Rather than providing a hand-out, which inevitably leads to dependency and failed projects, we seek to transform communities from the inside out, enabling them to be the agents of change within their own context.

It’s not until communities are able to understand and embrace their potential, that they are fully able to utilize and sustain the projects they have worked so hard to achieve. BWM researches and develops close relationships with local organiza-tions, empowering them to be the catalysts in the communities around them.

A grassroots organization that

empowers communities to work

together against the HIV/AIDS

and water crisis.

how:we:work

BWM maintains a staff of qualified development professionals who hand-pick each partnership using industry best practices in development.

The partnership is then managed using the principles of CREATE, a model devel-oped by BWM which centers around 4 critical areas engagement: Collaboration, Relationships, Empowerment, Accountability and Technical Excellence.

In addition to funding, BWM collaborates with our partner organizations on strat-egy and methods, networking resources to build capacity, and offering technical and programmatic insight where needed.

It is through these grassroots approaches that we are able to capitalize on local knowledge, build into civil society, maximize cost-effectiveness, and ensure long-term sustainability.

about:usIT’S A BEAUTIFUL STORY. We’re a group of passionate people who have been inspired by our friends in Africa, friends who face unbearable chal-lenges from the HIV/AIDS and water crises.

We creatively and thoughtfully raise awareness and the necessary funds for the provision of clean blood and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa.

Founded by the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.

The members of the band were committed to share the often-untold sto-ries: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing into their respective communities.

Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water.

As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean wa-ter and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.

Since its launch, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars from individuals seeking to make a difference.

We have partnered with more than 800 communities in Africa, provid-ing life-saving water and health needs for over 500,000 people.

The results of our efforts paint a new picture in these communities. Vil-lage leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanita-tion and healthcare into their communities.

Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives.

write:your:own:story.

Tumaini Clinic. The word means “hope” in Swahili. And for Mary Godana the clinic is nothing less.

A widow with three children, Mary was diagnosed with HIV but was unwilling to accept her status, suffering heavily from the effects of the disease until a counselor from the clinic made a visit to her home and shared with her the opportunities that the clinic provided for people living with AIDS (PLWA).

Like so many PLWAs living in Kenya’s desert north, the physical desolation that Mary survives in is nothing compared to the internal desolation that challenges her as she faces the social stigma of being infected.

1 of 7,000 PLWAs in Marsabit, Tumaini clinic has been the first ray of hope for Mary since she faced the reality of her diagnosis, and now with her enrollment into the program, she has access to quality treatment for opportunistic infections, health education on family planning, counseling on drug adherence, and social counseling. A growing advocate in her community Mary still faces stigmatization from neighbors and family, but her joy in life is returning as she realizes with growing hope that she will live to see her 3 children have children of their own.

a:story:from:kenya