AVSI-USA

Happiness is being seen, valued, and loved. “My name is Ira, but my friends call me Irka...” Growing up in an orphanage, Irka longed for a sense of belonging. That changed when she met Emmaus. For the first time, she wasn’t just another orphan—she was a person, precious and worthy of love. Then, war came. Forced to flee overnight, she left everything behind—except the one thing that mattered most: the deep friendships that had become her home. Now in Italy, far from war, she has found something extraordinary: a new community that welcomed her with open arms. “When I talk about Emmaus, I don’t mean the organization. Emmaus is my family. And I am happy to be part of this family.” On this International Happiness Day, Irka’s journey reminds us that happiness is not about circumstances, but about the people who walk beside us. At AVSI, we believe that true happiness is found in relationships that promote human dignity, help each person flourish, and ensure that no one is left behind. A heartfelt thank you to  Emmaus, our local partner, for the incredible work you do. Learn more about Emmaus and their impact on our website. ❤️ Because happiness is not just surviving, but truly living. #InternationalHappinessDay #PeopleForDevelopment #Emmaus #HumanDignity

At just 19 years old, Dorris Ange Hope carries the weight of an entire household—her two young children and three orphaned younger siblings. The Graduating to Resilience Activity was a beacon of hope, equipping her with the tools to break the cycle of poverty. She had planned to launch a retail farm produce business, leveraging local market demand to secure food, shelter, education, and healthcare for her family.   That hope has now dwindled. The suspension of U.S. foreign aid abruptly halted the program, leaving Dorris and 11,600 other households—about 58,000 individuals—without the critical resources they were counting on to build self-reliance.   Even in the face of uncertainty, Dorris remains determined: “My children and siblings are everything. Even when we go for days without food, we try to stick together.”   Read more about the real impact of this funding freeze below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eAH_8KH8

After more than a year and a half of conflict, the Fadaii Center in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, is preparing to reopen its doors to the community. Throughout the war, the center remained an essential lifeline, providing support to families who could not flee and offering a safe space for distribution of vital aid.     Despite the devastating impact of bombings on nearby cities like Khiam and Kfarkila, the Fadaii Center never truly closed. Our dedicated staff continued to serve those in need, helping to sustain the community during one of its most difficult times.     Now, the center is ready to resume its mission—providing literacy courses, vocational training, and psychosocial support, services that are more crucial than ever as families work to rebuild their lives and regain stability.     At AVSI Foundation, we work for a world where every person can be the protagonist of their own integral development, along with that of their community—even in the face of emergencies. The reopening of Fadaii is a powerful example of resilience, and a testament to the strength and determination of the people we serve.     We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors and supporters who made this possible. Together, we are helping to build a brighter, stronger future for the people of Lebanon.

Masika Asekanyamu’s story reflects the power of opportunity. Growing up in Majengo, Goma, financial hardship forced her to drop out of school in 2015. Determined to create a better future, she launched a small clothing business in 2022—but without training, sustaining it proved difficult. Her turning point came when she joined the WINGS+ for Congolese Youth project, funded by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and implemented by AVSI Foundation in partnership with The Congo Tree. Through business training and financial literacy, Masika gained the skills and confidence to rebuild her business. Today, she earns $20 a day and supports her siblings’ education. Now, as the DRC faces ongoing civil unrest, Masika’s journey highlights the importance of equipping young people with the tools to adapt and thrive. The knowledge she gained through WINGS+ will help her navigate challenges and continue working toward a resilient future. The WINGS+ project empowers Goma’s youth by fostering sustainable employment and economic independence. 🔗 Read her full story: https://lnkd.in/eeckdqAM #EmpoweredYouth #WINGSProject #FromStruggleToSuccess

AVSI builds hope through tangible actions.   With #education, vocational #training, medical care, #prevention, community support, and #protection, we create opportunities for #women and girls to shape their own future.   In this way, they are encouraged to recognize their own value and view others as resources, becoming agents of change within their families and communities.   Investing in women is investing in a future where no one is left behind.   #IWD #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #ForALLWomenAndGirls

