Please support Family Heritage Foundation

MyGiving Story by Bennett Ekandem, Founder & Executive Director

My wife, Idong and I came to the United States as immigrants. We knew what it was like to try and find that first job and try to navigate a system that was foreign to us. It wasn’t easy, but with the support of family and friends, we were able to land on our feet and make a living.

I had lost my father at the tender age of 9. My mother tried to raise six children on her own. At one time, I lived in an orphanage with one of my brothers until my mother was able to make a few ends meet. Life in the orphanage gave me a new perspective on life. I was moved at the plight of children who had lost the lives they once knew and had no place to call home. The sadness they felt could not be described in words. I decided then that if God ever blessed me, I would do something to improve the lives of children.

In 2001, a friend of ours (Tim Cummings) introduced us to the Clarkston community. Idong and I had no idea of the number of refugees who resided in that city. While we were impressed by the different cultures and languages represented there, our hearts were broken by the suffering we witnessed. We knew that refugees had lost EVERYTHING and were trying their best to rebuild lives in the face of such pain and heartache. Imagine losing loved ones and possessions, resettling in a foreign country, trying to communicate in an unknown language and trying to provide for yourself and family with limited access to jobs. The problems were overwhelming, and we wanted to be a part of the solution. So after a time of praying and seeking God, we started the Family Heritage Foundation to provide assistance to refugees in any way that was possible.

The first thing we noticed was the need for an after-school program. One that would be affordable to refugee families who were earning minimum wage with no benefits, and who were still having to pay back that was used to pay for the flight tickets to the United States. Our first thought was a free after-school program, where children could feel safe and accepted. They would be fed a warm meal or nutritious snack right before they sat down to tackle homework. There would be a group of caring people who would help the children with homework and school projects. If time permitted after homework help, they would receive extra tutorials in reading and math. At the same time, they would hear that God loved them and that He had a good plan for them. We would be their support system, even if it meant going to their schools and homes to advocate for them, if needed.

Well, that vision became a reality in November 2001. Since then, we have served more than 650 children who either came as refugees/immigrants or were born to first generation refugees/immigrants. Many have gone from struggling academically and emotionally on to college or successful careers where they are living fulfilled lives.

As parents to three boys, we know how challenging it can be to try and navigate the educational system. From state testing to classroom accommodations, it can feel so overwhelming. This is why we also work with the parents, trying to help them understand the types of support services that are available to them and their children. We interpret progress report cards and test results. All these parents want to know is if their children will be okay. We assure them that with God’s help, they will be fine.

Not only do we help the children succeed in school, we also support the families by providing some needs. We opened up a food pantry, so that families would not have to go without food. Parents with young children don’t have to worry about affording basic items like diapers and baby food. We have a diaper bank for that. If the family’s needs are met, the child will be healthy.

My Giving Story is one filled with happy endings. Every time I run into a former student who says: “Thank you Mr. Bennett. If it wasn’t for you and everyone at the after-school program, I would not have made it,” I am humbled and pleased. All I want to know is that they are doing well in this life. I also want them to realize that we are here for the long haul. The best part is when they come back and work for us. It’s a great feeling to our students receiving help from tutors who one walked in their shoes.

Idong and I give of our time and resources, because we believe in the under-privileged child’s ability to succeed, no matter the odds that are stacked up against them.

Today, we have forty-two (42) children in our after-school program and twenty-three (23) more waiting for spots to open. If we could hire additional tutors in our program, we would be able to help our existing students and enroll a few more.

We need to raise $25,000 by December 31, so that we can hire more tutors for ten months. Would you please help us reach our goal by making a tax-deductible donation? Every bit counts. Thank you!

- Bennett