For one family in Star, Idaho, the concept of “family” reaches far beyond the Gem State. Stacey and Cory Hofman founded Ghana Make a Difference (GMAD), an Idaho nonprofit, after a trip to West Africa where they discovered how many children in Ghana lacked a stable, loving home. Since 2012, this multifaceted organization has been progressing towards their vision “to see every child raised in a family.”
In Ghana, the unfortunate reality is that numerous children are found with no one to protect and support them, and often these vulnerable youth are made slaves in the fishing industry. Sometimes children are orphaned, and other times their parents may experience a medical event or other hardship that leaves them without sufficient means to provide for the child. Sadly, some children are taken from their homes with the false promise of care while the parents get back on their feet, but they may be bound for enslavement. These child slaves, as young as four years old, are then put to work sorting fish, cleaning, shoveling water from boats, or even being sent underwater to untangle fishing nets.
“There is a lot of abuse, a lot of Stockholm Syndrome,” executive director Austin Johnson explained. “All of these kids know someone who has drowned.”
Children rescued from slavery or abandonment have significant trauma, but when they arrive at the GMAD compound, they are finally in a safe, caring place. First and foremost, GMAD provides shelter and basic needs to these children who have endured what no child ever should. There are usually approximately 100 children from infant to 18 years old at the shelter, where they are fed and loved by the staff and volunteers committed to making life better for these young Ghanaians.
Even after facing tribulations, kids at the GMAD home can finally heal and shine like Christopher, who proved himself to be a leader in the shelter. Christopher had been enslaved for ten years when he was rescued at age 14. Although he once suffered dreadful abuse, he found his place among peers at the shelter and became known as a peacemaker, offering guidance and wisdom when other children had arguments. GMAD created an environment where he was not only able to recover but to thrive.
In addition to providing housing and sustenance, GMAD supports children through education and medical treatments. The primary goal for all children is family reunification or to join another loving family, but it can be a challenge to return them home and it is not always possible for every child. While they are under the GMAD roof, the goal is to get them healthy and teach them skills to be successful in life long-term.
Surviving such dire conditions, children arrive at GMAD with severe medical issues exacerbated by neglect, but hope is not lost. Through the kindness and generosity of GMAD volunteers and donors, each year healthcare providers travel on medical missions to perform surgeries and other interventions to treat orthopedic, dental, and vision maladies and more in their expanded surgical center.
The increased quality of life these children gain is remarkable. Johnson shared one such story about the transformation for a child named Isaac, who had undergone three surgeries to correct bowlegs. On his most recent trip to Ghana, he witnessed Isaac running and doing back flips and said, “I don’t know what more evidence we need. It’s pretty cool…this kid could barely walk before.”
Many Idahoans have learned that their investment as donors and volunteers with Ghana Make a Difference yields substantial returns. Unlike some nonprofits with heavy overhead, GMAD has only one staff member stateside while the rest of the operation is composed of local staff in Ghana. There are 52 employees including teachers, social workers, nannies, cooks, facilities managers, and more all dedicated to their mission.
Donor dollars go a long way in West Africa and GMAD makes every penny count. Much of their funding comes from monthly donors; even modest recurring contributions are valuable to ensure that they continue to make a difference in Ghana.
“I think one of the most fun things for me is seeing the generosity in the Treasure Valley,” Johnson said enthusiastically. If you would like to learn more and support Ghana Make a Difference, visit ghanamakeadifference.org.
