The John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic

We have received two reports from the clinic’s administrator and accountant.  The health challenges they are servicing are Malaria, peptic ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease, Typhoid, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Rheumatoid arthritis, Hypertension and Measles, just to name a few.

The opportunity lies in: replenishing the pharmaceutical supplies, servicing those who cannot pay anything for services rendered, lack of a van ambulance to transport the seriously ill to the hospital, a midwife to help the expectant mothers…and the list goes on. The blessing lies in the fact that there is an affordable and accessible medical clinic available to treat ailments that the orphans and their community were previously dying from like Malaria, diarrhea, and dehydration.

The work is challenging and, at the same time, rewarding for the medical staff who can see the change in their community’s health.

You ask–How can you help? You can help financially to assist with medical supplies and physically by forming medical teams of doctors, physician assistants, nurses and those that just want to lend a hand that will travel to Fort Portal Uganda to join the Ugandan team as they treat others daily.

Visit our web site www.hhcharities.org and click on “Donate” or contact us via email at info@hhcharities.org.

We can always use caring hearts!  What if…you stepped out to help change lives?

Parrish’s Relatives Cut the Grand Opening Ribbon

Orphans Dance of Gratitude

HHCharities is striving for effectiveness as we work to educate refugees and immigrants in English as a Second language. Why? Because we want our work in the lives of the displaced to be motivating and to bring hope. How? By providing skilled English teachers/tutors who are motivated to help the refugees and immigrants succeed in learning a challenging language, make it active in their everyday living, and–as a result–enhance their integration into a strange new world for them.

Therefore, in this Blog we want to be informative and encourage those who are already teaching or have a dream to teach refugees and immigrants the English language.

We have paused and shifted our efforts for the Cultural Life Skill Center (that originally was a program that would teach English as a Second Language to students) towards building a pool of highly effective teachers or tutors. These tutors will be motivated to increase the success of learning English and prepare the students to pass their Naturalization/Civics Process to receive their US citizenship.

In reading various information on how to achieve our goal of “training the tutor” and highlighting them as some of the most qualified, I came across a Blog written by Albert P. Rayan in the UK. I will briefly share his thought-provoking article.

Highly Effective Tutors are characterized by having:
Imagination
Innovation
Interaction
Independent Thinking
Interdependence Imagination

Imagination: breaks the monotony of class learning and brings excitement to your students. It develops the students’ creativity.

Innovation: this tutor “dares to be different” and introduces new thought processes which challenges the students and stimulates their thinking.

Interaction: encourages open communication between the students and the tutor which increases their communication skills.

Independent Thinking: introduces and motivates the students to think on their own. Helps them to be critical and question what they hear and see. Enhances their thinking process.

Interdependence: this process helps the students to develop interpersonal relationships. Positive reinforcement of interdependence helps them to truly relate to others no matter where they once lived.

Albert Rayan finally states that a teacher/tutor who embodies these characteristics will be most successful in grooming independent and interdependent students.

If you are interested in becoming an English tutor and you want to be the best you can be, contact us at info@hhcharities.org or visit our web site www.hhcharities.org. There are several organizations that are searching for skilled and effective teachers or tutors.

HHCharities had a grand opening on May 17, 2016 in Fort Portal Uganda for the John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic!  What a wonderful event it was! Seeing the Ugandans attend an event where they had to sit out in the sun for hours was mind boggling but, I guess they are used to it.  The orphans and other children danced and thanked the Parrish family for saving their future lives. Potential patients poured into the clinic to be serviced by Dr. Henry Karugaba and his staff.  It is a joy to know this community will now experience focused urgent medical care for their treatable ailments.

Orphans’ Dance of Gratitude

So—what is my concern??? I have been truly struggling with the fear of not being able to support this grand effort.  FEAR is a tremendous executioner of missions that could have been fulfilled but when we give in to its chains we are leaning on ourselves to accomplish far-reaching goals.

To encourage my spirit, I began to read various quotes on facing fear.  Eleanor Roosevelt spoke a profound statement and I wanted to share it with you.  What did her statement say to me?  Stand strong through your fears because—and I do not mind saying—“With God all things are possible.”  So let me encourage you to go ahead and step into your mission and hit FEAR head-on!  You can do it!

