This quarter’s AHOPE Angel has been a great friend to AHOPE for Children for a number of years. Rhoda Worku, owner of Caboose Bakery and Café, came to know of us from staff having lunch at the cafe. After attending an AHOPE reception she became interested in the children we serve. Rhoda, on a visit to Ethiopia to see family, brought her children to AHOPE Ethiopia. There she met children who were happy and healthy. She knew this was a program for HIV positive orphans but was unable to detect any indication of children being sick. Additionally, she was impressed with the staff and their care of our children; their dedication and ability to promote the fact that these children are happy, healthy and loved.

On her return to the US, Rhoda decided to help AHOPE for Children in any way possible. She has participated in percentage of proceed events, donated catering for events and, most recently, reached out to the Ethiopian community to help raise awareness of AHOPE. Rhoda states she hopes more donors will get involved which will provide more care for our children. With regards to her hopes for the people of Ethiopia, she would like to see an increase in education in order for them to move beyond the stigma of HIV/AIDS.

Rhoda’s involvement is a family affair. Her husband Gachou, while he tends to be laid back and behind the scenes, is very supportive of her involvement with AHOPE for Children. He has reached out to friends in the community to help support her efforts. Through Rhoda, AHOPE has gotten to know her sons, Worku and Abel. While Worku has been supportive, Abel has become part of the AHOPE for Children staff and is reaching out to high schools and colleges in order to raise awareness and get students involved with AHOPE.

Abel sums up his mother by saying “She is a person who cares for others and does what she can to help”.

All of us at AHOPE for Children can attest to this and thank her for being our AHOPE Angel!