
in others, I feel happy.”

The idea of helping the poor was nearly a decade in the making for Valdez, who has been running in regional races for 10 years. It was during one of these runs from Hobbs, N.M., to his hometown of Lovington, N.M., with longtime friend and priest, the Rev. Manuel Ibarra; he felt the call to action and thought a walk would be the way to do it. After some encouraging words from his friend and with the support of his wife, four children and his congregation in the tiny town of Lovington, his first 500-mile walk started on Dec. 21, 2012, and ended in Chihuahua, Mexico, 16 days later.

The 51 year-old Valdez has spent recent months preparing for his second 500 mile-walk, which will be taking the same route. Walking approximately 33 miles a day, he’s hoping to beat last year’s time and reach Chihuahua in 15 days. He plans to use this year’s walk as an opportunity to speak about the needs of orphans, the elderly, and the poor to all who will listen.

“My wish is to connect people in my path with a heart of charity,” said Valdez. “Building a human chain of people connected with the same heart is not easy, but it’s not impossible.”

Valdez is seeking to raise funds for the poor through Food For The Poor and two charities in Mexico. He learned about the international relief and development organization from a speaker who visited his parish at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and from the organization’s “Least of These” television program that’s airing on a number of networks across the country. To see video clips from the “Least of These” visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/aop.

“When we learned about Mr. Valdez’s plan we were moved by his compassionate desire to raise awareness about the needs of the truly destitute,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “The fact that he will be walking 500 miles to fundraise for food is truly amazing, and on behalf of the people we serve we want to sincerely thank Mr. Valdez for his generosity.”

Valdez’s walk will begin after morning Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 1301 North 9th Street, Lovington, N.M., 88260 at 7 a.m., Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.

The walk will continue through the following cities in New Mexico, Texas and Mexico: 1. Lovington, N.M. 2. Hobbs, N.M. 3. Eunice, N.M. 4. Jal, N.M. 5. Kermit, Texas  6.Wink, Texas 7. Pyote, Texas 8. Coyanosa, Texas 9. Alpine, Texas 10. Marfa, Texas 11. Shafter, Texas 12. Presidio, Texas 13. Ojinaga, CH, Mexico 14. Aldama, CH, Mexico 15. Chihuahua, CH, Mexico 16. Delicias, CH, Mexico.

Valdez’s parents will trail him on his journey, driving in the family’s RV, which is where Valdez will sleep at night.

To help Valdez reach his goal to feed the poor, visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/danielvaldez and make a secure online donation.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

Quarters for Haiti

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2013) – What can you buy with a quarter in 2013? Let’s see… a single gumball from a candy machine, maybe a couple pieces of candy from a local convenience store, or a few moments of dryer time at your local laundromat. But the truth of the matter is that about a quarter here doesn’t go very far, but it is all it takes to feed, not one, but four hungry children a meal in Haiti.

“In Haiti, more than half of the population, including two-thirds of the children, suffers from malnutrition. About 1 in 14 children die before reaching their fifth birthday,” said Robin Mahfood, President and CEO of Food For The Poor. “Many people are suffering in the world today, but it’s the truly poor who suffer the most; they’re often overlooked or simply forgotten. Many will be surprised to learn that this organization can feed four people one meal for less than 25 cents, and with a roll of quarters, we can feed a child a meal a day for about five and a half months.”

Food For The Poor has been helping to feed the poor in Haiti for 27 years. Through Food For The Poor’s “Quarters for Haiti” campaign, you can now help feed hungry Haitian children a meal of rice and beans for only 6 cents.

Food For The Poor is using social media to spread the word about the “Quarters for Haiti” campaign. A Facebook page was created to promote and explain how Food For The Poor is able to provide a meal for just 6 cents, and the impact it’s having on the countries we serve: www.facebook.com/QuartersForHaiti.
As a part of the “Quarters for Haiti” campaign if you text “quarters” to 25383, a roll of quarters (or $10) will be donated to help feed Haiti’s hungry.

It only takes six seconds to send a text, and if followed up by sending a tweet to friends and family, Food For The Poor can feed even more children.

Please donate your quarters and give lifesaving food to hungry Haitian children today:
www.FoodForThePoor.org/quarters.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

        

#GivingTuesday

COCONUT Creek, Fla., (Nov. 25, 2013) – We have a day for giving thanks, why not a day for giving back? For the second year, Food For The Poor has joined #GivingTuesday, an initiative to harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season.

Coinciding with Thanksgiving, and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities. It will also inspire many to give back in better and smarter ways to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world.

Taking place Dec. 3, 2013, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday will use the power of social media to create a national movement around the holidays, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days synonymous with holiday shopping.

“Food For The Poor is extremely honored be a part of #GivingTuesday. It is quickly becoming a global movement, which celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “It’s great to know that so many nonprofits, within the United States and internationally, are working together to make life better for as many people as possible.”

In 2012, more than 50 million people worldwide spread the word about #GivingTuesday resulting in a milestone trending on Twitter. The collective efforts of partners, donors and advocates also helped to fuel a marked increase in charitable giving.

Visit www.foodforthepoor.org/givingtuesday to support Food For The Poor’s #GivingTuesday initiative. You can also view the charity’s catalog video for creative ideas that will continue to change lives long after the holiday season has ended. For $10, you can give the gift of a fruit tree, or you can choose to give farm animals such as chickens, pigs, goats, donkeys and cows, which can provide an income and a source of nutrition for destitute families.

For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website www.givingtuesday.org, Facebook page www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday or follow the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.