Imagine waking up with no running water, electricity, and barely enough money to make ends meet.  Such is the case for the impoverished in Uganda, one of the poorest countries in the world. Fortunately, that’s where Katie Stager, CEO of Align International is making a difference.

 

Katie beams with pride as she talks about the organization's journey from its humble beginning in 2006 to a beacon of hope for over 1500 children in Uganda. “It started with wanting to make sure that kids had a place to stay and food on the table,” she says. Since then, Align International has blossomed into something extraordinary - three schools and a life home village, similar to an orphanage, spread across three locations in Uganda: Bombo, Wobulenzi, and Kakoge.

 

Align International's mission revolves around providing these vulnerable children with necessities such as nutritious food, clean water, and safe shelter. When children are abused, neglected or abandoned, the compassionate volunteers at Align International come to the rescue, providing safe housing with loving caretakers. It makes a world of difference to children who are hurting.

 

Yet, their work extends beyond just basic needs. Katie ensures that each child receives essential medical and mental health care. Children are mentored by Christ-centered leaders, helping them experience love and spiritual guidance. With sponsorships, the lives of over 300 abused and abandoned children have been transformed. Fifty-five abused and abandoned children have been sheltered with love since the launch of the Life Home Village. Not to mention over 2300 children have been provided quality education through Donela Schools. Thanks to donors, children’s lives are being changed.

"We just got back from our trip to Uganda for two weeks,” says Katie. She saw firsthand the difference that donors are making. “It was amazing.” Seeing the Uganda children and the impactful change of support was priceless. Starting with one piece of land, Align International has grown into a school and a church as well as Life Homes.

 

“Life Homes will have 10 kids each in a house and run by a live-in mother, who is often a widow. They care for the kids full-time and live on the property full-time,” says Katie. The mothers have a heart of compassion for the kids under their care. Children are being impacted, ensuring a happier and healthier life, one filled with promise and potential.

 

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of donors. One of the most heartwarming aspects of Align International's work is the sponsorship program. Sponsors from the United States send $35/month to support a child living in a Life Home. This small contribution covers their education, food, and healthcare. "It's incredible how something this small can impact at least one life in Uganda - it changes a child's life completely," Katie remarks.

 

The impact of sponsorship extends beyond childhood. Align International funds children through college, enabling them to pursue successful careers as nurses, doctors, teachers, and engineers. The organization also offers a tailoring program to teach adults how to make clothes, providing them with the skills to improve their livelihoods, and giving them a future and hope.

Be sure to save the date for this year’s Align International Gala on October 7th at the Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach. “This will be our first South Bay gala,” says Katie proudly. She couldn’t be more excited, especially since the founders of Align International live in Orange County and she lives here.

 

The goal is to build up the school’s campus and build a high school. Last year’s gala helped Align International build six new classrooms. “The campus is growing like crazy,” smiles Katie. She is excited to see the impact that his year’s gala will have.

 

“I will do anything I can to continue to affect and change the overall health of the community,” says Katie. Every dollar makes a difference to those who need it most.