“Our love can change their lives”-Silver Lining
Often at events, we are asked about the organizations we partner with. Many of you love to know the “story” behind the product you are purchasing and we love to share that with you! However, time often allows for only a brief synopsis of the people and mission behind the product. Today, our blog is a more complete story about Silver Lining: their mission, what they do and their heart to reach out to impoverished and disabled children in China. Next week, we will share a personal testimony from an artisan. Thank you for being a part of impacting these precious lives!
Silver Lining began as a tiny workshop designed to provide employment opportunities for disabled individuals. Three people shared a common goal: helping those who were capable human beings who needed someone to believe in them. That common goal has led them on a journey that they never imagined.
In 2005, Silver Lining was founded with the mission of “improving the lives of impoverished children and their families, supporting their educational and daily needs, bringing joy and creating hope in their lives and teaching how to give back to the community.”
Providing career opportunities for disabled orphans; their beginning workshop now employs 10 disabled youth in the art of beading handcrafted accessories. These young people faced extreme discrimination and difficulties before Silver Lining reached out to them. Not only do they make beautiful ornaments and key chains, they also are encouraged to reach out to their community by serving the less fortunate around them. This workshop has recently formed a band and has now produced two CD’s performed by the orphans in hopes of reaching out to and inspiring people in need.
Today, Silver Lining continues to meet their mission in a variety of ways. Reaching out to impoverished children in one of the poorest areas of China, they sponsor two primary schools, impacting 260 children in remote, hard to reach areas. By providing basic daily needs like clothing and blankets, they work to improve not only the children’s standard of living but their education as well.
Silver Lining also has a sponsorship program for children who suffer from cerebral palsy, autism and various kinds of disabilities. These children are from poor families and are at risk of being abandoned due to the heavy financial burden their long-term care requires. Counseling is provided for the parents of these children, offering comfort and support as well as teaching them how to have a relationship with their child. Silver Lining also has an emergency medical fund for poor families and orphans that otherwise would not be able to receive medical treatment.
And finally, in April 2010, Silver Lining Foundation opened an orphanage; providing a family-based home for the local orphans. At this home, the children who have either lost their parents or been abandoned are placed into a “family”. This family consists of foster parents and up to 6 children, allowing them to grow and learn in a healthy environment.
Silver Lining reports, “We do not know where the future will take us, but we look forward to reaching out and helping more people. We feel truly blessed and eternally grateful for all the love and support we have received. Now 30 strong, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to helping people whenever possible. We feel that if there are those in need of help, we will lend a helping hand, with passion and compassion.”
Visit our online store to see several of Silver Linings products. Check it out by clicking the “Shop Online” tab on this website and then the “Visit my Store” button.
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