One Home Many Hopes - Be Unreasonable

Cooley LLP to Host Annual Spring Gala to Benefit One Home Many Hopes

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:17:20 +0000

Cooley LLP to Host Annual Spring Gala to Benefit One Home Many Hopes

Boston’s Annual Spring Gala Benefits Rescued Girls of Kenya’s One Home Many Hopes
Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Falmouth, Mass. — April 20, 2012 — One Home Many Hopes (OHMH), a fundraising organization that helps to find, rescue, house, love and educate orphaned and abandoned girls in Mtwapa, Kenya, today announced their Annual Spring Gala will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 in Boston, Mass. In addition to a presentation by founders Anthony Mulongo and Thomas Keown, there will be an exclusive screening of the organization’s new short film. 100% of proceeds support the operating costs of OHMH.
Tickets are available at http://ohmhspringgalaboston.eventbrite.com/.

WHAT: Annual Boston Spring Gala & Movie Screening to Benefit One Home Many Hopes

WHEN: Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Cooley LLP, 14th floor, 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts
(Please bring a photo ID to facilitate your building security check-in)

In the early 1990’s Anthony Mulongo was selected by the Kenyan government as one of the 18 brightest students in the country. He was placed in an intensive program of study in journalism. A lucrative career beckoned. But his outlook and perspective changed one day several years later while covering a story in Mombasa. He had befriended a group of street boys living and eating from the rubbish dumps. They introduced him to Gift. She was a six-year-old girl who lost her mother to AIDS, and whose ten-month-old brother died while strapped to her back as she searched the streets for food. Anthony moved Gift into his house, enrolled her in school, and raised her as his daughter.
Thanks to assistance from dedicated friends in Wales and Germany, as well as individuals in the U.S., Mulongo began to rescue and house another girl, then another, then another. The first home at Mudzini Kwetu was established. Thomas Keown met Anthony Mulongo in 2007 and came back to the states determined to get a group together to help in this cause. He established One Home Many Hopes, the fundraising arm for Mudzini Kwetu. Come and meet these inspirational OHMH founders and see a screening of a new short film about their work.
About One Home Many Hopes

Today in Kenya, an estimated 2,500,000 children under the age of 17 have no parent, guardian, or shelter and are forced to live on the streets. In coastal Kenya an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Kenyan children have been caught up in the commercial sex trade. One Home Many Hopes (OHMH) is changing this. One Home Many Hopes is a loving home for orphaned and abandoned girls in Mtwapa, Kenya. OHMH rescues, houses, and educates former street children and equips them to be the future agents of change in their community. We believe that investing in education and family-like support is the most effective way of ending cyclical poverty. For more information about becoming a volunteer or to give a donation, please visit www.onehomemanyhopes.org.

All Trademarks Recognized
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PRINCETON FIRM AND CHARITY FOUNDERS TO HONOR ONE HOME MANY HOPES

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:09:13 +0000

MaysGroup Investment Advisors
125 Carter Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

Press Release Contacts
Edwin Mays
MaysGroup Investment Advisor
+1 609-512-1655

Tracy Wemett
One Home Many Hopes
+1 617-939-3631

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2012

PRINCETON FIRM AND CHARITY FOUNDERS TO HONOR “ONE HOME MANY HOPES”

MaysGroup Investment Advisors and OHMH Founders will host reception honoring the charity’s achievements in Kenya
May 4, 2012 – 7:30pm

PRINCETON, NJ – APRIL 11, 2012 – MaysGroup Investment Advisors (Princeton, NJ) today announced that Anthony Mulongo and Thomas Keown, founders of One Home, Many Hopes (OHMH) will speak at a reception honoring their work at Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, NJ, May 4, 2012, 7:30 pm.

One Home Many Hopes finds, rescues, houses, loves and educates orphaned and abandoned girls in Mtwapa, Kenya and equips them to be the future agents of change in their community. “We’ve ‘grown up’ as an organization from our beginning as a few friends seeking to do something good, to a movement that has resonated with long term thinkers and strategic givers from coast to coast. We want our events to show people that they can do justice in places like Kenya without leaving their offices or getting a vaccination. We look forward to telling our story to a new group of friends in Princeton” states co-founder and executive director Thomas Keown.