Parrish Family Cuts the Grand Opening Ribbon

As you conquer your fears, remember the people of Uganda. Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button to make your financial commitment.  Or, you can email us at info@hhcharities.org with your suggestions for the medical clinic’s sustainability and the orphans’ educational sponsor support.

When I read this quote from Madam President I think of all the women I have come in contact with as I traveled through Kenya, Ghana and Uganda throughout February and March of this year.  I know that many of them are facing a future that they deem as hopeless.  These ladies do not see a glimpse of any light. And, that is so sad! But—they are looking at how their government appears to not support road repairs, electricity that is sufficient to support their own population, jobs for the youth, and businesses for the widows.  Where are the vocational schools and skill centers for the youth whose family cannot afford to send them to college or the universities?  There are so many women, and men, who want to learn a skill. They would love to be able to support their families from the sweat of their brows; in their own farmland or in their own small businesses.  But…

Question—Are they dreaming BIG? A great example is President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.  She became the first female elected head of state in Africa.  This 24^th president of Liberia has been in office since 2006.  Madam President is now serving her second term.  WOW!   What a way to support her statement made above, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” Do you think she dreamed of being a president in Africa?  Her biography speaks to the fact that she wanted and fought for a better world for her people.  She was all about anti-corruption reform.  I think she dreamed BIG!

My purpose in this life is to continue encouraging the people of Africa.  They must dream big because one day they will witness a changed government, numerous vocational and skill centers; various outlets for them to become self-sustaining.  My heart aches along with theirs but when you dream big and have faith things happen!

The John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic is a BIG dream of ours and look at what has happened beyond their imagination! This medical clinic will bring hope to the community of Fort Portal, Uganda.  The people are excited and have great anticipation for a clinic that will change their world.

The Grand Opening will be Tuesday, May 17^th, 2016 in Fort Portal.  Get excited and partner with us to keep their hopeful futures alive!  Visit our web site and let us know how you can make a difference.

Our next challenge is to inspire supporters who will step up and accept the opportunity to educate an orphan.  Just a simple $30 a month will send a child to school.  Review our web site to see how you can be a change agent for the orphans of Uganda.

Help the people of Uganda realize they can DREAM BIG!  Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button to make your financial commitment.  Or, you can email us at info@hhcharities.org with your suggestions for the medical clinic and the orphans’ educational support.

Gated Parrish Medical Clinic

Parrish Medical Clinic Exam Room

Kenya-Secondary (High School) Students in their combined assembly to greet us as visitors

“If you think you are too small to make a difference you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.” ~African Proverb

Wow!  What a commanding and true proclamation!  Because I have been visiting Africa for several weeks now, this proverb really hit home with me.  You can put on all the mosquito repellents that you want but once it wears off the mosquitoes will find you!  Trust me—I know!  A mosquito in your bed and under your mosquito net at night will control your night.  You will not sleep until the little insect is eliminated!

But—on the other hand, what is this proverb actually saying to us?  For me, it is saying that as one person, and a woman in this world of ours, I can make a difference!  Our organization, Humanitarian Hands Charities, is small but we are still impacting lives.  Our first donor, a woman, gave us a hand-up so we could purchase land in Uganda to build a children’s home and educational facility in the future.  Another person believed in our organization enough to build a medical clinic in Uganda.

 “If you want to go quickly, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

~African Proverb

This proverb inspires unity as you bind together with others to make a difference.   I met with a lady in Kakamega, Kenya that opened a vocational school.  Not all senior high students can continue on to higher education because their family is too poor to afford the fees.  The government seemed to be missing this avenue so this lady was empathetic to their plight because she also could not continue her dream to attend college or a university.  She utilized all of her saved funds and began to organize a vocational school that offers dressmaking, tailoring, mechanics, computer labs, etc.  One person made an impact in an underprivileged area so the young adults could learn a skill and survive in their community.

Will she receive assistance from her government?  Yes, but it is a very slow process and this opportunity of education cannot wait.  I know that with patience and determination, she will be successful in her efforts to educate beyond senior high levels.  She is preparing a community of skilled workers and that will bring unimaginable hope to these youths.  And, eventually, these skills will penetrate into their village life.

