Empower Orphans
Encyclopedia
Empower Orphans is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which intends to address the problems associated with orphan
s and abandoned children, and children born into homes living in poverty
. The organization’s goal is to help create self sufficiency by supplying children with the tools to gain a basic education
and technical skills to enable a sustainable livelihood. In addition to education, Empower Orphans provides food, clothing, health care, and medical supplies to establish an effective learning environment.
Orphan
An orphan is a child permanently bereaved of or abandoned by his or her parents. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents is called an orphan...
s and abandoned children, and children born into homes living in poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
. The organization’s goal is to help create self sufficiency by supplying children with the tools to gain a basic education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
and technical skills to enable a sustainable livelihood. In addition to education, Empower Orphans provides food, clothing, health care, and medical supplies to establish an effective learning environment.
History
The organization was started by Neha Gupta when she was 9 years old. She was inspired to establish Empowering Orphans through visits to her grandparents in India, where she observed poverty stricken children.Projects
Money raised has been invested in projects to benefit orphaned and impoverished children.Education:
- Established 3 libraries, with total of 10,000 books at an orphanage and at 2 schools for under privileged children.
- Started a computer lab at an under privileged school. The lab has 4 computers, 4 printer, power supply backup and internet facilities.
- Set up a science center with microscopes at a school for under privileged children.
- Established a sewing institution with 30 sewing machines for the older sibling of children attending an under privileged school. The graduating class were given these sewing machines, which enabled them to immediately start their own business and earn a living and assist their families.
- Sponsored the complete education of 50 children under privileged children.
Healthcare:
- Conducted a 4 day Eye and Dental Clinic for 360 under privileged children. The doctors evaluated the needs of each child and advanced treatment was provided to the children as appropriate. 56 children were provided additional eye care and 103 children with extensive dental treatment.
- Provided nutritious food, school books, school bags, footwear, warm clothes and blankets to thousands of orphaned children.
Miscellaneous:
- Provided 200 CFL bulbs to an orphanage located in Bucks County, PA, in order to lower their electricity bills. Also, bicycles were provided. The savings are funneled into areas that directly benefit the children.
- Empower Orphans also works with an organization that assists abused children (located in Montgomery County, PA). We have provided stuffed toys to this organization, to make that children feel more at home.
Awards
- Gold Medal for President's Volunteer Service Award - This includes a certificate and letter from President Obama and a gold lapel pin
- Winner of Wachovia bank's Philanthropic Award ("Who Would You Thank")
- Winner of 15th Annual Please Touch Museum's Great Friends to Kids Award
- Bronze Medal for Prudential Spirit of Community Award