Bringing Hope to Children and Families in Need

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MARY MOTHER OF PEACE-MEDJUGORJE CHARITY, INC.

8617 Irvington Avenue, Bethesda, MD20817-3603, USA. Tel: 1 301 530 5416; Fax: 1 301 530 3422

E-mail: ; Web:

SUMMARY ACTIVITY REPORT 2005

BRINGING HOPE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED

1.MMP-MC brings emergency relief, in the form of food, shelter, money, educational training, and medical and psychological assistance, to orphans, homeless children, refugees and suffering people of all faiths overseas and at home.

MMP-MC strives to help victims of natural disaster and war rebuild their lives and regain personal dignity and hope. Beneficiaries, needs, costs and actions are clearly identified. Our human development and emergency relief activities are based on needs, and planned projects are reflecting this.

2.In 2005, Mary Mother of Peace-MC was active pursuing sustainable ongoing projects and responding to new appeals for help, especially for tsunami victims in India and Hurricane Katrina in the USA. Cash funds collected yearly increased from US$16,916 in 2004 to US$42,954 in 2005. Funding this year includes an unusual grant of US$22,500 from a publicly-supported organization, Global Giving Foundation, for the implementation of a tsunami recovery project in four fishermen villages in India(2005-2006). A donation of US$2,500 from the Penates Foundation in December 2005 also helped us at a crucial time on several projects to the benefit of suffering people and children. Most individual donations received are unsolicited. We will continue and strengthen our fund raising activities in 2006.Donors are partners.

3.Our 2005 programtook a slow start due to the low level of funds collected the previous year (2004) and made progress later in the year after we had redefined key priorities for the future, especially for our reduced but better focused activities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Total expenses in 2005 amounted to US$37,063, of which 93% went to final beneficiaries of our action and 7% to administrative and fund raising cost. About 50%of funds used were for tsunami relief/ recovery and a God-parenthood program in India. In 2005, MMP-MC performance ratio of management + fund raising expenses (US$2,495) to total revenues for the year (US$44,918) improved to 5.6% in 2005 from 7.4% in 2004.Less than 12% is an excellentperformance according to best financial practices in the non-profit sector in the USA. This ratio is audited annually by MMP-MC tax return CPA.

4.Our priority focus overseas in 2005 has been helping tsunami victims in Southern India where we work in partnership with two local NGOs (see chapter A). God-parenthood program is currently operational in India and Bosnia (chapter B).Some poverty relief actionand health/ schooling assistance took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Latin America, Haiti, and is planned in Cambodia (chapter D). A few projects are on hold despite acute needs, especially in Africa, because of lack of funding and volunteers.

5.At home(chapter C), our local presence at the service of people in the Washington Metropolitan area where we are based continues to develop within the limits and constraints of resources made available to us. We have initiated a God-parenthood program to help a few families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for which we are in need of a part time volunteer manager. God-parenthood program is open to also help war orphans in need. MMP-MC Board members and directors are unpaid volunteers.

A.TSUNAMI RELIEF AND RECOVERYIN INDIA

6.In India, of the 2.7 million people affected by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, more than three quarters were from fishing communities. Fifteen percent worked in agriculture, and five percent in micro enterprises.

The geographic scope of project was limited to areas where 40 young local volunteers from our partnersJesus Youth in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (and a few volunteers from NationalMissionServiceCenter in Andhra Pradesh) have assessed needs during several weeks after the tsunami. These assessments were a continuing process and project data were fine-tuned as we progressed in our knowledge of the situation, village by village, and through actions undertaken.

7.One major objective the first year (2005) was to complement the emergency relief and recovery actions of major NGOs and official aid while avoiding duplication of efforts, and to maximize efficient implementation in well-targeted villages and communes/panchayats as needed in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Four fishermen villages were initially selected (one in Tamil Nadu; two in Kerala; one in Andhra Pradesh).

8.Actions in 2005. Actions included the distribution of emergency supplies; the development and implementation of a God-parenthood program; technical assistance for livelihoods recovery and home reconstruction; and other basic needs including protecting children and providing clean water.

9.Results in 2005. Results were limited in scope on distribution of supplies and home reconstruction (two small homes rebuilt for a total of $4,000) because of absence of

sufficient and timely funding. Results are a success for the God-parenthood program, especially for nine children and eight families affected by the tsunami (Cost: $550 per Godchild). The project was able to help these children –boys and girls-- go back to school and to relocate their families out of relief camps. They now have electricity and clean water. A few fishing boats were repaired ($100 each). Community participation is essential to successfully rebuilding lives on a sustainable basis so as to improve living conditions beyond tsunami trauma recovery. The total amount spent for 2005 actions isUS$10,000 ($3,500 in Tamil Nadu; $5,500 in Kerala; $1,000 in Andhra Pradesh). The small component of the project in Andhra Pradesh(near Nellore) was completed in 2005.

