Dear friends and family,

Thank you for visiting my page and showing your support :)

In March 2010, I will be traveling to Sao Paulo, Brazil as part of a Seven Hills Global Outreach (SHGO) mission in association with the Clark University Social Entrepreneurship Club. I, along with 12 other Clark students and Seven Hills staff, will be working directly with local organizations to address social issues in the community and help create a sustainable impact in Brazil.

Our Mission:

The World Bank estimates that approximately 14.5% percent of the population in Brazil is developmentally disabled. Those living with developmental disabilities are an under-served group worldwide who are vulnerable to medical problems, economically challenged, socially marginalized, educationally neglected and at very high risk of being maltreated. There are, however, incredible organizations which exist to provide proper care and support to both children and adults who struggle with developmental and intellectual disadvantages. We will be working with such an organization, known as CIAM (Israelite Center for Multidiscipline Support), that promotes the inclusion and social support of over 600 individuals in the area through their Village of Hope residence community. These individuals are given opportunities to lead normal lives as commendable human beings, capable of taking part in numerous activities and programs that they would normally be denied of in the greater population of Brazil.

 

We will also be working with an ASHOKA fellow, Carla Mauch, who aims to promote the rights of those disabled by utilizing schools as venues for building support networks. Our goal is to aid in the existing efforts of such entrepreneurs and organizations who care for and rehabilitate both children and young adults living with developmental disabilities and provide them with the additional care and support they need.

 

 

How you can help:

 

In order for me to take part in this wonderful journey, I greatly need your help. I will need to fundraise roughly $1,500 in the next few months leading to my trip to cover the cost of traveling, housing, and other expenses for my 10 day stay in Brazil. By donating directly through this page, you can help support me in my mission. Your contribution would greatly help me in my efforts and will go towards making a difference in the lives of those living with disabilities in Brazil. I will try my hardest to bring positive changes to the community I will be working with and from this experience, I hope to continue making sustainable changes and start new initiatives in my own local community.

 

By donating, you are investing in these wonderful organizations trying to create change for people in need, as well as me in my journey and experience so that I can further my understanding of what it means to be a social entrepreneur.

 

Thanks again for your support! Any amount you can contribute, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind that your donations are tax deductible! (Seven Hills Foundation, which receives the money is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization)

If you have any questions about this mission or making a donation, please email me at EFilippi@clarku.edu. Please help spread the word by forwarding this page to anyone you know who will be willing to help support this cause!

 

Sincerely,

Enrica Filippi