Better for All

Foto Friday!

2011-08-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

Love & Care Orphanage
Cairo, Egypt
www.betterforkids.org

Show us how you're Better for Kids!

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

We know that you’re Better for Kids! Here’s your chance to share your story and let all of us know what you’re doing in your community to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Your story will be featured in our Community Section and Better for Kids blog. There will also be "You're Better For Kids" giveaways!

Please send us:

Stories
Photos
Events
Web sites

Click here to submit your story!

Foto Friday!

2011-08-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare
Cairo, Egypt

Love. Hope. Renewal.

2011-08-16T16:58:00.000-04:00

Click here to view the Better for Kids site.

Foto Friday!

2011-08-12T11:38:00.001-04:00

Meet Durga of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

BetterForKids.org

2011-08-10T11:29:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken by Todd at a group meal in Zeway, Ethiopia. Click here for the video!

Find out more about Better For Kids at www.betterforkids.org

Foto Friday!

2011-08-05T16:26:00.000-04:00

We currently have a Mercy Ministry program in an area called Ezbet El Nakhl in Egypt. Our Mercy Minister visits these families weekly and shares the gospel with them, prays with them and also gives them food or other items that their family needs such as clothing or school supplies for the kids.

Global Views on Challenges Facing Children

2011-08-02T14:16:00.000-04:00

Members of the World Forum community were invited to respond to the question: "What is the most urgent challenge facing young children in your country?" Here are some of their responses:

Africa:

Cameroon: Insecurity. Young children face lots of insecurity, both from health hazards and poor parenting skills. Children suffer from neglect, deprivation, and related violence from the very people who are supposed to protect them.
Kenya: Both indoor and outdoor spaces are small resulting in overcrowding. Inadequate school feeding programs.
Nigeria: Poverty, with its concomitant effects such as malnutrition, diseases, and squalor, is the most urgent challenge facing young children in Nigeria.
Sierra Leone: The absence of learning resource materials.
Tanzania: Lack of adequate basic needs causes many children to be malnourished; hence they become vulnerable to so many diseases.

Europe:

Belgium: The greatest challenge for today and the future is to adapt the ECE system to the growing number of children whose first language is not Dutch or French.
Moldova: Many children do not have the needed support for their developmental and learning due to poverty, neglect, and non-existing or low-quality education services.

Arab Region:

Egypt: The main challenge would be how to introduce Egyptian children to democratic values, and ensure the right for expression, which should be a reflection of the latest democratic changes in Egypt.
Iran: Economic and political hardship which has caused depression in families, forcing academics into early years, trying to impose their view of religion on children in every way, and lacking knowledge about developmentally appropriate practice.
Lebanon: The most serious challenge facing young children in Lebanon today is the wide disparity between urban and rural children.

Asia/Pacific:

Australia: Indigenous children continue to report a depleted sense of belonging; many also display unacceptably low levels of literacy and numeracy.

The Americas

Brazil: Children face inequity and social disparity at such a high level that it jeopardizes the development of all children: rich, middle class, and most of all the children of poverty.
United States: The greatest challenge I see facing young children is the growing number of children in poverty who are not getting the proper nurturance and intellectual stimulation they deserve.

See the expanded version of this article online here.

Source: www.ccie.com

Movement - Alliance for a Healthier Generation

2011-07-25T14:03:00.000-04:00

www.healthiergeneration.org
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to address one of the nation’s leading public health threats—childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices. Founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference in a child’s health: homes, schools, doctor’s offices, and communities.

Foto Friday!

2011-07-22T15:51:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Childcare

Cairo, Egypt

www.betterforkids.org

Stick Your Neck Out - A Street-Smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond

2011-07-18T11:27:00.000-04:00

Stick Your Neck Out is a comprehensive and practical guide to the skills, qualities, and strategies you need to make a difference, covering every aspect of working for change-from choosing an issue to mapping out a plan, creating a vision of success, organizing a team, building trust, resolving conflicts, working with the media, moving through bureaucracies, setting legal strategies and more. Filled with practical tips and inspiring examples of real people, this book provides the missing link between ideas and ideals on one hand, and effective action on the other.

Find it here.

Foto Friday!

2011-07-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

Magdy reading to the kids of Hanna's Orphan Home - Zeway, Ethiopia
www.betterforkids.org

BetterForKids.org - Celebrate!

2011-07-12T09:37:00.002-04:00

"June 1st was a joy filled day at EGSS & Better For Kids orphanage! We wanted to give the kids a day full of fun, friends and food. We invited local families to join us as we watched fun performers, danced and sang. The kids also got to enjoy a nice, hot meal. Here’s a photo from our Orphan Celebration! The kids and families had blast!"

Visit www.betterforkids.org!

Be a Green Kid!

2011-07-11T10:35:00.000-04:00

Every day, people make choices that affect the amount of trash and pollution that gets produced in our world. What can you do? A whole lot, actually. Here's a four-step guide to being green:

1. Reduce It!

Turn off lights you're not using.
Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth.
When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of driving in the car. You'll use less gas — and get some exercise.
Unplug the chargers for your phone and MP3 player when you're not using them.
Put your computer to "sleep" instead of leaving it on with the screen saver running.

2. Reuse it!
Sometimes people call ours a "throwaway society." That means that we're a little too willing to throw away old stuff and buy new stuff. Many times, even if you no longer need something, someone else just might.

