My mom and I have applied to sponsor one woman in the Congo after we had seen several shows. I am 17 , live with my single mom and I am going to college. I recently had a ‘celebration lunch’ with my mom for passing all my first mid-tems for this year. After seeing Oprah’s show again the other day we decided to take that money we normally use to treat ourselves out to lunch or dinner and sponsor one woman. My mom and I live on only $1400 a month. Below the poverty line for many. We have a car that has almost 275K miles on it. We are living in a friend’s house right now because we can’t find a rental we can afford. BUT, we have a home, a full cupboard, a tank full of gas to get to school, a cell phone and two computers. When we think we are broke at the end of the month and think things are tough they really aren’t. We know that on the 1st of the month we will have money. We know that we can get a loan for school books. We know that there are programs to help us if we really didn’t have food. Really, we have a lot.
My mom was most moved to do something when she saw that you actually met the woman that ‘Women for Women’ is helping. You always wonder if the money is really going to help people. You always wonder if your money is really doing good. Seeing those women with their letters from their ’sisters’ was very touching.
I have another male friend that plays music with me. Today we told him that we had chosen to sponsor a woman. After looking at the site he decided he wants to too. But what is the role of men in ‘women for women.’. For me and my mother we are doing it as a family decision and project but what about for my friend?

Thank you for your reply,
Cody

Dear Cody,
I am so moved by your note, and so proud of you, your mom, and your musician buddy!!! What a beautiful family you have, what a wonderful act. I am so inspired!!!

In terms of your friend, we welcome and celebrate men’s involvement! Men can sponsor women in Congo, too! Men also participate in Run for Congo Women all the time. I think its amazing- and critical- for young men to stand up against violence against women. Bravo to you and your buddy!

With my deepest  gratitude,
Lisa