Since 2009, LSM has been working with vulnerable Ethiopian children and their single mothers to help them establish stable, thriving families. We operate a Family Preservation and business training ministry for single mothers in the rural area of Wolisso, as well as an urban ministry center for vulnerable families in Addis Ababa.
We also provide counseling, trauma recovery, educational opportunities, discipleship, and local church support to our single mothers – as well as their children. By investing in the mothers we serve at a deep heart level, we’re providing a more holistic solution that mere employment. And by investing deeply in the children we serve, we’re helping to equip this next generation to break long-term cycles of poverty and desperation!
We accomplish this transformation through four key approaches:
SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING FOR SINGLE MOTHERS
At-risk single mothers selected for our program attend free training sessions and receive personalized support to start their own small businesses. Our in-depth training is built to accommodate mothers who lack a formal education, and it walks them through everything from basic cost analysis to effective business planning for long-term growth.
MENTORING AND ONGOING SUPPORT
As they start their businesses, each mother receives mentorship from our support staff as they begin their new enterprise. They are encouraged to become part of the local church where they receive not only ongoing inspiration and support for themselves, but for their kids as well. Our goal is to provide tangible resources and positive community, empowering our families to recover from traumatic experiences, support themselves financially, and thrive in relation to God and their community.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LSM FAMILY PRESERVATION?
Click below to take a deep dive into LSM’s Ethiopian Family Preservation Solution!
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT
LSM provides each woman with practical resources, including modest food provisions, clothing, and a small supplemental income for the first couple of years as they begin their business. Through this, mothers can concentrate on cultivating their business successfully while also having the means to take care of their children. At the end of the predetermined grace period, their business should be sustainable enough to support their entire family. This is an important step toward self-sustainability for each family.
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN
As their mothers are empowered with the tools they need to provide for their family, we also come alongside their children from childhood through young adulthood. Each child receives school supplies and tuition and is supported by mentoring programs through the local church. Programs include Bible classes, seminars, and development workshops.
THROUGH THIS REAL WORLD, GOSPEL-DRIVEN APPROACH, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ETHIOPIAN ADULTS WILL BE EMPOWERED WITH THE SKILLS AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY AND BEGIN TO TRANSFORM THEIR CULTURE FOR CHRIST.