Here are some additional ways to reuse the stuff you have:

Use rechargeable batteries for your handheld computer games, MP3 players, cell phones, and digital cameras.
Choose reusable travel cups instead of disposable paper or plastic cups.
Take your own bags — preferably reusable ones — when you go to the grocery store.
Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water.
Organize a swap among your friends. Books, toys, even clothes. It's a way for everyone to get something new without spending any money and without throwing a bunch of stuff away.
Take paper from your computer printouts and use the other side for more computer printing or just to draw or doodle on

3. Recycle It!

Recycling has never been easier. Many communities will pick it up right in front of your house and some towns even require it.

4. Enjoy It!

It's true that trash and pollution are problems, but the Earth remains a huge and glorious place that's ready for you to explore. You can start locally by visiting the naturally beautiful spots in your city and state. Go for a hike, visit local nature centers and gardens, climb up mountains, and explore lazy creeks.

kidshealth.com

We're Going Green - And That's Better For All!

2011-07-11T09:46:00.002-04:00

PureFUN! Inc. now offers electronic delivery of invoices and statements. It's good for the environment and it saves time and money.

Go to www.purefunbetterforall.com to sign up for paperless invoices and statements.

Foto Friday!

2011-07-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

Meet Indira of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Start a movement!

2011-07-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Small acts can make a big difference!

Identify a cause that you and your staff feel strongly about and establish a fund to support it. Having children attend a school that cares about the bigger picture means a lot to parents. You will be surprised how quickly the contributions add up!

A thoughtful PureFUN! employee took the iniative of starting a "Haiti Fund" in our office. It has been about a month now and we have raised almost $2,000!

Source Reduction - Why?

2011-06-27T11:09:00.000-04:00

Why It's Important...

Source reduction conserves raw material and energy resources.
Smaller packages and concentrated products typically use fewer materials and less energy to manufacture and transport.
Source reduction reduces releases to air, land and water. For example, it takes less fuel to transport lighter weight materials.
Source reduction cuts back on what has to be thrown away. That helps keep solid waste disposal costs down, which is good for municipal budgets and consumers.
Source-reduced cleaning products take up less space in the home, and are more efficient and easier to use.

Source Reduction

2011-06-26T20:44:00.000-04:00

What It Is...

Source reduction is decreasing the amount of materials or energy used during the manufacturing or distribution of products and packages. Because it stops waste before it starts, source reduction is the top solid waste priority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Foto Friday!

2011-06-24T16:47:00.000-04:00

EGSS & Better For Kids Orphanage
Cairo, Egypt

Click here for more info. on betterforkids.org and EGSS & Better For Kids Orphanage

betterforkids.org - Caring for Cairo

2011-06-21T16:40:00.001-04:00

Egypt: Evangelical Good Samaritan Society & Better For Kids Orphanage (est. 1992)

Our orphanage in Egypt is right outside of Cairo in Mokattam, Egypt. It is currently a loving home to 42 children. Because adoption is not legal in Egypt, there are more than 1 million children living on the streets who’s parents have died or cannot care for them. Through our orphanage and Mercy Ministry program, our goal is to reach these children and provide basic needs such as food, shelter and medical attention as well as demonstrate God’s unconditional love to them. View photos here!

Visit betterforkids.org.

betterforkids.org - Embracing Ethiopia

2011-06-21T16:36:00.001-04:00

Ethiopia: Hanna’s Orphan Home (HOH) (est. 2010)

Our orphanage in Ethiopia is home to 20 orphans from the local village of Zeway. Hanna Teshome is the director of the home and cares for the children along with house mothers. These children once slept on floors with no blankets, received only 1 meal a day, and had no one to care for them. They now have beds, clothes on their bodies, and enjoy 3 meals a day! They attend school and receive love and compassion from Hanna and the house mothers. The change in these children since coming to the orphanage is remarkable! The evidence is in the photos. Check out the photo gallery of our Ethiopia Orphans to see these beautiful faces.

www.betterforkids.org

Foto Friday!

2011-06-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia

Better In Action Team - May Recap

2011-06-16T09:14:00.001-04:00

PureFUN! is deeply passionate about "making things better for others by giving ourselves away." We have created the "Better In Action" initiative to act on our passions. Here is a recap of how we made things better for others by giving ourselves away during the month of May.

A Day of Hope 2011 - The vision of A Day of Hope 2011 outreach is to promote unity among churches, ministries and non-profit organizations by serving together for the purpose of regenerating* our community.

TACA Georgia Family Picnic - Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and sup- porting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.

Cox Cottage - Helping provide a safe and supportive living environment for struggling girls.

Refugee Sewing Society - The Refugee Sewing Society serves refugee women who have fled genocide by providing an atmosphere for healing, an opportunity to express creativity, a means for building self-esteem, and a source of income.

Metro Merge - Metro Merge is a non-profit vision working to strengthen for-profit business in our under-resourced neighborhood.

Betterforkids.org: Mercy Ministry

2011-06-15T12:30:00.000-04:00

The purpose of Mercy Ministry is to reach outside the walls of our orphanage and impact other vulnerable children in nearby villages with the gospel. We financially and spiritually support local churches, believers and ministers who help these children and their families.

Through this program we can provide clothing, food, medical attention, Bibles and school supplies to children outside the orphanage who need them most. Along the way, these Mercy Ministers are able to demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways that bring these children and their families hope.

Find out more here.

EGSS Orphanage in Egypt - Update

2011-06-14T11:15:00.000-04:00

Many of you are reading, hearing and being bombarded concerning the crisis, trials and difficulties we face as Christians in Egypt! Yet, the Lord's ministry here in our land is growing! Our ministry team is encouraged as they have been able to share the gospel to many precious souls during the past months!