Today in Kenya, an estimated 2.6 million children under the age of 17 have no parent, guardian or shelter and are forced to live on the streets. In coastal Kenya an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Kenyan children have been caught up in the commercial sex trade. One Home Many Hopes is changing this.

Edwin Mays, founder of MaysGroup Investment Advisors states, “As a committed supporter of the One Home Many Hopes mission, we are honored to be able to share their accomplishments with the Princeton community. Our goal is to increase awareness of the challenges faced by millions of girls in Kenya and highlight how OHMH has been making a real difference in their lives.”

About One Home Many Hopes
One Home Many Hopes finds, rescues, houses, loves and educates orphaned and abandoned girls in Mtwapa, Kenya and equips them to be the future agents of change in their community. For more information about becoming a volunteer or to give a donation, please visit www.onehomemanyhopes.org.

One Home Many Hopes – USA is a federally approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are fully tax deductible. Please email donations@onehomemanyhopes.org or call 617-230-2574. For donors, 100% of contributions goes to the One Home Many Hopes mission because a specific group of supporters funds operating costs.

About MaysGroup Investment Advisors
MaysGroup Investment Advisors was founded in Princeton, New Jersey in 2009 by Edwin Mays, a financial executive with more than 20 years of experience on Wall Street.

MaysGroup Investment Advisors is a financial planning firm which draws on a worldwide network of experts to advise clients on long term strategies in an attempt to help grow and preserve their investments.

Our insights and personalized approach enable our clients to succeed in a complex world where the understanding of policy and economics, insurance and investments is critical. Our firm offers a full spectrum of wealth management services for individuals, families and businesses including retirement planning, education planning, insurance planning and lending solutions. More information can be found at www.themaysgroup.com.

# # #
Edwin Mays is a Registered Representative of The Investment Center, Inc. The Investment Center, Inc. and IC Advisory Services, Inc. are not affiliated with Mays Group Investment Advisors.
All securities offered through The Investment Center, Inc., Bedminster, New Jersey. Member FINRA/SIPC
Advisory Services Provided through IC Advisory Services, Inc. A Registered Investment Advisor
Professional Details: Series 7 & 66 Licensed. Life, Accident & Health Insurance Licensed. CA (0H04866), MI, NJ, NY Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Edwin C. Mays is licensed in the following states: CA, DE, GA, ID, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY

Will you be part of the Girl Effect?

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:38:10 +0000

You have heard us reference the Girl Effect, a campaign generated by the Nike Foundation, hoping to bring global awareness to the importance of girls and women as agents of change within the developing world. We are proud to give the world a good kick in the pants, and take our part in the Girl Effect. By supporting the efforts of Mudzini Kwetu, we (OHMH) lend a hand in rescuing, educating, housing and providing a caring environment for young women in Kenya, who would otherwise be on the street.

Today, we are partnering with Tara Mohr and over 500 bloggers around the globe to raise awareness about the Girl Effect, and the impact women have in eradicating poverty and creating thriving communities.

Let’s talk statistics . . .

Today, more than 600 million girls live in the developing world (via Girl Effect)
Approximately one-quarter of girls in developing countries are not in school (via Girl Effect).
An extra year of primary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10 to 20 percent. An extra year of secondary school: 15 to 25 percent (via Girl Effect).

This fall, our 3rd annual Breaking Ground campaign kicks off on October 17 through November 20, and we’re going Beyond the Classroom! Last year, you helped us raise over 250,000 to build 24 classrooms for the girls at Mudzini Kwetu and over 700 additional children in the surrounding community. This year we hope to raise the funds to create an amazing learning environment for the students and additional amenities open to the community like a medical clinic and a library. Will you join us in Breaking Ground?

Will you be part of the Girl Effect?

Goodbye summer, hello Breaking Ground!

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:06:02 +0000

The sweet summer lull is past, and our girls have returned to school after their August break. Their time will be filled with schoolwork, the older girls helping the younger girls with homework, chores around the household and preparing for their yearly exams.

