Building Upendo Village: a global effort.

What began as a conversation in 2000 between two women religious on how to help Kenyans affected by HIV/AIDS has evolved into a far-reaching ministry supported by the Wheaton Franciscan sisters. Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, Sr. Florence Muia, ASN, a native of Kenya, explored with Sr. Marge Zulaski, OSF, a Wheaton Franciscan sister, how to offer assistance and support to Kenyans with HIV/AIDS. The two began by establishing a partnership involving the Wheaton, IL, congregation; the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi; and community members in Kenya. These partners have worked together closely to secure local community members' buy-in for a care program, study models for success, build a program infrastructure, secure funds, staff up, and interact with government agencies. The result? Upendo Village, a program that helps ensure the physical, economic, and emotional safety of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. This partnership has enabled the Wheaton Franciscans, the Assumption Sisters, and the Kenyan community to live out a simple principle: We are called to help each other.