Spring 2012 - Brittany's Hope

House of Love ExpansionTravel & ServeThe House of Love orphanage in Viet Namis special to Brittany’s Hope. Throughout our10 year relationship, we have been blessed towatch a group of saddened children blossominto a happy and loving family. It was a longand bumpy road, but our strong partnershiphas ensured each child’s safety and wellbeing.The center’s location made it susceptibleto natural disasters, like typhoons whichplaced its buildings under 2 feet of water.While these disasters didn’t endanger thelives of the children, it made the center’soverpopulation apparent. Nearly 100 peoplewould crowd into small rooms on the secondfloor of the original, antiquated building. Itwas clearly time to expand and compensatefor nature.In January 2012, Brittany’s Hope finishedan incredible expansion to the House ofLove center. This new building is elevated,spacious and functional! With the help ofour supporters, we were able to supply newclassrooms, a sustainable fruit garden, alibrary and most importantly a comfortablebed and locker for each child to call theirown. In addition, the original buildings wererepaired and upgraded! It was such anaccomplishment that over 600 people fromaround the country, including governmentofficials, joined the kids and their caretakersin an opening celebration.“In early January, our group, along with nine suitcases stuffed with toys, gifts,clothes, diapers, formula and candy embarked on what was to be both a culturalas well as humanitarian experience.” - John Penatzer, Child SponsorWhen Brittany’s Hope traveled to VietNam to attend the center’s grand opening,an invitation was extended to sponsors andsupporters. During their journey, the groupvisited orphanages in Ben Tre, Da Nang andHo Chi Minh City where they implementedprojects and distributed essential items toorphaned children.The highlight of the trip was a visit tothe House of Love where many of the groupmembers sponsor a child. There is often apre-conceived notion that their involvementin their sponsored child’s life will be limitedto a monthly contribution. We believe thatthe connection forged through sponsorship isspecial and encourage our sponsors to sendgifts, exchange letters and hopefully one dayvisit the child that they love and nurture fromfar away.Viet Nam has been one of the primaryfocuses of the Humanitarian Aid thatBrittany’s Hope provides. When adoptionsContinued on Next Page >

A Letter From Hang ~ HOPE Program GraduateChildren HomeMy name is Vo Thi Thanh Hang and I ama recent graduate of the Da Nang Red CrossVocational Embroidery class sponsored byBrittany’s Hope. The two year class went byquickly, but it has left a deep impression on me.The instructors were kind and considerate totheir students, and were genuinely concernedabout our success. I considered the centera second home as it was an exciting placeto live, learn and work in one comfortableenvironment.The center often organized activities,games and interactions with volunteerstudents which were helpful for our overallmoral. I remember quivering as I held myfirst needle, thinking I might not be able todo this job, but the teachers were great atkeeping me encouraged.I continuously felt thankful to Brittany’sHope and my instructors for supporting andinspiring me. I knew that I had to try my bestand because of that, I finally have experienceand a skill in a field that I truly enjoy.I no longer reside at the center becausethe program helped me to locate a suitableembroidery job. I receive products from TamKy and embroider them at home. My incomeis great as it allows me the independenceI’ve always dreamed of but often consideredunreachable. I no longer feel self-pity andshy as I did before. I now feel joyful, happyand marketable. It is amazing to believe that aspecial needs child (hearing impaired & nonverbal)like me has been able to find a stablejob. With the money that I am earning, I caneasily support myself.I will focus on the future and promiseto do a great job to make the most of theeducation I have been blessed with.A Great Need For HOPEIn countries like Viet Nam, mentally or physically disabled children,including orphans, are often shut out from society. Very fewopportunities are afforded to these precious children to showthat they do matter and can become productive members ofcommunity. Our HOPE Program is providing these opportunities,while giving children a sense of self-worth and the knowledgethat someone cares about their future.

Aiding Abandoned Children Worldwide1160 North Market StreetElizabethtown, PA 17022www.BrittanysHope.org717.367.9614NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAIDGREAT FALLS, MTPERMIT NO. 128