The challenge that the Lord has put on our hearts to reach about 1,000 people in 10 different poor areas in Egypt is becoming a reality and is now expanding through our ministry team in Ethiopia! Now we have a program of weekly visits to almost 800 people in 160 homes in both countries! It is amazing to read all the stories in the monthly reports about each family. God is at work and we are blessed to be a part of this ministry.

www.betterforkids.org

FCS Urban Ministries

2011-06-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

Our mission is to create healthy places in the city where families flourish and God’s shalom is present.

FCS (focus community strategies) is a collective of visionaries and social entrepreneurs, transforming distressed urban neighborhoods through Christian community development.

fcsministries.org

Foto Friday!

2011-06-10T14:04:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage and Daycare
Cairo, Egypt
www.betterforkids.org

ATL Event - Alphabet Soup

2011-06-07T12:58:00.001-04:00

Alphabet Soup
June 23 - 10:30 to 11:15
Ages 2 to 6 yodel, crow, sing and wiggle in this fun-filled music program. Reservations begin June 16th.
Roswell Library - 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075

Partner - South Atlanta Bike Shop

2011-06-06T11:52:00.000-04:00

South Atlanta Bike Shop is a non-profit youth development program in the Historic South Atlanta. Youth in our neighborhood, ages 11-18, can earn “shop bucks” by working in the bike shop and spend these to purchase bicycles, bicycle accessories, replacement parts and pay for bike trip registration fees.

In the process of earning a bicycles they acquire job readiness and leadership/management skills.

The donated bicycles we repair are placed for sale at affordable prices in our neighborhood thrift store: The South Atlanta Marketplace.

southatlantabikeshop.org

Foto Friday!

2011-06-03T14:46:00.001-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia
www.betterforkids.org

ATL Area Event - Alphabet Soup

2011-06-02T13:14:00.000-04:00

Message from the Orphanage in Cairo

2011-06-01T10:46:00.002-04:00

Please continue to pray for Egypt and its people.

Pray for wisdom for all those who are in authority.

Pray for the families who lost their loved ones in the violence, and those who are injured.

Pray that the spirit of fanaticism and extremism would not penetrate our society.

Pray that the flame which came out the Churches while burning may become the spirit’s fire to surround and protect Christians in Egypt. “And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.” Zechariah 2:5

Pray for our churches, so that we can fix our eyes on God who is in control.

Foto Friday!

2011-05-27T11:05:00.000-04:00

Meet Nancy Tharwat Shawky.

She is visited weekly by our Mercy Ministers in Egypt.

Nancy and her family get physical and spiritual support with the help of Better For Kids.

Refugee Sewing Society

2011-05-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

This is a photo taken at a recent visit to the Refugee Sewing Society. The women from the Advanced Sewing group are standing in front of a blanket PureFUN! employees gave them.

Read more about how the Refugee Sewing Society impacts the lives of refugee women here.

Mercy Ministry

2011-05-23T11:12:00.001-04:00

Meet Rania! She is one of our Mercy Ministry children in Egypt. She's in 1st grade and she loves to collect coins & play puzzles. One day she wants to own a clothes shop! Meet the rest of our Mercy Ministry kids here.

The purpose of Mercy Ministry is to reach outside the walls of our orphanage and impact other vulnerable children in nearby villages with the gospel. We financially and spiritually support local churches, believers and ministers who help these children and their families.

Through this program we can provide clothing, food, medical attention, Bibles and school supplies to children outside the orphanage who need them most. Along the way, these Mercy Ministers are able to demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways that bring these children and their families hope.

Click here to find out more.

Foto Friday!

2011-05-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

Meet Harka of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

An Event for Families with Autism

2011-05-17T09:21:00.000-04:00

TACA Georgia Family Picnic
An Event for Families with Autism

Saturday, May 21, 2011
11-3 p.m.

Roger's Bridge Park
4000 Rogers Bridge Road
Duluth, GA 30097

Lunch provided by Shane's Rib Shack
Fun bounce houses, train rides, family fun games, music, and vendor fair.

Register today!
All participants must register by May 19th.
Scholarships are available.

Click here to donate

Operation Soldier Support

2011-05-15T20:40:00.000-04:00

In the article, Dacula Group Reaches Out to Soldiers, one of PureFUN!'s very own, Sandie Crawford, focuses on her mission. The mission is called Operation Solider Support.

Operation Soldier Support is based out of Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church in Dacula and is in its fifth year of existence. The group’s objective is to send care packages to military members overseas, provide support and assistance to service members’ families, and to help out veteran's organizations back in the States.

At first, the group focused on the one church member who had been sent overseas, but, as the group grew, Crawford and the other members decided the cause was an important one to the community and they continued seeking out other soldiers to support.

In the Article, Sandie states that back home in America, people tend to forget about the soldiers who are risking their lives away from their families. Operation Soldier Support helps support soldiers and their families back home.

To get involved with Operation Soldier Support, visit Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church’s website at www.hmumc.org.

Click here to read the entire article.

Foto Friday!

2011-05-13T16:53:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home
Zeway, Ethiopia

BFK - Making a Difference for Eternity

2011-05-10T14:38:00.000-04:00

We received this story from Daniel at Hanna’s Orphan Home in Ethiopia about one of our orphans, Alemnesh.

Dear brothers,

Last week, Alemnesh's father was severely sick. He told Jihad to bring his daughter before his death. He phoned us and agreed to take her to see her father before his death.