10.Post-Tsunami Actionsfor 2006. As relief now gives way to the long and difficult process of reconstruction, it is essential to assist forgotten communities in regaining some normalcy and rebuilding their shattered lives. Actions in 2006 focus now on five villages, two in Tamil Nadu near the disaster area of Cuddalore; and three in Kerala along the coast North and South of Kochi. Actions agreed include:

• Pursuing and developing the successfulGod-parenthood program and helping poor children go to school (St Joseph House for tsunami displaced girl students in Chennai)

•Providing technical assistance for livelihoods recovery especially helping the forgotten Laguna’s fishermen in Tamil Nadu to build new fishing boats ($300 each plus $155 for fishing nets; no need for engines) according to their needs while giving boat ownership to women associations at village level for fair and efficient use of the boats; and home reconstruction in tsunami affected areas in Kerala

• Providing sewing machines ($100 each with seat) and training to women villagers, rope making machines ($100 each) and other basic needs including clean drinking water, and

protecting children including medical assistance for a few

critical cases

• Ensuring that the recovery effort does not exacerbate existing inequities
• Ensuring that all people being helped are on their way to a better and safer development path than they were prior to this tragic tsunami.

The total 2006 cost for livelihoods recovery and reconstruction is estimated atUS$35,000 plus US$12,000 for medical assistance to children that was not budgeted when the project was initiated in February 2005.

11.Project management. The management of the project and of the God-parenthood program in Indiais done by local volunteers under the supervision of MMP-MC and local partners Jesus Youth India. Key MMP-MC contacts are Manoj Sunny, International Coordinator of JY;Berly Earnest, Coordinator of Relief Activities (second from left on picture);George Ettiyil, Deputy Coordinator in Chennai, Jomon Varghese, God-parenthood program supervisor, Dr. Edward Edezhath, one of the founders of JY, and Fr. Jose Narithookil, Chairman.

We found them to be very professional and reliable partners and their active presence on the ground has been instrumental to:understandthe local situation and culture; bring appropriate solutions to the benefit of victim families and; use money properly while avoiding duplication of actions with other relief agencies or the government. Depending on funds available over time, project implementation will continue to be phased in gradually, and project scope may be reduced or expanded accordingly. Project is actively supported by the Global Giving Foundation through some of its corporate sponsors since mid-2005.

B.GOD-PARENTHOOD PROGRAM (India, Bosnia and USA)

12. MMP-MC is developing a child sponsorship program (God-parenthood) for India, Bosnia-Herzegovina and USA. A model contract is available. In 2005 nine children of families affected by the tsunami were and still are helped. Two contracts are operational to support Godchildren in Bosnia. Benefactors from the USA, Canada and Europe are eligible.

13.When a child is identified for the program, the first step is to protect the child by bringing him/her in a place where he/she can be taken care of in a family-like and loving environment.

Helping a Godchild implies a tax deductible yearly donation of $550 for India; $660 for Bosnia-Herzegovina (picture of Oct. 2005 in Mostar shows Terri, left, God-mother of a boy Sabit with his sister and mother who is standing beside our volunteer Matthew); and $1,320 for USA payable in April or in two installments (April and September). Supporting a Godchild is therefore equivalent to a monthly donation of $50 to $100.

14.The program gives the Godparent(s) the right/obligation to influence the intellectual, social, cultural growth and development of the Godchild. The child is to be raised in a spirit of peace, justice and mutual respect. Godparents can also visit the child with the permission of the guardian, or the parent if child is not a complete orphan. The Godparent promises not to impose her/his religious belief if it is against the beliefs of the parent/guardian. A volunteer is needed to promote and supervise the program.

15.In the Washington Capital Area and nationwide, benefactors can help a war orphan/street child or a Katrina’s victim. Sponsoring a Godchild is a responsible and rewarding commitment and help also children to go or go back to school.

C. MMP-MC ACTION IN THE USA

Rebuilding Children’s Lives after Katrina

16.The tragedy of hurricane Katrina is bringing the best in America through helping victim families of all faiths and races rebuild their lives, especially children.

This will be a determinant factor in strengthening our communities through solidarity and generosity and will unite us instead of dividing us. Protecting children, easing their access to education, promoting family values will also prepare us for a better America.

17.ProjectObjective. The objective of the Project, with main focus on Louisiana, is to develop a post-hurricane recovery and awareness program that will help 100 children and their suffering families rebuild their lives with the support of corporate sponsors, and through a God-parenthood program. Volunteers, who want to be part of the team for this initiative, understand their actions will be, with God's help, for the good of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They will accept to donate time and talents in conformity with MMP-MC mission statement and with the law.

