My Support Letter
I recently left my job as a graphic designer in Washington, DC to explore other opportunities and to take care of some knee surgeries. Now that I’m almost finished recovering, it’s time to prepare for my upcoming venture with International Care Ministries (ICM) in Hong Kong. I have briefly discussed the opportunity with a lot of you, but I’ve outlined some more details below. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging cheering section, so thank you for taking the time to hear more about my next adventure!
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL CARE MINISTRIES
ICM is a Christian, non-government organization working to alleviate poverty in the Philippines. They have been serving the poor in the Philippines since 1992 and believe that no one should live in abject poverty. In the last few years, ICM has reached nearly a half million ultrapoor people with life-changing, community-based, holistic education (ultrapoor = families living on less than $0.50 a day). To me, ICM’s most powerful work comes from their Transformation Program. They partner with pastors and volunteers from local churches found in slums across the Philippines to provide ongoing support and encouragement essential for change. At the core of the program is the VHL Curriculum, which stands for Values, Health and Livelihood. This 16-week hands-on training course teaches life skills for stronger relationships, improved problem-solving and greater family wellbeing. But training alone isn’t enough. Those living in ultrapoverty often lack the most basic of assets needed for their climb out of poverty. Therefore, in addition to essential training, ICM provides resources needed to kick-start improvements in their relationships, health practices and economic opportunities.
Delivered in a community of support and encouragement, this combination of training and resources leads to sustainable new habits that result in increased wellbeing for the entire family. The results speak for themselves; with more than 100,000 people directly benefitting from their work each year. ICM inspires hope and provides help to transform lives. To learn more about ICM you can visit caremin.com.
MY OPPORTUNITY
When I left my corporate job as a graphic designer, I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to make a difference in others’ lives using the talents I was given. I was presented with a role I could not pass up; ICM had an opening for a Communications Officer—Graphic Designer in Hong Kong. My role as a designer will be promoting ICM’s mission by working on design projects like donor reports, flyers, website content, invitations, brochures and more. I’ll also assist the ICM Manila office and other ICM Base offices with their graphic requests. One of my favorite aspects of this role is my opportunity to visit the Philippines a few times a year to see and support the impactful work ICM is doing there. Not only will I get the opportunity to grow as a professional, but I will be working toward making a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives every day. To follow my journey and learn more you can visit my blog at jennyoumans.com.
SUPPORT
This work will be very demanding emotionally, physically and spiritually. Because of that, I want to ensure I have a wide-reaching prayer network and I’d love for you to be a part of that. Every staff member in the Hong Kong office is a volunteer. They live on financial support from friends and family who believe in the good ICM is doing. In order to manage working full-time for ICM and living in Hong Kong, I need to raise $30,000 USD ($2,500 per month) for my first year. There are several ways you can make a diffference in my journey and help support ICM’s amazing work. If you’d like to be a part of my adventure with ICM, I’ve included an envelope for easy giving, or visit my fundraising site for more giving options http://give.us.caremin.com/users/Jennifer-Youmans. One-time or occasional contributions are greatly appreciated if you’d rather not sponsor in an on-going fashion. I am so grateful for any support and prayers.
I would be happy to speak or meet with you about how you can make a difference or tell you more about the work I’ll be doing with ICM in Hong Kong and the Philippines. Philippians 2:4 says “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others”. I truly believe that ICM’s mission is a perfect example of this.
Thank you so much for your friendship, interest and support.
Jenn Youmans