Author: DHMAuthor

When we talk about food insecurity, we are not discussing an abstract issue; we mean real households, often with young children, deciding how to stretch
what little they have, especially where access to stable income, dependable markets, and basic services is limited or absent. Divine Hope Mission exists
because these realities are common in remote and underserved communities like Umume-Obodoukwu, Nigeria, and because hope is hardest to hold when daily
necessities are uncertain. Simply put, food and nutrition support is not just a comfort but can be the difference between living another day with hope and
losing that grip for vulnerable families and individuals.  On January 4, 2026, we held the Food Program again in Umume-Obodoukwu, Nigeria. We shared food items, including rice, tomatoes, and oil, with individuals and families facing food insecurity. More than 150 people, including mothers, fathers, elders, young adults, and children, benefited from the distribution. Rice, tomatoes, and oil are not luxury items; they are the building blocks of food that can be cooked, shared, and stretched as much as possible.

HEALING POWER OF HOPE: MEDICAL OUTREACH, JANUARY 2026

On January 8, 2026, we held a Medical Outreach Program themed “Caring for our Health” in Umume-Obodoukwu, Nigeria. It was a day to remember. Early-morning movement, with long lines forming before the entrance gate opened at the Divine Hope Hospital site. Mothers carried their babies on their shoulders, elders arrived with careful steps, and young people came not only for themselves but also to bring a parent, neighbor, or grandparent.

That day, more than 450 people benefited from our outreach; each person and family had stories to share. We had about 30 staff members, including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, technicians, and other support personnel, who worked with us to deliver services to the community. While doctors, nurses, and other staff were busy with screening, testing, counseling, and treatment, something else was happening. The powerful, steady, and unmistakable feeling that hope is not just an idea was real. Hope is a presence. Hope is what it looks like when care finally reaches people who have gone too long without it.

Our outreach provided:

• vital health checks and general assessments, including blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar/diabetes screening,

• one-on-one doctor or nurse consultations for general health concerns,

• screening and treatment for malaria and other common health conditions (including typhoid, ulcer symptoms, bacterial infections, body aches, and related illnesses),

• maternal and general prenatal checkups, antenatal counseling and advice,

• child growth monitoring and nutrition counseling,

• free medications,

• and eye care services, including the distribution of free eyeglasses for those who needed them.

Though the health outreach program was a single-day event, it became life-saving for many. The story of Bernadette, a woman with a life-threatening heart condition, who was unaware of the severity of her situation and whose illness was detected during screening, and advanced care was initiated immediately, echoes the life-saving impact of our outreach program.

Our gratitude remains with all our supporters and donors whose contributions made our health outreach program possible. A special thank you to the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) for their generous gift of some medical supplies and medications.

Looking Ahead: The Plan for 2026

Building on our progress so far, our 2026 plan is structured to address interior completion in prioritized phases. Our immediate priority will be to lay cement floor screeds and install plumbing systems, as these foundational tasks are critical to moving forward. Next, we will focus on electrical work and wall plastering. Once these essential stages are complete, we will proceed with installing ceilings, fitting doors and windows, and finishing with painting and fixture installation. Based on recent contractor quotes and prevailing material costs, the preliminary estimate suggests we will need at least $65,000 to achieve most of our goals this year. However, actual expenses may vary depending on market conditions and unforeseen construction issues.

Ways to Give and Make Impacts

• Honor a Loved One: Make a donation in memory of someone special. Your gift will celebrate their life while supporting those in need.
• Recurring Gifts: Set up automatic donations through your bank’s Bill Pay System or via our Divine Hope Mission website donation system: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XGBYRR593A9BY
• Send a Check Payable to: Divine Hope Mission, 50 Church Street, Collinsville, CT 06019. Even small, regular contributions add up to create lasting change.
• Stocks & Securities: Donate appreciated stocks or securities for potential tax benefits while making a bigger impact. Email us at: press@divinehopemission.com or call 860.209.1215 for assistance.
• Employer Matching: Double your donation! Check whether your employer offers a matching-gift program and request a match for your contribution.
• Legacy Giving: Include Divine Hope Mission in your will, bequest, or estate plan to leave a legacy of hope for future generations.
• Volunteer: Become part of our team or join as a Divine Hope Mission Associate. Reach out or call 860.209.1215 to learn more.
• Host a Fundraiser: Turn your special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays into opportunities to support our mission. Every event makes a difference!
• Share Our Story: Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about Divine Hope Mission. Follow and share our updates on social media, and visit our website at divinehopemission.com to stay connected.
• Attend Our Events: Join us for fun, inspiring gatherings that bring our community together while making a positive impact.

It was amazing and exciting to see so many of our community members, and beyond relaxing, having fun, and joining our mission to spread the light of hope, even to those thousands of miles away, at our 3rd Annual Sparkle for Hope on Wednesday, October 15, at Raymond Family Farm in New Hartford, Connecticut. We are truly grateful for the incredible support we received. Seeing so many people, longtime supporters, old and new friends, enjoying the evening together was wonderful. It was indeed a lovely community celebration, highlighting the power of human connection in addressing the needs of others, including those across the ocean.

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors and donors, as well as those who made monetary gifts and provided auction and raffle items. We are deeply grateful to everyone who bought tickets, bid on auction items, and participated in the raffle drawing.  The proceeds from the event will directly support the work of the Divine Hope Mission, including the ongoing construction of the Divine Hope Health Center in Nigeria and other services we provide, such as food and medical outreach programs.

My heartfelt appreciation also extends to our board members and event volunteers whose efforts in planning, promoting, and executing the event were vital to its success.

Special thank you to our valued sponsors below: