At Lake Forrest Church, we believe in putting our faith into action. We strive to make a tangible difference in the world, and one of the most effective ways we do that is by partnering with organizations who are on the front lines of tackling global challenges. This month, we are thrilled to be supporting Heifer International in their mission to end hunger and poverty around the world.

Donate Today and Help Families Thrive!

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Why Heifer International?

For over 75 years, Heifer International has been empowering families and communities to lift themselves out of poverty through sustainable agriculture. Their unique model focuses on more than just handouts; it equips families with the tools, training, and resources they need to build thriving businesses and improve their lives for generations to come.

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The Heifer Difference: A Hand Up, Not a Handout

Heifer International's approach is based on several key principles:

• Providing Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture Training: Heifer provides families with livestock, such as cows, goats, chickens, or bees, along with the training needed to care for them and manage their farms sustainably. These animals provide vital resources like milk, eggs, meat, and honey, which can be consumed for nutrition or sold for income.

• The "Passing on the Gift" Principle: This cornerstone of Heifer's model requires families who receive an animal to pass on one of its offspring to another family in need. This creates a ripple effect of empowerment, sustainably multiplying the impact of each initial donation.

• Community Ownership and Leadership: Heifer works with local communities to identify their needs and develop solutions that are tailored to their specific contexts. They empower local leaders to take ownership of the projects and ensure their long-term sustainability.

• Focus on Women and Girls: Heifer recognizes that empowering women and girls is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. They prioritize providing women with access to resources, training, and leadership opportunities.

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Why Support Heifer Through Lake Forrest Church?

We chose to partner with Heifer International because their approach aligns perfectly with our values. We believe in empowering individuals and communities to create lasting change. By supporting Heifer through Lake Forrest Church, you are:

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• Investing in Sustainable Solutions: Your donation will provide families with the tools and training they need to build thriving businesses and improve their lives for generations to come.

• Creating a Ripple Effect of Good: The "Passing on the Gift" principle ensures that your donation will continue to impact families in need for years to come.

• Supporting a Reputable and Effective Organization: Heifer International has a proven track record of success and is committed to transparency and accountability.

• Joining a Community of Compassion: By donating through Lake Forrest Church, you are joining a community of people who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

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The Back Story: From a Dream to a Global Movement

Heifer International was founded in 1944 by Dan West, a Church of the Brethren farmer from Ohio. Deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed while serving as a relief worker during the Spanish Civil War, West envisioned a way to provide families with "not a cup, but a cow" – a source of sustainable nutrition and income.

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His concept was simple: Provide livestock to families in need, along with the training to care for them. This would not only alleviate hunger but also empower them to build sustainable livelihoods. The first shipment of heifers was sent to Puerto Rico in 1944, and Heifer International was born.

From these humble beginnings, Heifer International has grown into a global organization that has empowered millions of families to lift themselves out of poverty. They continue to innovate and adapt their programs to meet the changing needs of the world, but their core mission remains the same: to end hunger and poverty by providing families with the tools and resources they need to build thriving lives.

Join us in supporting Heifer International and helping families around the world thrive!

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Learn More About Heifer International: https://www.heifer.org/