Greetings Tias and Tios (Aunties and Uncles),

Thank you for permitting TIAS ARMS to have an impact on the lives of children, affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa, through your support of our outreach.

These are challenging times for many of us here in the USA and  non-profit groups are feeling the effect.

Thankfully for TIAS ARMS  the dollar remains strong against the Rand and we have not had to limit any of our outreach.  We are hoping for the same good fortune this upcoming year.

Knowing that the children we help are growing happier and healthier helps us keep our eye on our goals. 

This past year, TIAS ARMS was recognized by Chapman University with the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Institute Award of Excellence.  It was an honor to be recognized in this way.  Chapman University also invited Karin Chubb, the founder of HOKISA (Homes for Kids in South Africa) to come participate in this celebration.  HOKISA was the very first organization TIAS ARMS was able to assist in our beginnings.  Karin’s presence served as a testimonial to the good we have been able to do.  While here in California, Karin also lectured at Chapman University as well as taking in the sights.

We will continue with this collaboration with Chapman University on Sunday, MAY 31^ST, 2009 at 1pm on their beautiful campus as we celebrate our 8^th Annual Celebration for the children of South Africa.

Please SAVE THE DATE for an afternoon of “FUN” raising, silent and live auction, entertainment and South African food and libations. 

TIAS ARMS incorporated in the State of California as a non-profit charitable organization in March, 2003.  It has been a long journey, and we have been lucky to have the support of hundreds of generous donors and volunteers during that period. 

Our board of directors wishes to share a brief summary of our accomplishments.

It all began in 2001, when Joanne Baker , our founder, accompanied Dr. Gabriella Miotto, now a Board member Emeritus, to a medical conference in Durban, SA.  They returned to the US with a much more profound appreciation of the emerging health crisis, which was leaving large numbers of children orphaned or abandoned and affected or infected themselves with HIV/AIDS.  We immediately began our work as an unincorporated group of donors while starting the organizational work, already sending funding to HOKISA during that time. 

Since then our efforts have gone a long way in bringing relief and comfort to hundreds of children.

Because we are a volunteer based organization with little overhead we have been able to send the optimal amount to the groups we fund.  Most of them are small and therefore most in need of help.

These groups include:

HOKISA (Homes for Kids in South Africa)

This is our 7^th year in support of our very first group.  This year we are funding the salary for a loving arms child caregiver and budget support for the food program. 

Hearing stories and seeing photographs and video of these children especially while Karin Chubb was here was most fulfilling.  Sick little babies seven years ago are now thriving happy young children going to school, playing and being loved.

www.hokisa.co.za  

Howick Hospice

This is our 6^th year funding the high-caloric food program for children attending the clinic.   Some of the medications these children are on are hard to take on empty stomachs.  The care-takers tell us that in some families, these food parcels often feed the whole family.  On our last visit, one of the children now entering her early teens told us that she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  We’re proud to be part of her dream.

www.howickhospice.co.za

Ubuntu Education Fund

This is our 4^th year funding UBUNTU supporting life skills classes, support groups for the children, community training, and an after school and feeding program. 

www.ubuntufund.org

Khazimula Childrens’ Project

Thirty former street children are now being cared for – you may remember TIAS ARMS funding of a 20 loaf bread oven last year to help feed their growing appetites.  This year our funding supports efforts to reunite children with their families, provide staff training in child care as well as psychological support.

We can’t wait to see these children again on our next visit to South Africa.

Mothers2Mothers

This is our second year funding this meal program.

Started as a suggestion after visiting a hospital ward observing mothers and grand-mothers lying beside their sick children. These women have often traveled for miles with little reserves of their own. 

This program provides food for pregnant women and new mothers who desperately need the nutritional support.

www.mothers2mothers.org

Cotlands – Western Cape Hospice

This is our 3^rd year funding loving arms support.

Last year’s “fun” raiser was a lively event with hospice care workers monthly salaries being covered in minutes by our generous donors.  We proudly fund two annual hospice care workers salaries.  This is a win-win as these salaries not only provide care for the children but also an income for these women.

www.cotlands.org

We look forward to another successful year in helping these worthy children dream their dreams.  Thank you for your part.

Joanne Baker (founder)

President of the board

Victoria Porcello

Vice President

Len Porcello

Chief Financial Officer Emeritus

Monique Lateste McCue

Secretary

Ed Cunningham

Chief Financial Officer

Kim Carpenter

Vice President (In-coming)