18.TentativeProgram. The project is a two-year development program (Dec 2005-Dec 2007). If we are successful to secure financial support, which is difficult because TV media focus on using only big relief agencies to help Katrina’s victims, the project could be implemented in three years (2006-2008); each selected child would be helped during two full years. MMP-MC assistance money will go directly to well-identified victim families to help their children in need for an agreed purpose: school tuition, clothing, health and dental care, psychological services, spiritual counseling and other needs; and/or to pay bills for non-donated goods/services that will benefit victim families: utilities, home repairs, other basic needs.

19.Budget. A two-year program to help about 100 children in need on the basis of $1,200 per child per year during 2 years plus 10% for management expenses (i.e. $1,320 per child) would require US$264,000. In view of the gradual phasing-in of the sponsoring agreements, budget would be spent in 3 years. For 2006, goal is to reach out to 40 families, at same dollar amount of support per child sponsored, for a total of US$52,800or more if both individual and corporate benefactors can afford it or wish to do so.

20.Expected results. When a safe environment is re-created with basic needs, proper housing, clean water, healing, people can work again and children safely go back to school, key for the future. Outcome and positive long-term impact will be the result of prompt action/funding now.

Little Flower Project

21.Little Flower project to help wounded service men and women did not take off for various reasons including lack of adequate funding and institutional support. Physical, mental and spiritual healing can take place in various ways.

Medical experience, however, has shown that physical recovery can be speeded and enhanced if one’s mind and spirit are actively engaged in meaningful projects. Medicine has also learned that helping others in constructive ways is a most effective way to attain personal satisfaction, restore confidence, and make one-self again feel needed and useful. Our prayers go to all those who suffer and those who help.

Walk Across America

22.In 2005, MMP-MC supported again –in a more modest way than in 2004-- the annual educative activity of the Crossroads[1] team that walks across America witnessing to the value of every human life. This year the walkers, especially students, walked from the US West Coast to the Capitol in WashingtonDC along three different routes starting in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. They focused their summer entirely on prayer, sacrifice, and witness to a culture and civilization of life in America.

Other Activities

23.Awareness and educative actions take place in some local high schools, churches, and community associations on what we do, with exhibits, presentations and conferences.

For example, after a service day at MMP-MC’s HQ in Bethesda, three sophomore students from GeorgetownVisitationPreparatory School, Samantha, Mary-Elizabeth and Lavinia gave a joint written testimony on what they feel about natural disasters:

“The most heart-wrenching feeling is seeing children alone in the world after a disaster. These children are suddenly ripped from their comfortable, loving families and in need of a loving, supportive environment in which they can grow up to be compassionate adults with integrity. Through faith the volunteers of Mary Mother of Peace Charity give the affected –many of whom are orphans—the love and hope that they need to carry on and cope with the pain of losing their loved ones and the hardship of rebuilding their lives.”We are grateful to these girls for what they did.

24.A “Cherry Blossom” diner musical in favor of tsunami-affected families in four fishermen villages in Southern India took place in April 2005 for the joint benefit of the local non-profit community association Washington Accueil and MMP-MC. The event provided very much needed relief funding for MMP-MC (US$2,725).

25.MMP-MC participated in the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area under designation CFC # 7825. We were invited to attend Federal agency charity fairs from September to beginning December. Our core program is also being promoted for a year by Charitable Choices .CFC donations will be distributed monthly to charities from March 2006 to February 2007. MMP-MC’s share in the 2004 campaign allocated for 2005-2006 is US$2,933. Thank you to all benefactors.

D. MMP-MC ACTION IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Bosnia and Herzegovina(BiH) Orphans and Medical Assistance Program

26.The Balkans and especially BiH were the main focus of our overseas activity from 2000 to 2004. In 2005,with $9,470 of MMP-MC funded expenses, the BiH program lacked funding for: St Michael Househelping traumatized children, winter emergency deliveries in Central Bosnia, and core orphans program. Support to Mother’s village orphanage with Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic continues at small scale. Six young women volunteers from Philadelphiahelped us during summer.Nazarethproject, a house for the homeless run by volunteer Bruno Maillard, did not give the expected results and was dropped from the program in August 2005 after the Board considered itunsustainable.

27.A positive note on BiHis that the dental laboratory is operational thanks to volunteers John Mastrobuono and Carl Miller, and a local technician, Liam. The medical program[2]to help injured children in need of reconstructive surgery and prostheses ($900 from MMP-MC) was pursued successfully in 2005, led by volunteer Matthew Procter.

In particular, a 9 year old boy, Jasmin, was brought to the US for leg prosthesis. At the end of 2005, after conducting a brief need reassessment, the program for Bosnia-Herzegovina was scaled down and key priorities redefined with our field office in Mostar (Matthew) for 2006, as follows:

1/ Children medical assistance program

2/ Mother’s Village orphanage

This family-like orphanage was developed and is run by the Franciscans in Bijakovici near Medjugorje. It is a model of children care and protection in a loving environment.