Dear Courage Supporter,
5 years ago, I wondered about the future of Courage Worldwide and the enormous dream God put on my heart to build homes for young girls rescued from sex trafficking. 5 years ago, I went from a water-walking, giant-slaying, history-making, faith-filled risk taker to someone who just wanted to go to bed and pull the covers over her head.
For over 10 years, Courage Worldwide had experienced exceptional momentum and community favor that we attributed to God and our obedience to His call on our personal lives and the life of the organization. Then in 2017, it seemed like it all grinded to a halt.
The momentum evaporated and so did my faith—not in God, but in being able to accomplish all He had put on my heart when circumstances seemed so bleak.
California changed its laws and no longer offered a long term license for group care of minors. The Courage Worldwide Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close the minor home and transition to an over-18 home, selling the 50-acre ranch.
When this happened, the local newspaper wrote stories inviting distrust of my leadership and of the entire organization's mission.
My personal integrity was brought into question.
Loyal supporters and employees withdrew their support without conversation.
Finances were strained.
My husband and I became foster parents to one of the youngest girls who called Courage House home because she asked. She then ran away after 6 months of staying with us when she was caught committing a crime in our neighborhood.
I had a personal crisis involving a family member who suffered with addiction that caused division in my own family.
My son fell 40 feet and broke his pelvis in two pieces, having to be airlifted to a hospital. (Thank God, he made a fully recovery.)
5 years ago, my strength, my passion, and my faith were weak. But God, though He uses us to accomplish His plans on this earth, is not dependent upon us. In these past 5 years, God did more in and through us with fewer people, less money, and less momentum than we had in the first 10 years. He not only sustained us but grew us through a global pandemic! While there was a pause in our programs in the U.S., our operations in Tanzania exploded! We sent trusted employees there to manage those programs and subsequent growth. Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned for all that has happened there in such a short time.
We expanded our program from a resident capacity of 6 to a resident capacity of 60 on our minor campus, along with over 15 of their children.
We opened an over-18 transition home for former Courage House residents with a capacity of 30 residents and over 10 of their children.
We started an onsite charter school.
We started a daycare and preschool for the children of the residents of Courage House in addition to the children of our staff as an employee benefit.
We developed a line of Courage Products created and sold by residents to support their education once they are 18-years-old.
We opened Courage Café—a café and a community event and training center—which financially supports our programs and provides both career training and employment opportunities to former residents.
We partnered with a coffee farm in Tanzania and a roaster here in the United States to begin selling Courage Coffee, another funding stream.
We opened Courage Worldwide offices in another region of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, to expand our programs in that region.
With complete confidence, I can say Courage Worldwide and I are stronger than ever and are now ready for the next 5 years!
Our team met in August to create our Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. We met together for three days reviewing the past and looking towards the future. It became clear during our time that we have five areas to focus on for the next five years.
Open a Courage House and Trauma Assessment Center in the United States.
Expand our Existing Programs in Tanzania
Research & Replicate Courage House in Other African Countries
Create A Succession Plan for Leadership and Develop New Leaders
Continue Diversifying Our Funding Streams
Will you consider a tax-deductible year end financial gift?
Your giving allows us to continue changing the world one individual at a time.
Your giving gives a home to a child who doesn't have a safe one of her own.
Your giving helps us provide her resources to begin her journey of healing.
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Jenny Williamson Founder/CEO, Courage Worldwide
We've raised $23,000 out of our $50,000 goal! Thank you to all of you who have given and continue to support us.
Join us in reaching our goal today!
P.S. Need a holiday gift? We have an idea for you: Courage Coffee!
Get a bag (or a few) delivered directly to your doorstep, perfect for gifts and your morning cup of joe in this chilly weather! Courage Coffee originates from the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and is freshly roasted in California. Tanzanian Peaberry coffee is some of the highest quality in the world—you will not be disappointed. Every bag sold contributes to our mission of providing safe homes and comprehensive resources to child victims of sex trafficking. Every bag makes a difference!