MISSION, VISION & THE 3 D'S
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! – 1 John 3:1
OUR MISSION:
Empowering Vulnerable Families. Transforming Generations.
Everything we do flows from a single foundational commitment: that every vulnerable family in Ethiopia deserves the chance to thrive in body, mind, and spirit. Because of Kennedy empowers vulnerable families in Ethiopia through the love of Jesus Christ by equipping women to rise out of poverty, discover their identity in Christ, and build lives of sustainable independence while supporting their children's education, healthcare, and social development.
In Ethiopia, approximately 68% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty, struggling to provide adequate shelter, food, education, clothing, and basic necessities. The need is great. So is the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
OUR VISION:
A world where vulnerable families in Ethiopia are equipped to build sustainable futures, break the cycle of poverty, and fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
We envision a world where vulnerable families in Ethiopia are empowered to rise above poverty and build sustainable futures. Women are equipped with the skills, resources, confidence, and faith they need to create lasting change for themselves and their children. Families become stronger, children are given opportunities to learn and thrive, and the cycle of poverty is broken. As families experience transformation, that impact extends beyond one generation and creates hope for generations to come living out God’s purpose for their lives.
HOW WE CREATE LASTING CHANGE: THE 3 D'S
Discipleship
Partnering with local churches in the U.S. and Ethiopia to lead families into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Development
Equipping families through our Family Empowerment, Child Development, and Feeding Programs.
Discovery
Conducting research to develop new, innovative solutions to alleviate poverty and disparities in Ethiopia.
OUR JOURNEY
15+ Years of Faithful Presence!
List of Services
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2009Item Link List Item 1
Kennedy joined the Gleason family; lost battle with malnutrition April 1. BoK became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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2010Item Link List Item 2
10,500 bottles of formula and essential supplies delivered to partner orphanages in Ethiopia.
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2011Item Link List Item 3
Gleasons moved to Ethiopia to implement and expand programs.
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2011-2015Item Link List Item 4
Children enrolled in school. Christmas Smiles Campaign launched — blessing close to 8,000 families to date.
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2016-2019Item Link
New feeding programs launched. New church partners established.
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2018Item Link
Partnered with Bero Kale Heywet Church to build new classrooms, keeping Selam Academy open.
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2020-2021Item Link
BoK registered in Ethiopia. Family Empowerment, Child Development, and Feeding Programs launched.
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2022-2024Item Link
BoK registered in Ethiopia. Family Empowerment, Child Development, and Feeding Programs launched.
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NOV 2024Item Link
61 families graduated the 3-year program.
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DEC 2024Item Link
40 new families started the 3-year program.
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2025Item Link
Launch of Kennedy's Club to expand reach throughout Ethiopia.
WHERE WE WORK
Because of Kennedy operates in Ethiopia — the second most populous country in Africa. 68% of the population lives in multi-dimensional poverty. We are registered as a development organization in Ethiopia, operating with full accountability to local government standards.
The need is great. So is the opportunity. God placed Ethiopia on the Gleasons' hearts through the story of Kennedy, and that calling has grown into 15+ years of faithful, on-the-ground presence.
BoK is registered with the Ethiopian government as a development organization, ensuring full accountability and transparency in every program we run.