Rachel fled Venezuela to Brazil in search of urgent medical care and a better future for her three children. Arriving in a new country with little support, she found hope through Welcomed Through Work, a program that helps Venezuelan refugees and migrants integrate through employment, training, and social support. She joined a job training program, secured an internship, and was preparing to launch her own business—a crucial step toward long-term independence. For five years, Welcomed Through Work has helped nearly 2,000 Venezuelan migrants and refugees secure formal employment while also providing their families with housing, education, and healthcare. By relocating individuals from overcrowded border regions—where infrastructure is strained—to areas with greater job opportunities, the program has created lasting solutions for economic and social inclusion. But now, with the U.S. foreign aid suspension, Welcomed Through Work is on hold, leaving Rachel and thousands of others facing an uncertain future. Brazil has received over 500,000 Venezuelans, with 12,000 more arriving each month. This program has been a proven model for effective, person-centered refugee integration, easing pressure on border regions and creating economic opportunities. Suspending it means turning our backs on thousands of families striving for a better future. #Venezuela #Brazil #WelcomedThroughWork #RefugeeIntegration #HumanitarianImpact #EconomicOpportunity

For over a year, escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has severely restricted access to food and medical care, putting thousands of children at risk of malnutrition. Despite these challenges, AVSI Foundation’s dedicated team of 100+ local staff has been on the ground, providing life-saving support to around 5,000 malnourished children and their families. However, the recent freeze on international development funding has jeopardized critical programs like ours—programs that not only provide food aid but also medical care, education, and job initiatives that uplift entire communities. We continue to stand together to ensure that vulnerable families in Haiti receive the support they need. Visit https://lnkd.in/dscBuXKt to learn more. #Haiti #FoodCrisis #HumanitarianAid #AVSI #MalnutritionRelief #SupportHaiti #DevelopmentMatters #PeopleForDevelopment

Years into the war, Ivanna has found stability in Romania. With the support of AVSI-USA and FDP-Protagonist in Education, she secured a job in her professional field—more than just employment, it was a step toward reclaiming the life she lost. Her journey was filled with uncertainty. Alone with two young children and her ailing mother, she faced immense challenges before finally reaching safety. But with resilience, determination, and the right support, she is now rebuilding—finding hope, independence, and a future for her family. Ivanna’s story is one of many. Thanks to FDP-Protagonist in Education, Ukrainian refugees are receiving critical aid, education, employment support, and pathways to long-term stability. While the future remains uncertain, Ivanna’s story is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. 📢 AVSI continues to remain dedicated to not only responding to urgent needs but also building resilience for the future by supporting refugees in rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope. #RefugeeSupport #Resilience #HopeAfterWar #EducationForAll #RebuildingLives #FDPProtagonistInEducation #UkraineToRomania

Meet Landry Mathe, a 25-year-old artist and entrepreneur from Goma, #DRC. His passion for crafting began in childhood, inspired by his father’s artistry. Financial struggles made it difficult to turn his dreams into reality—until he joined AVSI Foundation’s WINGS for Congolese Youth project, funded by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). Through training in financial #literacy, #leadership, and #business skills, Landry transformed his craft into a thriving business, using recycled plastic to create unique, handmade pieces. And now—his work has made its debut in New York City! During her visit to the DRC, Jacqueline Aldrette met Landry, admired his stunning designs, and brought them to the New York Encounter for all to see. His creations are not just objects—they tell a story of resilience, creativity, and hope. 📸 See Landry (on left) with Jackie and member of AVSI staff in the DRC! Thanks to the CDP-funded WINGS+ project, Landry and other young Congolese entrepreneurs are building sustainable livelihoods and inspiring change.

As we enter the third year of war in #Ukraine, AVSI Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to those affected. What began as emergency aid—providing food, winter kits, and cash assistance—has grown into long-term programs supporting #education, child #protection, and economic stability. To date, AVSI has supported over 25,000 children with educational activities, reached 19,000 individuals with psychological support, and assisted over 1,000 Ukrainian refugees in Italy with job training and language services. To honor the resilience of Ukrainian #refugees, we are sharing "Restarting from What Is Left," a powerful graphic novel illustrating the real experiences of Ukrainian women rebuilding their lives in Poland. Through AVSI Polska’s W.A.G.E.E.S. project, these women have found pathways to employment, education, and renewed independence. 📖 Beautifully illustrated by Elena Mistrello, this novel captures the strength, challenges, and hope of those who fled the war. Read and download the full graphic novel here: https://lnkd.in/eDtJKEQp 💙💛 As we mark this anniversary, we continue to stand with the people of Ukraine. Their stories matter. Their future matters. #StandWithUkraine #RefugeeVoices #PeopleforDevelopment