Alemnesh went to see her father with Jihad. When she saw her father, she cried, but immediately one thing came to her mind and she rushed to his bed. There were a lot of people gathered in the house who came to see him. She laid her hand on her father and started to rebuke the spirit in the name of Jesus. The people (Muslims) agreed to the praying and said repeatedly Amen and Amen.

After a while he woke from his coma and later Alemnesh came home. Jihad and some others took him to the hospital the next day where he died.
When Alemnesh heard about her father's death, she said that he died without accepting Jesus.

Many blessings
Daniel

Click here for more BetterForKids.org updates!

Noah's Ark sponsored by PureFUN!

2011-05-09T14:23:00.000-04:00

Check out PureFUN!'s bed in the Annual Family Promise Bed Race! Family Promise is a nonprofit organization committed to helping low income families achieve lasting independence. Click here for more information on Family Promise.

Foto Friday!

2011-05-06T19:39:00.000-04:00

Learning to weave!

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare - Cairo, Egypt

betterforkids.org

Better in Action! - April Review

2011-05-03T14:29:00.003-04:00

During the month of April the PureFUN! Better in Action team packed food for starving children, raised money for homeless and refugees, raced a bed for Family Promise, cared for special needs kids, and so much more!

Many PureFUN! employees and their families volunteered for the organization "Feed My Starving Children." They packed meals that will be sent to countries with high childhood hunger rates all over the world. Click here for more information about "Feed My Starving Children."
Amy helped staff the Family Promise Day Center! Family Promise is a nonprofit organization committed to helping low income families achieve lasting independence. Click here for more information on Family Promise.
Many PureFUN! employees and their families raced a bed for the annual Family Promise Bed Race. Family Promise is a nonprofit organization committed to helping low income families achieve lasting independence. Click here for more information on Family Promise.
Teresa helped coordinate a Community Outreach block party and Relay for Life fundraiser cookout!
PureFUN! hosted a Bake Sale and Cook Out fundraiser for the families of the Refugee Sewing Society. The Refugee Sewing Society serves refugee women who have fled genocide by providing an atmosphere for healing, an opportunity to express creativity, a means for building self-esteem, and a source of income. Click here for more information.
Many PureFUN! employees and their families volunteered for Respite Care at a local church serving special needs children.

What a wonderful month!

Atlanta Area Community Event

2011-04-21T14:33:00.001-04:00

April 23 - 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Romp Thru the Woods 5K & Kids Fun Run
Laurel Ridge Elementary - Decatur, GA
A great 5K trail race with a 1 mile fun trail and a 1K Kids event. Registration is at www.active.com.
For more information, contact Cistoria Seahorn at victoria@marthonmajic.com

Foto Friday!

2011-04-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

Meet Saraswait of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Atlanta Area Community Event

2011-04-14T14:32:00.002-04:00

April 16 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6th Annual Kids Helping Kids Spring Carnival
Johns Creek United Methodist Church - Duluth, GA
This event was able to raise $20,000 last year for Camp Sparrowwood, Emory Johns Creek Hostpital's pediatric patients, and local preschools. Benefits from this year's carnival will benefit the same charities.
Click here for more information.

Atlanta Area Community Event - Bed Race!

2011-04-14T13:37:00.001-04:00

April 16 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Family Promise Bed Race
Gwinnett's Historic Courthouse - Lawrenceville, GA
Come race your bed to benefit family promise - helping homeless children and their families in Gwinnett for six years. PureFUN! is participating so be sure to look for us!
Click here for more information.

Refugee Sewing Society

2011-04-12T14:57:00.002-04:00

Here is a PureFUN! employee, Tiffany, working on the Refugee Sewing Society's website and Online Marketplace.

Click here to view the website and learn more about how RSS is impacting the lives of refugee women.

Foto Friday!

2011-04-08T12:55:00.000-04:00

Children in need - Zeway, Ethiopia

Atlanta Area Community Event

2011-04-06T13:17:00.000-04:00

April 8 - 11:45 a.m.
Thumbprint Art!
Ocee Branch Library - Alpharetta, GA
Learn to create fun and clever works of art, and even comics, with your thumb! Ages 5-12.
comments@co.fulton.ga.us 770-360-8897

Packing Meals for "Feed My Starving Children"

2011-04-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Above are some pictures of a few PureFUN! families volunteering for the organization "Feed My Starving Children."

These packed meals will be sent to countries with high childhood hunger rates all over the world.

Click here to learn more about Feed My Starving Children.

Foto Friday!

2011-04-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare
Cairo, Egypt

Foto Friday!

2011-03-25T15:22:00.002-04:00

Meet Marefiya!
Hanna's Orphan Home - Zeway, Ethiopia
www.betterforkids.org

Local Community Event

2011-03-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

April 2 - 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday Hans! - International Children’s Book Day
Perry Homes Branch Library - Atlanta, GA Kids will enjoy hearing variations of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Match Girl.” Ages 2-8. Click here for more information.

Family Promise of Gwinnett County Bed Race!

2011-03-21T14:24:00.002-04:00

Come race your bed to benefit Family Promise - helping homeless children and their families in Gwinnett for six years.

When: Saturday, April 16th 2011
Time: 10am-3pm; Bed Race begins at 11:30am!

What: A competitive Bed Race around Gwinnett's Historic Courthouse. Family fun includes inflatables, face painting, food and more!

Where: Gwinnett's Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville.

Admission: Free for spectators! Entry fee for Bed Race Teams is $100 per team (Deadline to Enter the Race is March 31st). Pay Entry Fee Now or mail your check to: Family Promise of Gwinnett County, P.O. Box 1250, Snellville, GA 30078. Can't attend, but would like to support their efforts? For more information on becoming an event sponsor contact Kurt Witter @ 404-372-5304.

Bed Race Information: Contact Brent Bohanan @ 678-376-8950 or visit the website here.

Foto Friday!

2011-03-18T16:49:00.000-04:00

Meet Fadumo Ibrahim Said of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). She is a refugee who escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She is an active member of RSS.

Click here to learn more about how RSS is making an impact in the lives of refugee women.

Todd receives the Patriot's Award!

2011-03-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

Todd receiving the Patriot's Award

The PureFUN! Group taking part in the recognition ceremony!

On Friday, March 11, 2011, The National Committee For Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognized Todd Harrison, President of PureFUN! Inc., as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to National Security and protecting Liberty and Freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force.

We join other employers in pledging that:

We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights (USERRA).
Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
We will continually recognize and support out country's service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.

Reminder: "Make Your Mark" Service Opportunity

2011-03-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

Service Opportunity!

When: March 25-27

What: Packing lunches for Feed My Starving Children
Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

A PureFUN! employee's church will be helping Feed My Starving Children by packing 300,000 meals at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. These packed meals will be sent to countries with high childhood hunger rates all over the world.

Click here to register for a 2 hour shift on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday!

Click here to learn more about Feed My Starving Children.

Local Community Event

2011-03-15T16:39:00.000-04:00

March 17 - 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

New Lawrenceville "Spring Green" Festival

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse - Lawrenceville, GA

Go green for St. Patty's Day on the square!

Click here for more info.

Foto Friday!

2011-03-11T14:44:00.000-05:00

EGSS Orphanage & Daycare

Cairo, Egypt

Local Community Event - Kid's Book Club

2011-03-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

When: March 14 - 4:30 p.m.

What: Kid's Book Club

Where: Sandy Springs United Methodist Church - Atlanta, GA

The book this month is Spiderwick Chronicles Book 3, "Lucinda's Secret." We will have discussions and trivia in the story time room.

Click here for more information.

Better in Action: Helping at The Refugee Sewing Society

2011-03-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

Tiffany and Natalie helping and spending time with the women of the Refugee Sewing Society.

Click here to visit the Refugee Sewing Society website!

Click here to visit the Refugee Sewing Society's online Marketplace!

Local Community Event

2011-03-08T15:28:00.002-05:00

March 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time in Nature
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve - Alpharetta, GA
This fun preschool program features a story about nature and a related craft.
Click here for more information.

Refugee Warehouse Training

2011-03-08T14:22:00.005-05:00

Above is a recent photo of local refugees new to the United States. These refugees received job and warehouse training from the PureFUN! warehouse team.

Great job warehouse team!

Foto Friday!

2011-03-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

Helping "grow kids" better!

2011-02-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Grow Kids, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, GA.

Grow Kids, Inc.'s mission is to enhance the developmental environments of infants and young children by building collaborations and providing services that promote safe spaces, green places, and happy faces where children learn and grow.

Safe Spaces - Provide prevention and intervention services to increase protective factors that prevent violence exposure to young children. Build skills that improve the safety of child care centers.
Green Places - Promote environmentally “green” and healthy living to help improve the social-emotional development of young children.
Happy Faces - Provide programs and services that aim to improve the social and emotional development of young children and help strengthen the emotional well-being of the adults that provide the children with care.

How you can help:

Click here to donate.
Click here for information on volunteering.
Click here to follow and support us on Facebook.

Visit www.growkidsinc.org to find out more about their services!

Foto Friday!

2011-02-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

Meet Devi Niroula of the Refugee Sewing Society (RSS). Devi escaped genocide and now resides in Clarkston, GA. She finds healing and peace as a member of RSS.

Find out more about Refugee Sewing Society here.

A Word from Egypt

2011-02-15T08:43:00.003-05:00

Ahmed Al Damrawy is Director General of the National Union for Early Childhood Development in Egypt, as well as the World Forum National Representative for Egypt. He brings us this perspective:

Dear Friends and Partners,

Today belongs to the people of Egypt, as they celebrate their victory in their struggle for democracy and human rights.

President Hosni Mubarak's departure is a historic moment that marks the transition to a civil democratic government that respects human rights and makes clear a commitment to protect the achievements won by the revolution. Yesterday the supreme armed forces confirmed those values and will uphold Egypt's international obligations, including a peace treaty with Israel.

The ECD Union, through its field partners, is working with local activists to make this happen, making involved partners and individuals aware of those vit al human rights issues in general, and especially for children and women.

By sharing the stories of the cost of the revolution, building alliances, sharing lessons learned, highlighting the knowledge gap and how the ECDU along with others intend to tackle it, we're supporting Egyptians in their fight for freedom and dignity. Also, with others watching, keeping an eye on the importance of women becoming part of the democratization process and working out the trauma caused to young children.

This is a moment of huge emotion and a moment of great hope for Egypt and the region. The road ahead is full of challenges, but Egyptians are all unified on one goal: work hard to protect the gains of this courageous protest movement and never forget those who paid with their lives for the freedom of Egypt.

The Arab world's most populous country is taking its first tentative steps toward democracy and protest organizers are forming a Council of Trustee s to defend the revolution and urge swift reform from a military intent on restoring law and order. I can't wait to see similar revolution to liberate the rest of the Arab World; I think 2011 will be a turning point for human rights, development, and liberation in the Arab World — HIGH TIME!!!

