Dear Family and Friends, 

I am asking upfront for your support to raise needed funds on behalf of five incredible social work students -- from Columbia University’s School of Social Work (CSSW). This summer, they will volunteer in the Kibera Slum (Nairobi, Kenya) with Crossing Thresholds (CT), a non-profit dedicated to building schools and educating children.

Kibera is the largest slum in Africa, where over 1,000,000 impoverished people live in an area the size of Central Park. Without meaningful employment opportunities, access to basic healthcare, or enough schools, the fate of children is precarious at best. Crossing Thresholds has been on the ground since 2008, bringing teams of volunteers to raise awareness and promote empowerment. 

CSSW has had strong links with CT and their 9-day immersion experience in Kibera for many years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a major challenge in Kibera, with high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. This summer, the CSSW students are tasked with creating a task force along with community partners aimed at tackling this problem by raising awareness of mental health, reducing stigma, and implementing community-based interventions and trauma-informed programs to strengthen resilience.

By supporting these incredible people, you will NOT ONLY impact the lives of deserving students but also the community they will be serving (one of the statistically poorest in the world). Our fundraising goal is $13,250, and all gifts are tax-deductible.

Please know that every donation helps. We thank you in advance for your generosity. Together, let's make a difference and support these young change-makers on their journey to Kenya!

You can donate:

• Online by clicking the fundraising links

• Venmo: @CrossingThresholds-Inc (please include my name in the note)

• By check: Crossing Thresholds, Inc., PO Box 446, New Canaan, CT 06840 (please include my name in the memo)

--

Alexandra Seals PhD 
Senior Adjunct Professor