Please help me change lives

Michael Ellenbogen

Hi folks,

 

I need you help ideas and if you have funds, I need them to.

 

As many of you know I have been an advocate for this cause for a very long time. What you may not know is that I do this work all over the world. I have focused a lot of my work in Africa were they believe dementia is which craft and may are locked in chains. I have been working with leaders of all faiths and they are helping to educate there communities. They never ask for money and welcome to help me with open arms. All they ask from me is to pray for them.

 

These folks have no food, water, cloths and the most basic things. I am looking to change some of that were I can. The girls need mental products and they don’t go to school as they do not have them.

 

I am looking for any kind of help and direction to make connections that can help change this lives. This one little boy thought he was so lucky and was telling ever one that. He felt lucky because he had one shoe.

 

I am looking to get also online basic education plans for different grades so it could be shared with some one that can help teach them.

 

Please help me change lives?

jfkoc

we are so blessed here and sometimes do not realize  it...glad to help....how?

Michael Ellenbogen

Need connections to companies that will send and donate date expired products to them so its a win win for all

 

Need connections to teachers that can share lesson plans electronically

 

Need places that will send used clothing or even new.

 

Need menstrual products.

 

Need used bibles or new if we can get them - Not sure about this one as there are many languages and they really seem to want these the most.

 

There needs are endless.

 

They need flyers to help get the word out about dementia. A lot ask me for that.

 

And of course money but I am unsure how or what I would do with it yet.

I could also use volunteers to speak to these folks to see how you could help them directly. I have hundreds I am dealing with and overwhelmed. But please don’t waste these folks time or hopes if you are not wiling to real help them.

Iris L.

Michael, my husband was African so I know a little bit about the needs of Africa.  Wanting to help Africans is commendable.  But the needs can be overwhelming.  Personally, I was so overwhelmed that I turned my attention to Haiti, where my cousin had a personal contact and I believed I could have more of an impact. 

Back to you.  It's true, Africans need help, but Africans need to help themselves.   They are helping themselves.  There are are many legitimate charities and organizations, but there are also many scams and much corruption.   Please make sure you are working with a legitimate group or person.  It is so easy for people to pull on our heart-strings and take advantage of people like us, Michael.  Especially from overseas.  

People in Africa do have food.  If they do not have food, they are in a war-torn area and need professionals to help them.  Michael, be very careful.  My suggestion, if you go forward would be to find a personal contact whom you know to be trustworthy and work with that person.  

I'll tell you a tip that my Haitian contact, which is a school, told me.  They said many well-meaning people want to send goods or supplies or items.  They said not to send anything unless arrangements have been made by them.  This is because the government over there puts a duty tax on all incoming goods that they have to pay in cash before the items are allowed in.  They did not have the cash to pay for unsolicited items, even if they were needed.  I knew this to be true, because I had brought a gift to my husband's family in Africa, costing over $500.  The duty was 100%.  I did not have another $500 to hand over.  I told them the value was $100, so I paid $100 in duty tax.  This was in the days before the internet or they would have easily discovered the true value of the gift.  

Are you in contact with an Alzheimer's organization in Africa?

Iris

Michael Ellenbogen

Thanks Iris and I am very aware of the scams. I have people with eyes in the area that vets these folks. The people of faith take in many kids who their parents were killed and yes some are in the worst parts of Africa. Its not that they need to help them selves as its they don’t have the knowledge to do some of this. Their government is there biggest problem as they take supplies for them selves and resale part of what is sent there. That is why I am trying to get it directly to the community leaders. Like I said these are people who have never asked me for money, but just prayer. I am the one seeking these people out and not the other way around.

 

People have no idea how great we have it her in the US and dot allow some scammers to prevent you from helping people in need. I also am working in Hatti.

 

 ADI is not much help as all they care is about the money they get, Very said 

Iris L.

Knowing that you are working directly with trustworthy people is a relief to me, Michael.  It is so fulfilling to make a difference in people's lives.  

Iris

Michael Ellenbogen

I have the best job in the world. I get to change lives every day. That sure makes me feel so good and I am addicted to it.

abc123

Iris, you made some excellent points about the scammers! My Dad drilled water wells in Africa with a group called Thirst No More. Very rewarding work. 

Michael, I’m happy to know you have good, solid contacts there! Thank you for your passion to help others.