Warmest regards,
Ahmed

Local Community Event

2011-02-09T14:16:00.001-05:00

February 26 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Storytime
Borders - Suwanee, GA
Every Saturday, join Miss Nancy for a storytime adventure. A new irresistible tale will be featured every week, plus Seattle's Best Cafe will be serving up treats.
Click here for more info. 678-417-1425

Local Community Event

2011-02-09T14:14:00.000-05:00

February 26 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Recycle Day!
Rock Springs Park - Lawrenceville, GA
Join us for paper shredding and free electronic recycling with Atlanta Recycling Solutions. Mom and Dad can shred papers with Shred Green while the kids make crafts out of recycled materials.
770-418-2331

Foto Friday

2011-02-04T17:03:00.002-05:00

EGSS Orphanage in Cairo, Egypt

Community Event - Healthy Eating for Children

2011-02-04T16:46:00.001-05:00

February 12 - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Healthy Eating for Children, Junior League of Atlanta

Southwest Regional Library - Atlanta, GA

Children will have fun learning about healthy eating in this interactive workshop sponsored by The Junior League of Atlanta. Ages 3-8. This event is free!

comments@co.fulton.ga.us - 404-699-6363

Community Event - Journey to Literacy

2011-02-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

February 5 - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Journey to Literacy

Fairburn Branch Library - Fairburn, GA

Join for an interactive reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with related crafts and activities. We will also discuss how to work effectively with your children to develop early reading skills.

comments@co.fulton.ga.us - 770-306-3138

Cairo Orphanage Update

2011-02-01T21:54:00.001-05:00

Cairo orphanage update: "The kids at the orphanage are fine. The neighbors, Muslim and Christian alike are looking out for the kids, protecting them with sticks! He said any time the neighbors hear loud noises coming from the orphanage they come running to protect and see what's going on."

Foto Friday!

2011-01-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

Zeway, Ethiopia

Pray for Egypt

2011-01-25T08:59:00.002-05:00

Today there will be massive protests across Egypt. People are demanding justice, rights, and freedom while also protesting against police brutality and governmental corruption. The day of the protest is unique, as it is National Police Day in Egypt. There are plans of people setting themselves on fire to make statements (just like in Tunisia), while violence and death is highly predictable. Christians fear that if the current government is overturned, opposition groups will take charge. Believers are advised not to participate in the protests as there is a chance of persecution erupting.

The good news is that instead of being intimidated by the violence, many believers are standing firm in their faith. They are gathering with prayer and fasting, interceding on behalf of the Egyptian population for God to forgive the citizens and bring His Kingdom. Believers are taking this as a chance to begin a “heavenly protest” of approaching the throne of grace and asking in the Spirit for a special blessing on the authorities. Please pray:

That the Spirit of wisdom and revelation would come into the hearts of those committed to Him.
That no weapon formed against us will prosper.
That we will have the eyes of faith while we go through this difficult time.
That the Lord will be glorified and HIS name will be known among our nation!

We hold on God’s promise in Exodus 34:10 “Then the LORD said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you”

Thank you all for standing behind us in prayers!

Better In Action - Make Your Mark!

2011-01-24T14:00:00.006-05:00

For our yearly strategy planning, PureFUN! answered 3 important questions about our "Better Business" Principles.

The most essential of these three questions is: "What are we deeply passionate about?"

At PureFUN!, we are deeply passionate about making things "better" for others by giving ourselves away.

To encourage us to act on our passion, we developed the Better In Action movement. The movement involves all employees tracking where they have "Made their mark."

By collaborating our efforts of making things better for others we will:

help spread the word of people in need.
motivate everyone to get involved.
create community within our workplace.
establish a powerhouse of passionate employees.

It is great working for a company where strategic initiatives are lived out through core values and principles. We all understand that what we are working for is more than a goal or strategy - it is an understanding.

Find a way to get your business involved in your community!

Foto Friday!

2011-01-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

Better for Kids!

Zeway, Ethiopia

Metro Merge

2011-01-18T11:45:00.003-05:00

Metro Merge is a team of vocational neighbors (partners) co-investing with South Atlanta residents through local entrepreneurship.

In our brokenness, as God changes us, we are quietly joining God’s restorative work in the city through authentic relationships and economic opportunity.

A "Vocational Neighbor" is defined as a business or individuals who leverage professional skills and connections to empower less-resourced neighbors. It is also defined as one who stewards a calling for the benefit of others, co-investing with neighbors to transform distressed communities.

Guiding Principles

What guides their action:

Listening drives our action
Dignity and character is equal to outcomes
Real outcomes are only possible in real relationships
The fullness of our creativity is found in diversity
We need each other to transform our communities
Freedom, hope and healing is found in Jesus Christ
Small working groups give room for deeper relationships
Neighbors are the foundation to community development
Neighbor-leaders take the first risk as co-investors (financial investment)

Learn more here.

Read the blog here.

Foto Friday!

2011-01-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

EGSS Orphanage - Cairo, Egypt

Community Event - Sensory Friendly Film

2011-01-07T14:20:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 8, 2011, 10:00am
"Gulliver's Travels"
AMC Discover Mills 18, AMC Phipps Plaza 14, and
AMC Southlake 24
Click here for more information.

Foto Friday!

2011-01-07T13:01:00.003-05:00

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

A special note from Judy...