African proverbs are full of wisdom.  These are just two that caught my attention today.

Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button.  Remember, you are not too small to make a difference!  Your financial commitment or your volunteer expertise helps us to go far.  Email us at info@hhcharities.org with your inquiry on how you can impact lives!

Our youth are the future of all communities!  So Build Hope…One Heart, One Life, One Community at a Time.

Secondary (High School) Students in Kenya

Education changed their lives!

Realizing education!

Raising her sibling!

Higher education in Uganda.

Frederick Douglass stated, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” What a profound affirmation and so very, very true!

People who think along these lines understand the importance of educating children.  The magnitude of educating children will build more effective governments (governments that work for the people) and thriving communities.

In references from UNICEF and other sources, disadvantaged children in the country of Africa face numerous challenges:

• Parent Involvement—Active involvement reduces corruption (illegal accounting fees), encourages good record-keeping (records flow throughout the child’s education) and influences decisions in their child’s education.
• Equal Education—because of poverty and if there has to be a choice between the girls or boys attending school – Gender Bias takes control because culture favors the boys. Their education means more money for the family.
• Girls’ Stumbling Blocks—education interrupted by early childhood marriage (at age 12 or 13), hindrances because of duties as a wife and mother, household chores, responsibility of caring for younger siblings because she is the bread-winner, increased dropouts because of inability to keep up with homework.

African data proves females out of school greatly exceeds boys.  Until equal numbers of girls and boys are in school it will be impossible to build the knowledge necessary to eradicate poverty and hunger, combat disease and ensure environmental sustainability. Therefore, millions of children and women will continue to die needlessly.

One of my greatest joys as I travel through Africa comes when we visit various educational facilities full of children from preschool to high school.  That means there are people who care about the children’s education.  It also means there are sponsors who will reach out and give a hand-up to the impoverished children making strong children that will mature into men and women that bring hope for a future filled with dreams of success for not only them but for their community.  And I say to you—what a wonderful gift to give!

You still have an opportunity to change lives! HHCharities focuses on working to educate the orphans that reside in the Fort Portal Uganda communities, starting with the population of more than 2,500. Support can range from $30 a month, to $120 a term, or $360 for the school year. Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button to make your financial commitment.  Or, you can email us at info@hhcharities.org with your inquiry on how you can be a part of our Orphans’ Tuition Program.

Help build strong children with a bright and promising future!

“Without involvement, there is no commitment.  Mark it down, asterisk it, circle it, underline it,” –Stephen Covey

We are in a new year with new opportunities but also new challenges.  But—both avenues will help us to grow.

January 2016 reminded me of the word commitment. What does that word mean to you! Are you already thinking about the things you had committed to do last year but the task has not yet been completed?

Several years ago a friend of mine was passing me in the hallway and I reminded her about something I had committed to do for her. Her response was, “Why should I trust you to fulfill that promise when you did not complete your vow the last time.”  Talking about a slap in the face!!!  That statement has been carried around in my heart every sense then.  I vowed to always keep my word or give a good explanation as to why I cannot.

Do I have anyone’s attention??? Hello!!!  Are you one of those who makes promises but you think it is something that will not affect you if it is not done? Or will it?  The person you made the commitment to is aware that “your word is not your bond” because you have made too many promises that have not been fulfilled. Wow!  What an awful legacy to leave for anyone. What a sobering thought to know your reputation is not good. But—you slide over it and think, “It is no big deal!” Guess what?  Others know that they cannot count on you because your reputation follows you!  Is that how you want to be remembered?

My challenge to you—Commit this year to be that person others can count on.  Commit this year to make life more about others and not just about yourself.  It is not about you and it is not about me.  It is how you impact the lives of others for positive change. 

What have you committed to do from last year that you can still complete this year to save face?  Remember, you will be remembered by your actions.  What is that saying—“Actions speak louder than words”? Yes—they do!

So do not miss your opportunity to do good to others! The Pastor John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic is completed and will be ready for use in February. The clinic needs your financial, physical and prayerful help for its success. Join HHCharities in our commitment to assist with finances, medical supplies and medical teams for the next two years.

Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button to make your financial commitment.  Or, you can email us at info@hhcharities.org with your suggestions to medical avenues of assistance.

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” –Anthony Robbins    

Here is a light bulb thought—Life is not just about you! What!!! What do you mean?  I am glad you asked.   What matters is what you are doing in others’ lives to be a change agent.

Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself daily:

What have I done today to make an impact of positive change in someone’s life?

What have I done today that brought hope into someone’s life?

What have I done today that tells someone “I care about you”?

What have I done today that was sacrificial giving?

Yes, you must do things for yourself to help you grow in areas that will enhance your existence here on earth.  But—always remember that you do not know what tomorrow holds for YOU.  You can be on top of the world today but LIFE can bring tragedy that puts you in the same place of the person you neglected to assist yesterday.

Please remember this–It is not about you and it is not about me. It is what you are doing to reach out your hands to lift someone up out of their valley of despair. Bringing a “ray of hope” into the lives of others says—Yes, I care!

Do not miss your opportunity to do good to others! The Pastor John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic will begin its health education operation in January. The actual emergency medical health assistance process is scheduled to begin in March 2016.  At that time, the clinic will need your financial, physical and prayerful help for its success.

Join HHCharities in our commitment to assist with finances, medical supplies and medical teams for the next two years.  Giving them initial support and then allowing them to grow into a self-sustaining status.

Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Donate” button to make your financial commitment.  Or, you can email us at info@hhcharities.org with your suggestions to medical avenues of assistance.

Make a difference in someone’s life right now!  Donate your funds and your physical assistance!  And remember, life is not just about you!

Pastor John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic in Rutorwa County Fort Portal Uganda

Life takes us in so many circles and through a variety of valleys and peaks.  Sometimes you just have to stop and ask yourself, “What can I do to leave a legacy from my life experiences?”  Well–I have asked myself that question numerous times and, because of my commitment to HHCharities, I realized that there is nothing more rewarding than reaching down to lift others up.

A marvelous example–Roland Parrish has left a legacy for his family and others by providing the Pastor John H. and Marie Parrish Medical Clinic.  His generous major donation will be in the hearts of the people in the Rutorwa County, Fort Portal Uganda community for many years to come.   We are celebrating his heart to give on Saturday, October 24th at our 7th Annual “What if…?” Gala event.  Our venue will be the Eisemann Center in Richardson Texas.   Come and join us as we celebrate this lasting gift.

Our agenda will include:  an eye-catching  Silent Auction, a Red Carpet Photo experience, rubbing elbows with a notable philanthropist Roland Parrish, a special Emmy Award winning guest,  mingling with past NFL Players, Social Mixer for networking, Food Stations to tantalize your taste buds, a brief honorary program, News Anchor Rebecca Lopez will keep us motivated, soothing saxophone performance by Scott Campbell, and to close the evening DJ Dorian DuPree will keep you on the floor.

Thank you, Roland Parrish!

Visit our web site to register, http://www.hhcharities.org.  You won’t want to leave early! Raffle items await you.  See you there!

Pastor  John H. and Marie Parrish

Welcome to the real world of refugees and immigrants.

Are they blessed to be in the United States?  Probably so!  But the feeling of loneliness and bewilderment overtakes their spirit leaving them feeling helpless and, sometimes, hopeless.  Where do they go?  Who do they turn to?  There are resettlement agencies that assist the government with placing the refugees and immigrants in housing units with food and basic English lessons.  But—they cannot stay in the system for an extended period.

What if…you had an opportunity to change the lives of displaced individuals? What if…you could share your talents in cultural living in the U.S. with them?  What if…you could open doors of opportunity by instructing in English or preparing the refugees and immigrants through Civics and Naturalization Literacy that will help them succeed as they take their citizenship test and interview?

You can—Join us by giving of your time and energy to impact lives and change futures.  Your involvement will enhance the lives of the refugees and immigrants and give them a hopeful and more vibrant future.

Visit us at www.hhcharities.org and click on the “Get Involved/Volunteer” button and fill out the Volunteer Form.  Or, you can email us at volunteer@hhcharities.org.

Change someone’s life this year!