Hope for Women and Children of Sudan

Over a decade ago, after the murder of her husband, a pregnant Teresa Yaak left war-torn southern Sudan and brought her young sons to America. Teresa endured much suffering while living in the Sudan -- poverty, thirst, hunger, the murder of family members and homelessness.
 

Since her time in Grand Rapids, Yaak has enjoyed many accomplishments. She secured a job at Spectrum Health, purchased a home, raised four children (two of which are studying medicine at the University of Nebraska), registered voters for the Sudanese election and created a nonprofit organization.
 

And she did all that (and more) while learning English as a second language.
 

With the help of friends, Yaak has established “Hope for Women and Children of Southern Sudan” to raise money to build a clinic and education facility in Bor, South Sudan and to supply women and children with the most basic of necessities. Items, like even clothes, we all take for granted living in West Michigan.
 

“Teresa is an inspiration. When I feel overwhelmed with the petty problems of my life, I look at her and her strength,” expresses Cindy Foster Grace, a volunteer with the organization. “Teresa lives a life that most of us in America would find difficult." 
 

However, Grace says Yaak considers herself to be completely blessed. "Compared to the homelessness, starvation, war, death and famine she endured in Sudan her life here is easy,” continues Grace. “In fact, she considers her circumstances so improved that she takes the little she has here and uses it to help those back home in her native country. She is a living example of the Widow's Mite."
 

Yaak's vision of a clinic back home in Sudan is almost a reality with over $24,000 of the $50,000 raised for the project.  
 

“My heart is with my people. I’m okay, but I pray for the Sudanese,” says Yaak. “I’m blessed. And, a lot of people have had a hand in making this happen.”
 

Do you want to be a do-gooder too? Of course you do.  Here’s how…

• Learn more about the project and Sudanese freedom 

• “Like” the organization on Facebook

• Make a donation to the Sudanese clinic 

• Volunteer (especially grant writers) via phone 616-589-5446 or email

Source: Teresa Yaak, Hope for Women and Children of Sudan; Cindy Foster Grace, Hope for Women and Children of Sudan

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor