Trinity Community Aid Network Newsletter

Dear Friends;

It is just over a year since we started to organize the nonprofit.  We acquired a Board of Directors, a name, constitution, by-laws, incorporation, and approval by the IRS as a 501 (C) (3) by April 19, 2006. 

In January, 2006 we began recruiting sponsors for children.  In a few days eleven children had sponsors.  In April we increased that number to twenty-three.  We were amazed that so many people were willing to help us help the children of Uganda.

In May, Don and Ruth visited Uganda.  Many friends welcomed us.  While there we renewed friendships and  helped to establish Community Aid Network, Uganda.  It is now registered as a national Non-Government Organization (NGO).  It serves as our administrative arm there, provides  for personal attention to the students, oversees projects and accountability of the funds. 

In the fall a fund raiser was held with great efforts contributed by local friends.  Twelve hundred dollars was raised. It was used to completely finish the nursery school and to sponsor some students.  Over the months, several individuals have sent contributions, enabling us to upgrade our computer, purchase necessary software, and pay other administrative costs.  We also purchased a notebook computer and are making payments on it as contributions come in.

Perhaps the biggest news is that in September we increased the number of sponsored students to over seventy.  Again we were amazed at the growth and the willingness of people to help.  All of these students are benefiting greatly by uninterrupted education. This number will continue to grow.

We are learning as we go.  We have a strong commitment to accountability and promise that every penny designated for a child goes to meet that child’s needs.  Our own funds and other contributions pay the administrative expenses.

The Health and Education Mission will be held September 13-29, 2007.  Please see our web site for details and contact us.  Doctors and nurses and other helpers are still needed.   We plan to take a group of 10-12.

We have several projects under consideration.  The fish hatchery is still unfunded as is the medical clinic.  We are exploring solar stoves, lights, and water pumps.  There is much sunshine in Uganda and a scarcity of other energy sources.  We believe much misery and poverty can be eliminated through the use of solar energy.  Keep tuned for further information. 

Don is reducing his employment to four days a week so he can work an extra day for TCAN.  Hopefully we can then obtain some grants and/or other funding for projects and students.

So far all work in the US and Uganda is being done by volunteers.  Due to the growth, however, we will soon need one full time employee in Uganda.  We will be seeking funding for that.  We should be able to get a college trained social worker for about $200 a month.

Thanks to everyone who has helped accomplish so much in only one year.  We look forward to much progress in 2007.

Don and Ruth Newville

Trinity Community Aid Network

Dear Friends;

Ruth and I spent two weeks in Uganda, returning home on May 25. The trip was very productive.  We were able to see all of the sponsored children.  We have a video of them singing for us, doing a drama, and receiving their gifts and school fees which we personally delivered to each child.  We are working on getting copies of the video so you can all see it.

Poverty is everywhere in Uganda.  Many children are orphans because of AIDS.  Every family is affected in some way.  There is no welfare or foster care system so extended family members just keep taking in more children.  As a result many are unable to attend school or even have the basic necessities of life.  We want to do our little part to alleviate some of the suffering due to poverty.

A major accomplishment of our trip was to re-establish contacts with old friends and to broaden our base of support with government and church officials.  While there, we held the initial meetings of Community Aid Network, Uganda (CAN-U).   I am one of the founders and am on the Board.  Jacob Oboth, whom many of you have met, is the Board President.  Papers have now been filed to register that organization as a NGO (Non-government Organization).  CAN-U will select children for sponsorship and directly administer the funds.  It will also select projects for possible funding and manage them when funded.  We will be able to visit, hold meetings with the leaders, families and children and thus assure that the money is used for its intended purpose.

Our American organization, Trinity Community Aid Network (TCAN), was officially incorporated on April 19, 2006 as a nonprofit organization.   Papers have now been submitted to the IRS for 501 (3) (c) status so that contributors may claim tax deductions.  We expect to receive approval in the near future.  Contributions made after April 19, 2006 will then be deductible. 

We want to thank you very much for your support during this start up period.  We now have sponsored 23 children and will be increasing that number gradually. 

Currently we are finishing construction of a Nursery School in Muwafu village.  This building had been partially constructed and then abandoned by another organization.  We have received about $1200.00 towards it so far and need another $400 to bring it to a usable state.  Seventy children are registered and waiting for it to open.  CAN-U will administer the school.  The District Education Officer is in the process of approving it for opening.  In addition to the Nursery School, we have several other projects under consideration. 

The second school term is now underway.  The third term begins in September.  Those of you who are paying by the term will need to submit funds to TCAN in August so we can wire it over in time.  Checks can be made payable to TCAN. 

Finally, TCAN is in need of a computer that has Windows XP.  We need to obtain PowerPoint and a good accounting program such as Quickbooks-NonProfits and our home computer is too old to run them.  We also need a good digital camera and a video camera.

Thanks again for your prayers and monetary support.   We will keep you informed on the progress of the sponsored children and projects.  I am building a group email list for Trinity so we can communicate quickly and efficiently. If you send me an email at don@trinityaid.org I will add you to the list.

Sincerely,

Don Newville, President (TCAN)