Busy schedules have not only found the girls but also our volunteers. Check out photos (below) from the summer’s events. The New York City chapter hosted their second annual Wine Tasting at Moore Brothers with delicious catering provided by Skytown, and Washington D.C. residents were pampered at an Aveda Open House with manicures, pedicures, facials and many other services, all in support of One Home many Hopes.

No rest for the weary though as our annual 2011 Breaking Ground Fundraising Campaign kicks off October 17 until November 20. The fundraising campaign is global, spanning all US city chapters, NYC, Boston, Washington D.C. and San Francisco and reaching out to chapters in the United Kingdom. Stay tuned to our website for Breaking Ground materials, our Calendar of Events for kick-offs happening in your city, and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for daily updates.

To see more photos of the Wine Tasting and Aveda Open House by Roadside Photo.

Meet Brooke: “enabling Kenyans to change Kenya”

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:01:31 +0000

Meet Brooke, the DC Chapter’s folk-rock expert, impromptu photographer, maker of fine desserts, and a volunteer we cannot do without.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and what you want to be when you “grow up?”

A: An ’80s baby who didn’t like ’80s music until the ’00s, I grew up under the assumption that everyone knew what it was like to get stuck behind an Amish horse and buggy on their way to a smorgasbord. Once, I wanted to be a photojournalist and writer for a travel magazine. Now, when I grow up, I just want to be employed…and maybe a Philadelphia Eagles season-ticket holder.

Q: What city chapter are you involved with?

A: Washington DC

Q:Do you have a specific role within OHMH?

A: I’ve agreed to pilot the first OHMH college program, so my chapter lead gave me a fancy title like “Regional College Program Development Coordinator.” I’m working on getting college interns to help raise awareness and funding for OHMH at some of the best colleges in the country. If the program is successful, we hope to replicate it in our other chapters (*cough*BOSTON*cough*).

Q: How long have you been involved, and how did you become involved with OHMH?

A: I got involved with OHMH right around Breaking Ground 2010. A friend who grew up in the DC area introduced me to the organization and encouraged me to get involved when I moved here. I fell in love with OHMH and the amazing people who sacrifice so much of themselves to make it the success that it is. Also, DC leadership meetings are way more fun than should be allowed.

Q: What made you get on board?

A: I was having a difficult time finding an organization to volunteer with that I agreed with their overarching philosophy until I found OHMH. OHMH’s emphasis on developing a model based on sustainability and longevity, not to mention its holistic perspective on the lives of the children it rescues and raises, was what sealed the deal for me. The focus on enabling Kenyans to change Kenya is what separates OHMH from other organizations that support similar causes.

Q: What is your favorite moment of your time with OHMH?

A: My favorite moment with OHMH is actually an entire weekend, where the leadership of the various chapters paid their own way to come together in Boston this May to finally meet one another, strategize and plan together, and celebrate the work that OHMH is doing. It was like meeting long-lost family I never knew I had. Again, way more fun than should be allowed.

Q: Why and how do you convey to your friends and family your involvement with OHMH?

A: When people ask me what’s new in my life, or what I do in my spare time in DC, I always tell them about OHMH. I love directing my creative energy, time, and resources to what we do. The DC leadership team have become my dear friends and have taught me more than I ever thought I could learn in less than a year of involvement. Also, the photos on Facebook of me attending swanky-looking events help…

Where there’s whiskey, OHMH DC may be.

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:39:45 +0000

On Thursday, July 21, nearly 40 guests & OHMH supporters converged on U Street’s Dickson Wine Bar in Washington DC to sip spirits from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, hand poured by distillery owner Scott Harris. Based in Purcellville, VA, Cactoctin Creek produces three organic, kosher spirits: a watershed gin, mosby’s spirit (legal moonshine or clear whiskey) and roundstone rye (a rye whiskey), all of which are quite tasty and can be purchased at different retail outlets around the country.

