What We Do

We are an action-taking, life-changing organization.

Over the years, the vision & scope of action of The Echo Foundation, Inc. has evolved. What started out as the E.c.h.o. Ministry (every community helping orphans) in church back in 2008, has grown into an action taking, life changing organization serving children around the world.

Repair & Preservation

There are dozens of children’s homes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are focusing on the government operated orphanages. The disrepair and crowding of each home can be a bit overwhelming, but we have been able to focus on the greatest tasks at hand. We have found great success in prioritizing needs and addressing the issues in that order.

The three homes that we are assisting are Kibebe Tsehay or KT (birth to age 8-10), Kechene (girls appx 10-18), and Kolfe (boys appx 8-18). It originally appeared that Kolfe had been the most neglected. Kolfe was built in the 1950’s and has housed hundreds and hundreds of children throughout the years. There’s a structure on one of the compound’s grounds that is only ten years old, but by it’s well-worn appearance, it seems a possible lack of quality craftmanship or building materials surfaced and it is not proving it’s durability. It’s challenging enough to focus on the amount of children that we can assist in caring for, but compile that with the need to repair and/or rebuild structures and facilities, the situation has at times, seemed hopeless. However, we know that with proper planning, labor, materials, and your generosity, we will make a difference!

We gathered information, got quotes for all we needed and assessed what projects were dire. In September 2018 and again in February-March of 2019, Amy was able to join her colleagues in Addis Ababa, participate in much of the manual labor, and oversee some of the bigger projects. We were able to celebrate some amazing accomplishments, but there is still much work to be done.

Currently, roofs need to be replaced on 7 buildings at Kolfe, 65 windows have broken glass, and entirely new electrical systems need to be run through the dorms. At KibebeTsehay, roof repair needs to be done on one building, ceilings are moldy, and there is a lot of water damage running down a few of the walls of another building at KT. Walls also need to be replaced at Kechene. One wall has such a large space open that one can see into the space below the room. These are just a snapshot of what needs to be done at the three homes.

Please consider donating to our building project fund!

Education

Psycho social education support, which includes, but is not limited to: Weekly group sessions are held introducing activities that cultivate self acceptance and improve social interactions. We also work to implement psychological understanding, to develop decision making skills, to understand self-value, and give them the tools to thrive within circumstances. All of these lessons are taught in order to change patterns of thinking, negative behaviors, and to create successful adults. The children show improvement in their cognitive skills after trauma, have an increased understanding of teamwork, and are developing greater problem-solving techniques. We also focus on looking forward and growing toward goals versus staying stuck in past situations and thought patterns. Life skills are something we address as well. The children are taught how to budget, open their own bank account with funds provided by our child sponsorship program, and the importance of good hygiene and living in surroundings that will enable them to maintain their dignity.

Necessities

Personal hygiene and care items are almost impossible to keep in stock. We have done our best to partner with each children’s center to supplement pain and fever relieving medications, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene notions, and furnish their restroom facilities with working doors and shower curtains to maintain dignity and privacy. Over 200 high quality bath towels, 220 sets of bedsheets, over 550 toothbrushes/toothpaste sets have been distributed and the plans and projects continue. It’s with your selfless donations that we are able to replenish supply and continue improving the living conditions of these establishments.

Local Support

The Echo Foundation is partnering with Second Bridge Inc. so that we can also serve more children locally.

We support them in effort and financial assistance to meet the needs of transitioning foster children, supplying care items such as clothing, furniture, toiletries etc. to foster families taking in children in emergency situations, fundraising for activities for day camps, teen events, and placement, education, and job training for those aging out of the foster care system in Illinois.