Volunteer Dunleavy Gains Life-Changing Perspectives

Crossing Thresholds and RealFoundations have forged a powerful partnership driven by a shared commitment to effecting positive change. Crossing Thresholds is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating learning opportunities for some of the poorest children in East Africa while addressing their physical and mental health needs, their families and the communities at large.

When RealFoundations’ Enterprise Managing Consultant Hope Dunleavy and her husband Michael traveled to Kenya on behalf of the firm in July 2023, they were impressed by the endless capacity of love and the optimistic spirit of the people of Kibera. During their trip, Hope and Michael volunteered for five days and visited four schools in Kibera, the second-largest slum in the world located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya.

“Our experience in Kibera was emotional, inspirational, and humbling. It is not easy to make sense of the poverty and adversity facing the people of Kibera, but we were truly touched by the courage, resilience, and hope of children and adults alike who work tirelessly to improve their life circumstances,” commented Hope.

Upon arrival, Hope and Michael were welcomed by the radiant smiles of children, inspiring educators, tenacious community members, and the dedicated Crossing Thresholds team. This instant connection embodied the essence of Crossing Thresholds’ mission – to create a community built on relationships of hope, potential, possibility, empowerment, engagement, and love.

Reflecting on that mission, Hope shared: “Michael and I felt and saw all this firsthand. We feel honored and blessed to have had this opportunity. Every day since we have been back in the US, Crossing Thresholds has come up in conversation – either between just the two of us or with others. We are excited to continue our support.”

The Dunleavys visited four schools including Community Pillars Alliance, Mobjap Primary, Center of Hope Primary, and Facing the Future Primary. Each school projected an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement. The children’s eagerness to learn was undeniable and reflected the transformative power of education amid the most challenging circumstances. At each school, the educators and staff shared unique stories of their own journeys, showcasing their deep-rooted dedication to education and community development along with providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children in their care.

Beyond the classroom, Hope and Michael worked hand-in-hand with other Crossing Thresholds’ volunteers to construct a firewall at a new school and paint the interior of an older school. The couple also participated in mental health programs, showcasing the Crossing Thresholds’ holistic approach to nurturing the mental well-being of the students. Most memorable were visits to the homes of four students, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the challenges they and their families face in Kibera.

Back home, Hope and Michael Dunleavy remain dedicated to the mission of Crossing Thresholds. They are engaging in mentorship programs and already are planning to return to Kibera with their son. Through their journey to Kenya and their time in Kibera, Hope and Michael witnessed the tenacity of the human spirit, the transformative power of education, and the capacity for individuals and organizations to drive positive change, one step at a time.

“The poorest children in the world deserve a committed network of support. Like all children, they need advocates, mentors, and friends. Every child needs someone to believe in them. RF has been one of Crossing Thresholds’ strongest partners through the years. You have been a witness to the plight (and injustice) of child poverty. You have stood in the divide between indifference and possibility. You have also been enormously generous. You have helped us build schools where learning and love are now alive and well. It matters more than you could imagine. The trajectory of lives has been forever altered. Stay close. We need you,” remarked Carter Via, Founder and Executive Director at Crossing Thresholds.

RealFoundations will continue supporting Crossing Thresholds and identifying additional opportunities to contribute to the life-changing programs Community Pillars has to offer. If you would like to contribute to this incredible initiative, consider a tax-deductible donation to Crossing Thresholds. All donations noted as “RealFoundations” will directly fund initiatives for Community Pillars, such as procurement of desks, furniture, kitchenware, computers, and books for the library, among other items.

Donations are accepted online, through Venmo, or by check (details below).

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About Crossing Thresholds

Crossing Thresholds is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating learning opportunities for some of the poorest children in East Africa. Working closely with local grassroots visionaries and educators, Crossing Thresholds has successfully opened 4 primary schools and 1 high school since 2008, providing over 1,200 local children with daily nutrition, emotional support and hope. Their mission is to find dynamic local partners who believe in the power of education.

 

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About RealFoundations

RealFoundations (RF) is the world’s foremost professional services firm focused solely on the real estate industry. Through our delivery of Management Consulting and Managed Services, we help companies that develop, own, operate, service or invest in real estate make better, more profitable decisions. We are proud partners to over 500 real estate companies around the globe, providing accelerated solutions that solve some of real estate’s most complex challenges. We Make Real Estate Run Better.