Monday, January 21, 2013

Changing for the Better

Good News - The Dollars for Change family is GROWING.  
We're always doing our best to adapt to the needs and challenges that we face along with Kurland Village.  As we look to the future, we are welcoming some close friends to the group.

Jordan, Jake, Taylor and Freya.

I could go on an on about how amazing these people are.

Remember that amazing video that we made for Ellen DeGeneres to try and get a new truck?  Jordan and Taylor made it while they were volunteering for Dollars for Change as part of their study abroad program with Western Washington University.  (Ellen's production people called us a few times - we got really excited but never got the truck... don't even get me started...)




Taylor is our marketing/design/all-around amazing lady (officially known as director of marketing & communications).  She graduated from WWU with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Political Science.  She's got a big heart and loves Kurland - two requirements for coming on board.  She currently resides in Azusa, California.




Jordan and Jake just recently got married (they had one of the most beautiful weddings ever, and one dollar from every guest went to DFC which made it extra special).   Jordan also studied abroad with DFC in South Africa, and Jake has spent time in the country as well.  They have made the brave decision to move to South Africa (tentatively planned for fall '13) to run DFC programs.  Their dedication and determination is inspiring and Kurland will be lucky to have them.  Jordan has her degree in Political Science and an MBA in Non-Profit Management.  Jake graduated with a dual degree in Political Science and Philosophy and plans to pursue a PhD in Philosophy. They are our current program and development directors.




Freya has been with us for while.  She has been coordinating programs in Kurland since 2011.  Originally from Germany, Freya has played an instrumental role in keeping the after-school program going.  In addition to DFC, she has volunteered at Kurland's clinic and also started a ballet class for children in the village.  She plans to attend medical school, but calls the Crags and Kurland Village home for now.   Dollars for Change wouldn't be the same without her.





In addition to these folks on the ground.  Dollars for Change is so fortunate to welcome the famous Dr. J, Alex, and Kelsey to our Board of Directors.  All part of the original WWU Study Abroad Program, these amazing people have joined the team because they believe in DFC and the potential of  Kurland Village, South Africa.