Cocktails, made with fresh squeezed organic mixers, and delicious food were available for attendees to sip and nosh as they chatted with members of the OHMH DC team and met other whiskey enthusiasts who had come out of the 100+ degree heat to enjoy the event. Daniel Grant, an OHMH Board Member based in New York City was able to join us for the event and meet our DC supporters and volunteers. Marvel at the evening’s moments with the photos taken by Firefly Imageworks.

The ticketed event raised nearly $1300 to support the mission of OHMH. Special thanks go out to the kindness of the owners of Dickson and Catoctin Creek, whose generous support ensured that one hundred percent of ticket sales went directly to support our organization. And, thank you to all those who came out- we hope you had a marvelous time!

Lullabies for Love CD Launch

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:48:13 +0000

The Lullabies for Love CD has been officially launched!

Available for purchase at Compass Records (via OHMH or directly from Compass Records) in mail order format, as well as downloadable MP3s . The CD is now also available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Bull Moose, J&R Electronics and various other regional chains, independent stores and Irish music distributors. Essentially, it is available EVERYWHERE in the U.S. and Canada! In August, it will be available in the UK and Ireland, as well as 13 other territories worldwide.

A special thank you to Brian and Lindsay O’Donovan for putting the CD together and making this happen. Here’s what our founder, Thomas Keown, had to say about the CD and their effort, ”One Home Many Hopes (OHMH) is a volunteer organization built on the desire of ordinary people to use our time and talents to do justice in the world and live lives that count. For Lindsay and these artists it’s music. By choosing to share that gift with us they are transforming and healing broken lives who will go on to transform and heal others. They are evidence that no matter what your day job is, you can enhance the world with it, if you want to. “

To see more photos of the cd release at Club Passim, check out our Facebook page.

Chapter Planning Weekend

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:32:25 +0000

In early June, our volunteers from across the U.S. and the U.K. gathered in Boston for a weekend of planning meetings. OHMHers hailed from our chapters in Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., the United Kingdom, and our newest chapter, San Francisco. Most importantly, Anthony joined us, and we were able to hear firsthand the needs and vision of Mudzini Kwetu. The almost 3 day planning session was comprised of some paper cut inducing documentation, serious brainstorming, and fantastic team building for the OHMH chapters. The lovely Haagensen family, who hosted Amy’s birthday celebration for OHMH, were gracious to host the meetings in their home as well as accommodate our out of town team members. Thank you Haagensens! We are so grateful to have you in the family. Thank you to DJ Glisson of Firefly Imageworks for capturing the many moments of our weekend.

We learned a few things about ourselves. We certainly can eat! We require coffee at ALL hours of the day. Thomas makes very odd faces, but he’s one good looking OHMH cheerleader. And, we absolutely love the girls at Mudzini Kwetu, and we’re behind the mission and vision of One Home Many Hopes until the end!

How did we not take a group picture?!

The Boston crew

Board members, Jen and Tracy (Boston)

So curious what the topic of discussion was . . .

Because every nonprofit leader needs a great set of pom poms

The ladies of NYC

Rebecca (San Francisco), Anthony, and our meeting facilitator, Amy (Boston)

Brooke showing off the Washington D.C. Chapter timeline of events and fundraisers.

Bill, Boston based architect explains his plans for the school

Anthony and Chorissa (NYC)

And for some reason, the ladies of OHMH were able to get some fabulous head shots- just couldn’t resist. Thanks DJ!

Meet Tara- “It’s about hope for them and for Africa, but it’s also about hope for us”

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:16:07 +0000

And we’re back! Our June OHMH Chapter planning meetings (photos from our zany weekend will be coming soon!) and the Breaking Ground 2011 preparations have kept us rather busy lately with our noses to the grindstone, but we’re still here! The June planning meetings brought volunteers across the nation and the Atlantic Ocean to gather in Boston. Our blog post today features Boston’s very own volunteer, Tara Craft.

Q: Tell a little about yourself and what do you want to be when you grow up?

A: When I was little I wanted to be a lawyer. My dad thought I would be pretty good at arguing to get my way

Q: What city chapter are you involved with?

A: Boston

Q: Do you have a specific role within OHMH?

A: Nothing specific, more of a “put me where you need me” sort of role.

