Thursday, July 26, 2012

Sponsor Spotlight: For the Fatherless

Lindsy and I were connected through a local Facebook group, and when I saw the stunning handmade beaded jewelry in her Etsy shop and read the inspiring story behind the women who make these beads, I knew I had to reach out to support this cause.  I purchased an amazingly beautiful necklace, and each time I wear it I am compelled to share how those beads are helping empower women in impoverished countries. 

We are so happy to have For the Fatherless sponsor us this month.  I encourage you to read Lindsy’s story and consider making a purchase in her Etsy shop.  Every purchase made is truly changing a life.

for the fatherless

For the Fatherless


Share a little about For the Fatherless.
For the Fatherless started and continues to be a fundraiser for our adoption. We are in the process of adopting a little boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo. We've done LOTS of fundraisers but For the Fatherless is my favorite because it provides a way for us to share about orphans, adoption and the amazing women who make the beads.

 The beaded jewelry in your shop is amazing, simple and beautiful.  Can you tell us about the women who make the beads?
The women who make the beads are mostly widows living in northern Uganda. Their lives have been drastically affected by war and poverty. Jobs are very scarce in Uganda, particularly for poor people with no connections and little or no formal education.  It is difficult for us in developed countries to understand the concept of “no work”,  and what it means to sit on the curb of the main street in your town with your sewing machine all day (all 12 hours of the day) hoping for a customer or two to use your services.  Being able to make and sell the beads allows them to earn fair trade wages and feed their children and send them to school. It is literally life-changing for these women.

for the fatherless

How does your business impact Louisville?
My hope is that we'll be able to shed some light on the orphan crisis. It's really easy for us in the west to not even think about how people in other parts of the world live. It's often out of sight, out of mind. I hope that by purchasing and wearing our jewelry, people will be reminded of the struggles that others have and our ability to do something about it right where we are.

What are you currently working on?
Finishing our adoption fundraising! Adoption is not cheap, and we still need about $5,000. I try to keep our Etsy shop stocked with earrings because they are really popular and am hoping to hit as many art shows as I can this fall/winter.

What is your favorite thing about running your business?
I love being able to share about adoption, orphans and the poor. Being able to advocate for them is the best part of what we do.

for the fatherlessfor the fatherless
 
Share something silly about yourself.
Something silly? Hmmm, I'm not really very silly at all. I do like to break out in song and dance when my kids are throwing a fit. Works every time!


Thank you For the Fatherless for sponsoring D.I.Y. Louisville this month! 
julee & kim