NEW YORK – A Glimmer of Hope is launching a new project with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to reduce poverty and improve long-term well-being for a community of 19,000 families in rural Ethiopia. The project will support income growth, food security, and better opportunities for women and girls in Oda Bultum, Oromia Region.
Glimmer’s integrated approach will build family income through loans and trainings, and address the essential needs of clean water, nutrition, healthcare, and education. “We are so grateful to work in collaboration with Helmsley and the people of Oromia Region,” said Donna Berber, Glimmer founder and CEO. “Together, we will strengthen the entire community and relieve the incredible burden of poverty.”
Oda Bultum is an extremely poor community where families face long-term food shortages and a lack of resources. Families do not have access to the basic life necessity of clean water, and local health centers and schools are overcrowded and under-resourced.
The $8 million award will fund the first three years of the project and build on Helmsley’s first grant to Glimmer in 2018 for a project in the Amhara region. “We are honored that Helmsley deeply believes in our model and our shared vision for Ethiopia,” said Berber. “With the support of Helmsley, Glimmer is expanding to touch the lives of 95,000 people in Oda Bultum—an incredible opportunity for us and, most importantly, the people of Ethiopia.”
“Glimmer shares Helmsley’s approach of breaking the cycle of poverty through holistic, community-led solutions. We’re continuing our partnership to address multiple challenges that prevent families in rural Ethiopia from thriving, and to build lasting impact in the region,” said Walter Panzirer, Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust.
About The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. The Trust strives to make a meaningful impact, employing not only significant financial assets, but also a rigorous and results-oriented approach. The Helmsley Charitable Trust is committed to close and productive partnerships with our grantees, as well as with other funders and impact players in government, academia, and the private sector who share the Trust’s interests and goals.
Source: helmsleytrust.org