Q: How long have you been involved, and how did you become involved with OHMH?

A: I got involved during the first Breaking Ground in 2009. Thomas ask me to help put together materials and we basically pilfered all my work resources (I was working as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association at the time.) The first event I hosted was at my friend Michelle’s house (now she is helping start the San Fran Chapter). We packed out her tiny apartment, made “ugali” and had over $50,000 pledged that night to build the girls a new house! Reetu had just gotten back from Kenya and in tears she shared how overcome she was with love for these girls after just a week with them. Initially I got involved because it is the right thing to do. I have so much, it is nonsense not to give back. But now it is so much more. It’s love.

Q: What made you get on board?

A: I remember when my roommate went to the first initial meeting that formed OHMH. The story is what gripped me- that Thomas had seen this injustice, saw hope in Anthony and was taking action. It was a few years later that I started getting involved. As we grow into a truly international organization, I find it inspiring to remember that Thomas was just a man on holiday who let himself be moved and many lives are now being changed. Not just the girls, although of course they are the most important ones; but all of our lives too, as we learn to be more selfless, put things in perspective and love others as we love ourselves.

Q: Have you visited the home? If so, tell us a little about your experience.

A: In January 2010, we arrived late at night and since the girls go to school so early the next day we didn’t see them until that evening, so we had all day to look at pictures and try to learn their names. I started getting a little nervous to meet the girls after Reetu had made me cry over her love for them. I was afraid we wouldn’t click since I’m not such a kid person. When they got home from school they EXPLODED off the school bus with hugs and screaming “aunty!” and it was ah-mazing! They all got sugar cane after school and were jumping all over the place with sugar dripping down their faces — AHH! I miss those faces!

Q: What is your favorite moment of your time with OHMH?

A: Wow, just one moment. This is too hard. Probably the sugar cane faces. That is tough to beat.

Q: Why and how do you convey to your friends and family your involvement with OHMH?

A: My friends and family all know about the girls and how important they are to me. My aunts love when I post pictures of the girls on Facebook. I tell everyone about OHMH. I just think anyone who learns about the potential of these little ones will be dedicated to helping them achieve it. I always share how happy and loving they are. There is such a living hope in these young ladies that reminds me how even the darkest parts of our lives can be redeemed. It’s about hope for them and for Africa, but it’s also about hope for us.

A Grand Evening in Washington D.C.

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:45:18 +0000

How did we ever forget about Washington D.C.’s fabulous event with Anthony?

Special thanks to Ellie Van Houtte Photography for lending superb photography skills and for showing up at a moment’s notice to capture some incredible shots! Thanks Ellie! Thank you to Grosvenor Market for donating very tasty beverages for our guests. To read more about the evening’s events, then make your way to The Little Black Blog. And gratitude for all those who attended; we appreciate you more than you know! Now, a few words from our lovely Brooke Prokopchak.

“Before coming to D.C. proper, our founders made a stop the night before in Richmond, Virginia, for an event hosted by DJ Glisson with Firefly Imageworks. He’s the one responsible for most of the incredible OHMH videos and photos. The Richmond event featured presentations by Thomas and Anthony, as well as a special silent auction of some of framed photos taken by DJ during his stays at Mudzini Kwetu.

The D.C. event was held the next evening, May 12, in a beautiful space with gorgeous views of the District (including the Capitol building), graciously donated by NBC Universal. As the sun set, visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the seventh floor, over sixty guests arrived, grabbed some hors d’oeuvres and drinks, while meeting and mingling with the D.C. chapter leadership. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and buzzing with discussions of our current and future plans for OHMH.

Our story began with words from Thomas, who shared a bit of his story and passion and charmed the crowd (as he is wont to do). Thomas then passed the mic to Anthony, who explained the Kenyan culture and context surrounding Mudzini Kwetu and discussed the importance of changing the status quo, particularly regarding education, in order to better serve the girls in the home and the country of Kenya as a whole. He wrapped up by fielding questions from the audience, but not before thanking everyone for their solidarity and generosity in support.

The D.C. chapter continues to grow and stay tuned here, Twitter and Facebook for updates!”