Local creates nonprofit to help Ethiopian children

FALLBROOK — Fallbrook High School Class of 2002 graduate Kim Zember, together with fellow volunteer Frank Melia, has established a nonprofit organization entitled Unforgotten Faces. The nonprofit, designed to support an orphanage in Ethiopia, has been organized in fellowship with St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

After serving on mission trips to Ethiopia, Zember and Melia returned to announce they will continue their work there and seek support for their organization.

“My boyfriend Frank and I are dedicating the next 10 months of our lives to serving one of the many needs in Africa,” Zember said. “After returning home from our last trip to Ethiopia, it was clear to the both of us that God is calling us back there to help as much as we possibly can.” To support their basic needs while there, Zember and Melia have taken part-time English teaching positions.

“An additional blessing about us teaching is that both Frank and I will be able to donate half of our wages to our organization,” Zember said.

According to Zember, “Although the children in this program have next to nothing, they are resilient and have a joy in their hearts that can only come from the Lord. However, the children often go hungry and many do not have parents.

“Unfortunately, the Ethiopian founder, Nicodemus, barely has the funds to provide a less-than-basic education and a meager meal once or twice a week. Due to the lack of funds, he is unable provide shelter overnight and most of the children return to the streets.”

The first fundraising event for Unforgotten Faces will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Sunday, September 2, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Suggested donation is $5 for adults, $3 for children. For more information, call (760) 427-0964.