2011-01-06T09:50:00.003-05:00

"I was so excited today when I got our new shipment of beanies/blankets for our 10” babies, I just had to share! Gopi made these two particular hats. I just love the individual creativity. Our babies look so beautiful-one looks like a sun hat for the beach, and the other a cute beret! It takes a lot of effort and talent to make these items. I know I could never do anything this beautiful, and so many different patterns of stitches in each one. I am very proud to offer these with the sale of our dolls. I just wanted to say a special thank you to Cathy and her ladies for the artistry and creativity they are expressing through their work. We are lucky to have them to enhance our doll sales."

Visit refugeesewingsociety.webs.com for more information on the Refugee Sewing Society.

For more information on dolls & doll clothes give PureFUN! a call at 1-877-922-7635!

Community Event - January Jamboree

2011-01-04T12:54:00.002-05:00

January 29th - 10:00 a.m.
January Jamboree (Family Fun Day)
Ron Anderson Recreation Center - Powder Springs, GA
Spend a fun day with family and friends at the 1st Annual January Jamboree, hosted by Accelerated Learning Educational Services. Come join us for a fabulous day of fun and food with plenty of activities. This event is free!
404-933-2235

Community Event - Toddler Time at Suwanee Library

2011-01-04T12:53:00.002-05:00

January 24 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Toddler Time!
Suwanee Branch Library - Suwanee, GA
This is an hour of fun at Suwanee Library. There will be a story, puppet show, and activities.
www.suwanee.com

Community Event - Zoomba for kids!

2011-01-04T12:49:00.002-05:00

January 12 - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Let's Move Children! A Zoomba Fitness Program
Southwest Regional Library - Atlanta, GA
Regina Cannon, a licensed Zoomba instructor, will show children how to have fun with exercise. Ages 3-7. This event is free!
comments@co.fulton.ga.us - 404-699-6363

Community Event - Kids Bowl Free!

2010-12-29T10:13:00.004-05:00

January 3rd - 6:30-9 p.m.
Kids Bowl Free!
Suburban Lanes - Decatur, GA
Suburban Lanes invites all to its Kids Bowl Free Holiday Special.
www.atlantasuburbanlanes.com

Travel Journal - November 2010

2010-12-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

Opportunities
Zeway, Ethiopia

God placed a terrific opportunity in the hands of Better for Kids. The elders of Abinegarmama requested Todd and Magdy’s assistance in reopening a school in their village (figure 3.1). Abinegarmama is the village the orphans living in Hanna’s Orphan home came from. Over three hundred of the children in Abinegarmama, are unable to attend school because there is no educational facility for the kindergarten through second graders. The school building was opened and run by another organization in the past, but they were unable to continue support.

What an incredible opportunity God has placed in our hands! By reopening and supporting a school, Better for Kids will be able to reach much more than 20 village children. We will be able to touch and help serve the needs of over 300 children and their families. The school will positively affect all 6,800 people living in Abinegarmama. Todd and Madgy responded to the opportunity by stating, “God gave us that village.”

The first step to reopening the school in Abinegarmama is getting a fresh water line. Currently, the school building has no water supply other than a village well. Water coming from the village well is full of fluoride and unsafe for children to drink. Costs on reopening and expanding the school are currently being assessed. Better for Kids cannot wait to make the next move in Ethiopia.

This unique opportunity has motivated Todd and Madgy to reassess their mission. Rather than quickly moving to other cities to build orphanages, they plan on spending more time in Abinegarmama and Ethiopia. By spending more time there, many families will be reached by Better for Kids. Through 20 orphans, we have a mission of reach the entire village of Abinegarmama.

Cairo, Egypt

The teachers at EGSS and Love and Joy Daycare are currently receiving Montessori training. Montessori Education is a unique approach to education that is characterized by multi-aged classrooms, a collaborative environment with student mentors, and individual and small group instruction in academic and social skills. Recent studies indicate that Montessori education provides better outcomes than traditional methods.

Foto Friday!

2010-12-13T14:47:00.002-05:00

Berbecha!

Hanna's Orphan Home; Zeway, Ethiopia

Travel Journal - November 2010

2010-12-13T14:10:00.004-05:00

Events!

Zeway, Ethiopia

With the money PureFUN! Inc. raised in their recent fundraiser, benches will be placed in the courtyard of Hanna’s Orphan Home. A water tank for the facility is also being built.

Benches will provide peaceful sitting areas for the orphans. The water tank will provide a reliable water supply. The current water system only provides water when electricity is available. Water is unavailable when there is no electricity, which is at least a daily occurrence. We need the tank to store extra water.

Magdy and Todd took the children out for a special dinner! Look at those gigantic slices of cake!

Cairo, Egypt
Todd and Magdy got to spend time with the seven oldest girls who were recently moved to an apartment of their own. They have a housemother and a local church they attend. Donations were used to furnish their new apartment! The girls cooked Todd and Magdy a delicious breakfast in their new kitchen.

The daycare now has 51 kids attending. We are blessed to have these children in the daycare and are thankful for the positive environment that is provided.

The children in the daycare and orphanage in Cairo got a special treat of fresh fruits from Todd and Magdy. The children rarely get to enjoy delicious fruit.

Travel Journal - November 2010

2010-12-06T09:46:00.010-05:00

Objective and Discovery in Zeway, Ethiopia and Cairo, Egypt

Objective

To check on the health and progress of the children in both Zeway, Ethiopia and Cairo, Egypt, with a focus on progress in Ethiopia.

Discovery

Zeway, Ethiopia - The full and smiling faces of the children in Zeway provide evidence of their happy and healthy new lives. When comparing the photos taken of the children when they were first admitted to the orphanage to current photos, the change is remarkable! Their faces are full, their skin is clear, and their hair is thick and long. Best of all, they look truly happy. Their happiness radiates not only through their smiles, but also through their eyes and entire faces. The housemothers in Zeway are great. They give the children support and healthy, positive living environments. Bible stories and songs are taught to their children everyday. Singing bible songs is one of the children’s favorite activities. What a glorious sight it is to see the orphans belting out Bible songs from the bottom of their hearts and bellies!

Cairo, Egypt - The orphanage, daycare, and staff have flourished!

Foto Friday!

2010-11-22T10:27:00.001-05:00

EGSS Orphan Home

Cairo, Egypt

Early Brain Development Research Review & Update

2010-11-22T09:50:00.001-05:00

Thanks to imaging technology used in neurobiology, we have access to useful and critical information regarding the development of the human brain. This information helps us to become much more effective in helping children in their early development. When we base our practices on the findings from medical science research, we optimize learning for all children.

Review

Finding 1: The brain of a three year old is two-and-a-half times more active than an adult’s.

Finding 2: Brain development is contingent on a complex interplay between genes and the environment. Daniel Golemen (2006) says, “Seventy percent of what is given to us genetically is brought to fruition by our environmental experiences.”

Finding 3: Experience wires the brain. Repetition strengthens the wiring.

Finding 4: Brain development is non-linear.
There are fertile times when the brain is able to wire specific skills at an optimum level (keep updated with the BFK blog for a chart of the fertile times!). These fertile times are called “windows of opportunity.” Positive experiences during open windows result in positive outcomes. Negative experiences during open windows result in a negative outcome.

Finding 5: Early relationships affect “wiring.”
Young children depend on human interaction to learn to speak, think, feel, interact, and be mobile. As early as four months, the cells that will wire for social interaction and empathy are already positioning and preparing for their role in the child’s social and emotional intelligence. How prolific they are depends on various factors, such as a loving atmosphere (for the better) and stress (for worse).

Update
Finding 1: Music and language are partners in the brain.
The latest data show that music and language are so intertwined that an awareness of music is critical to a baby’s language development (Deutsch, 2010).

Finding 2: Learning styles differ greatly across situations.
A child may exhibit one style of learning while putting a puzzle together and a completely different style while participating in a music activity.

Finding 3: Touch, movement, and gestures are critical to learning.
The sense of touch helps children to ground abstract ideas in concrete experiences. Based on research assembled over the last 15 years, Cabrera and Cotosi (2010) have concluded that hands on explorations contribute not only to the understanding of abstract concepts but also to four critical thinking skills essential to learning: making decisions, recognizing relationships, organizing systems, and taking multiple perspectives.
Exercise increases the amount of key proteins that help build the brain’s infrastructure for learning and memory.

Finding 4: Technology has both a positive and a negative impact on the brain.
Positive – Technology is sharpening some cognitive abilities such as reacting to visual stimuli, improving some forms of attention, and becoming more adept at noticing images in our peripheral vision.
Negative – Continuous partial attention (keeping tabs on everything while never truly focusing on anything), drifts from social skills, and brain strain.

Finding 5: During sleep the brain engages in data analysis, from strengthening memories to solving problems.

Through the application of these findings, we can optimize learning for the children around us.

References

Cabrera, D., & Cotosi, L. (2010, September/October). "The world at our fingertips." Scientific American Mind, 21(4), 49-55.

Deutsch, D. (2010, July/August). "Speaking in tunes." Scientific American Mind 21(3), 36-43.

Goleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. New York: Bantam Dell.

Foto Friday!

2010-11-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

Alemu Mohammed

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

Date of Birth: May 19, 2003

Community Events

2010-11-09T11:10:00.006-05:00

November 13 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
J. C. Magill Health and Wellness Family Day
J.C. Magill Elementary School
Come join us for our first community Health and Wellness Day. There will be health and safety information, screenings, educational presentations, various health vendors and much more for the whole family.
More information here.

November 25 - 8:30 p.m.
23rd Annual Lighting of the Tree
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse
Bring your family to enjoy this wonderful Gwinnett tradition as we await Santa's arrival on the grounds of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse! Enjoy live music, holiday festivities, face painting, and Santa visits. Tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. Don't miss Santa's arrival at 6:45 p.m.
770-822-5450

Asthma and Air Pollution

2010-11-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

The prevalence of asthma in the U.S. has increased by more than 75% since 1980 (arb.ca.gov).

Air pollution plays a well-documented role in the development of asthma and asthma attacks. The ARB-funded Children's Health Study at the University of Southern California found that children who lived in communities with high ozone levels were more likely to develop asthma than the same active children living in areas with less ozone pollution.

What you can do (kidshealth.org):

Avoid triggers (i.e., smoke, soot, aerosols, dust)
Pay attention to pollution levels (http://www.airnow.gov/ & http://www.weather.com/)
Don't drive (share a ride, take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk)
Don't put gas in your car until after 7 pm
Avoid mowing your lawn until after 7 pm or until the air quality improves
Don't use paints, solvents or polishes that produce fumes
If barbecuing, use an electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid

Foto Friday!

2010-11-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

Hanna's Orphan Home

Zeway, Ethiopia

Ethiopia Update!

2010-10-27T11:16:00.003-04:00

A recent photo of Todd and Magdy with the children of Hanna's Orphan Home in Zeway, Ethiopia.

Foto Friday!

2010-10-22T12:59:00.001-04:00