2024-05-07T11:11:32-07:00 2023-12-31 844264876 Swift Philanthropy Solutions PO Box 847 Windermere FL 34786 990EZ 2023-01-01 871256493 CHILDREN OF MEHR FOUNDATION CHIL 4087969710 37 Nightowl Court El Sobrante CA 94803 Fatemeh Karari CEO 4087969710 2024-04-23 1 Fatemeh Karari 999009999 1 Melanie Swift Guin MNM P01464601 3212367292 2024-04-23 X 1 11 1 AAL2 2023 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z X X www.childrenofmehrfoundation.org X X 183284 X 183284 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5810 -5810 0 0 0 0 177474 43760 0 12571 3764 7918 0 48070 116083 61391 35504 0 96895 35504 96895 0 0 0 0 35504 96895 0 0 35504 96895 Drawing on specialized knowledge of the region, our organization provides living essentials to disadvantaged families of rural Iran and develops transformational education programs for its youth. Children whose basic needs are met are freed to experience the curiosity and hope that inspire them to learn and to dream. Children with access to a culture of literacy, reading, and education can conceive of their own potential and recognize means for improving their circumstances. Targeting these objectives in communities where there is deficit lays the foundation for a process of enduring growth and development. Our vision is set on the long-term, with a sharp focus on the ultimate independent sustainability of our impact. Annual Progress Report for Children of Mehr Projects - 2023 BookStop Project Annual Progress Report - 2023 This year has been transformative for the BookStop project, marking a period of significant expansion and deeper community engagement. We've successfully opened new centers, enriched our learning resources, and intensified our efforts to promote literacy and educational access in underserved communities. Expansion and New Openings We have opened four new BookStop centers in Pehun, Tol-e Bondu, Barm Siyah, and Kahan-Shahr, doubling our footprint and enhancing our capacity to reach more children and families. Each center boasts a collection of over 500 books, alongside games and creative activities, creating a stimulating and educational environment for all visitors. Facilitators' Activities in BookStop Centers Our facilitators have been integral to our success, engaging with students and parents through daily and special activities. They've conducted reading circles, storytelling sessions, and initiated discussions to promote critical thinking. Educational programs have covered scientific concepts, cultural arts, and physical well-being, alongside intellectual games for cognitive development. Workshops and Events A series of workshops and events have been organized to further enrich the educational experience, including: - Oral Health and Personal Hygiene - Environment and Preservation - Nowruz traditions - Book Celebration Week - White Cane Day for awareness of blind children's culture These initiatives, led by experienced volunteers, have enhanced the learning environment and broadened the cultural knowledge of our communities. Professional Development of Facilitators Investment in our facilitators' professional growth has been paramount. They've attended workshops in Computer Education, Child Psychology, and Literacy and Literature, significantly enhancing their ability to integrate technology, understand child behavior, and engage children in reading. Parents Reading Program Acknowledging the crucial role of family in literacy, we initiated reading circles for parents, fostering a culture of reading that extends from the family to the wider community. This program has not only supported children's literacy but also strengthened local participation and engagement. Impact and Reflection This year's expansion and the professional development of our team have significantly increased our reach and improved the quality of educational experiences we provide. Compared to last year's foundational focus, we have now established a robust presence, with increased resources and enhanced facilitator capabilities. In comparison to the previous year, where we focused on establishing a foundational presence and training facilitators, this year has been about growth, enhancement of our educational resources, and professional development. We have doubled the number of our centers, significantly increased the resources available to each center, and elevated the capabilities of our facilitators to deliver high-quality educational experiences. Conclusion Our future is focused on continued growth and program enhancement. We aim to open more BookStop centers, diversify educational materials, and invest further in our facilitators, ensuring a sustained impact on community education and literacy. The achievements of the BookStop project this year signify a major step forward in our mission to empower communities through education. With ongoing support from our partners and the community, we are poised to maintain this momentum and achieve even greater success in the years ahead. Project Yekta Progress Report - 2023 Since Project Yekta started in winter 2022, Project Yekta has made considerable advancements in supporting children with special needs and their families. With targeted recruitment and strategic planning, the project kicked off its first phase in May 2023, aiming to assess and address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group in the Rostam and Mamasani areas. Recruitment and Team Formation From February to April 2023, we launched a recruitment campaign, conducting interviews and selecting seven applicants to join our dedicated team. This set the stage for the first small-scale implementation of Project Yekta, involving 10 children to evaluate the project's framework and effectiveness. Activities and Achievements Regional Manpower: We hired five local workers, empowering community-connected women to contribute significantly to our efforts and providing them with vocational training. Training Program: Our volunteers underwent 36 training sessions, equipping them with essential social work skills. Ongoing in-service training ensures continuous skill development. Child Selection: From over 180 candidates, 10 children were chosen based on specific criteria after thorough home visits and assessments by our specialized team. Family Engagement: We established cases for nine children, fostering direct interaction between aides and families, with 57 home visits conducted in three months. Local Networks Formation: Collaborating with local medical, psychological, and educational experts, we managed to reduce anticipated costs by 25%, addressing health, education, and societal stigma. Health Tracking: We organized medical and laboratory visits to build comprehensive health profiles for the children. Dental Health Focus: With 17 dental visits and radiology sessions, we initiated treatment and planned preventive care every six months. Mental Health Assessment: Fifteen psychological evaluations were conducted to understand the children's and their families' needs, setting the stage for ongoing support starting this fall. Subsistence Support: Monthly packages containing essential food items were distributed to families, totaling 30 packages over the period. Educational Support: A comprehensive educational profile for each child was created, including academic records and feedback, facilitating school enrollment and dormitory placement. School Start Support: We provided families with school essentials, allowing children to select some items personally, enhancing their preparedness and dignity. Cultural Engagement: An art exhibition with Tavangaran Fars Institute showcased the talents and needs of blind children, raising public awareness and support. Conclusion Project Yekta's initial phase has laid a solid foundation for its ongoing mission to support children with special needs. Through diligent planning, community engagement, and comprehensive care strategies, we have not only met but exceeded many of our early objectives. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our services, and continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their families. 43760 X 52962 52962 Fatemah Karari President 25 0 0 0 Azadeh Sanjari Pir Mahaleh Secretary 12 0 0 0 Mojgan Nodoushani Treasurer 5 0 0 0 Shahrou Yazdani Board Member 5 0 0 0 Maryam Ziaei Board Member 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA Fatemeh Karari 37 Nightowl Court El Sobrante CA 94803 4087969710 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NONE NONE 1 X 11926 43974 183284 239184 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11926 43974 183284 239184 0 239184 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 239184 0 X Fundraising Event 183254 0 183254 0 0 0 0 0 5810 0 0 183254 0 183254 0 0 0 0 0 5810 5810 177444 Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 10 Beneficiaries Education- $1,354; Child Safety Enhancement- $7,585; Beneficiaries Food and Clothes- $4,923; Beneficiaries Medical- $2,305; Educational Material- $26,776; Social Support of Charities- $817 Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16 Description;Amount^Insurance;630|Website Hosting and Maintenance;278|Office Machinery;2161|Marketing;652|Refunds;1320|Officer Reimbursements;23195|Fundraising Expenses;1134|Cash in Iran;6920|Other;2578|Educational Program Rubicamp;9202^Total;48070^