The Abide family has GROWN much in the last few months. We have barely had time to catch you up on who has been added to the Abide staff. These folks make Abide possible. They serve and love the families at Abide so well. We are beyond blessed with a wonderful staff who work well together and who are just as passionate as we are to see "Children in families, not orphanages".
If you have ever donated to Abide, your donations help us pay for these folks to work at our center. You make each one of their positions at Abide possible. We thank you for helping bring these people into our lives so that they can reach the lives of vulnerable families struggling to provide for their children.
Meet our full-time Pastor
Julius received a B.A. in theology from Global
Theological Seminary in Jinja, Uganda. He has been a pastor for 10 years and is
currently a pastor at Rivers of Life Church in Jinja. Julius states that “life
is the most precious gift that God has given us” and he enjoys working at Abide
because he is given the opportunity to express his pastoral abilities and
“remind families of their obligations to live by God’s principles, in the life
manual, called the Bible”. At Abide Julius facilities bible studies to staff
and caregivers, supports the social work team, and provides counseling services
to caregivers/families.
Meet our Social Work team! {from left to right}
Adonai (Social Worker) received a B.A. in social work/social
administration from Uganda Christian University in Mukono Distract. He has been
a social worker for 8 years; prior to Abide he was a social worker at Rapha
Orphanage. Adonai states that he enjoys working at Abide because it is “a good
social place where we can carry out our abilities to assist families…it is a
social change place, which is causing a positive impact upon the community”. At
Abide he manages a caseload of families by promoting income generating,
counseling, and advocating for children and families rights.
Juliette (Income Generation Director) studied development economics at Makerere University. She has work experience at the probation office and is pleased to have Abide be her first professional job. She enjoys working at Abide because she is inspired by female empowerment and wants “everyone to have a smile on his or her face”. At Abide she conducts business classes to the caregivers providing them skills and education. She focuses on assisting with business proposals that the caregivers present to the staff. She also attends home visits with the social work team to evaluate the caregiver’s business projects.
Susan (Social Worker) received a B.A. in social work at Uganda Christian University in Mukono Distract. This is Susan’s first social work position; previously she completed internships at Compassion International. Susan enjoys working at Abide because she is helping the community, which she believes in the main role of a social worker. She enjoys working with children because of their fun personalities and interesting characteristics. At Abide she manages a caseload and enjoys her time going into the community conducting home visits and advocating for the rights of the family.
Meet our Assistant Home Manager
Julie is an excellent tailor,
receiving individual training 2 years ago. She developed her practice making
curtains, pillows, bags, children’s clothing, yoga mat bags, stuffed animal toys,
etc. She enjoys working at Abide because the job allows her to help her 5
children – 2 of which are adopted. As home manager she will assist with
shopping, assisting the pre-school, and tailoring. Julie states that “she
enjoys getting to know new people and working with children” and believes that
Abide supports those who are disadvantaged.
Meet our WONDERFUL Cook
Mary is a seasoned cook working for 12 years at Nile
Vocational Institute and 5 years at Kagoma Nursing School. She enjoys working
at Abide because the income is stable compared to working in gardens. She
states that Abide provides her with stability. Mary states, “I use to be sick,
but because of Abide I am able to support myself, also I feel good when others
enjoy my work”. At Abide Mary provides an excellent selection of Ugandan cuisine,
such as matoke, chapatti, greens, etc for the staff and caregivers.
John has been a guard for 14 years previously
working at Jinja Steel Organization and St. Jude Primary School. John has a
strong love and respect for his job, stating, “I love myself as a result”. He
states that he enjoys working at Abide because he “enjoys the job within his
life”, adding that he feels at peace working at Abide. At Abide John protects
the caregivers and staff by managing the property and regulating visitors.