Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Tesfazghi Foundation
Welcome to the Tesfazghi Foundation FAQ! We believe in transparency and providing clear answers to your questions. Learn more about our mission, programs, and how you can support our work helping refugees, the homeless, and other families in need.
What does Tesfazghi mean?
“Tesfazghi” translates to “Hope of God” in East African languages such as Geʽez, Amharic, and Tigrinya. It represents the core philosophy of our foundation—to bring hope, dignity, and transformation to the lives of families in need. From refugees escaping hardship to homeless individuals seeking stability, we strive to embody hope in action.
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What is the Tesfazghi Foundation all about?
Established in 2021, the Tesfazghi Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving vulnerable communities. Our mission is to provide food, shelter, education, and essential resources to those who need them most, including refugees and homeless individuals. We work both domestically and globally, partnering with local organizations to maximize our impact.
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What specific programs does the foundation support?
We focus on targeted programs that meet critical needs:
– Refugee Relief Initiative: Providing emergency housing, meals, and resources for refugee families adjusting to life in the U.S.
– Homeless Outreach Program: Distributing food, blankets, and other essentials to homeless individuals.
– Family Support Fund: Covering educational costs such as school supplies and supporting rent payments for struggling elderly individuals.
These programs are designed to adapt to local needs and ensure every donation goes directly to those in crisis.
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How do you help families in need?
Our approach combines immediate assistance with sustainable solutions. For refugees, we offer emergency housing, groceries, clothing, and access to education programs. For homeless individuals, we provide meals, temporary shelter, and advocacy for affordable housing initiatives.
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Who do you serve—refugees, the homeless, or others?
While our focus remains on refugees and homeless families, we extend our services to anyone experiencing crisis. This includes women, children, elderly individuals, and underserved communities globally.
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How do you support refugees specifically?
Refugees often face enormous challenges adjusting to a new life. We offer:
– Food and clothing to meet their immediate needs.
– Temporary shelter for families.
– Access to local resources like language classes and job training programs.
Our goal is to give refugee families a foundation to thrive in their new environment.
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What about the homeless—how do you make a difference there?
Homelessness requires both short-term and long-term solutions.
– Immediate Support: Meals, blankets, and hygiene supplies for those in urgent need.
– Collaboration with Shelters: Partnering with local facilities to provide safe spaces for families and individuals.
– Advocacy: Campaigning for affordable housing projects and community programs aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness.
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How does the foundation ensure transparency and accountability?
We are committed to full transparency.
– Tracking Every Donation: Every dollar is accounted for, and annual reports are published on our website.
– Auditing: Regular audits ensure compliance with IRS standards for 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
– Clear Communication: We are always open to questions about how funds are allocated—just reach out!
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Are donations to Tesfazghi tax-deductible?
Absolutely! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations of money, real estate, vehicles, or other assets are tax-deductible in the U.S. Donors receive receipts to use during tax filings.
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What are the benefits of donating real estate or a car?
Donating property or a vehicle is a unique way to support our mission:
– Tax Advantages: Donors can deduct the fair market value of the asset from their taxable income.
– Direct Impact: Proceeds from the sale of the asset fund our programs—for example, transforming the donation of a car into meals for homeless families or school supplies for refugee children.
Contact us for assistance with the process—it’s simple and rewarding!
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Where does my donation go?
Your donation directly supports food, shelter, education, and healthcare for families in need. Here’s how contributions are utilized:
– $25: Provides meals for a refugee child for one week.
– $100: Covers a shelter night for a homeless family.
We prioritize low overhead costs, ensuring most funds go directly to programs. Explore our annual reports for detailed breakdowns.
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How can I get involved as a volunteer?
Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference. Opportunities include:
– Serving meals to homeless individuals.
– Organizing donations for refugee families.
– Assisting with community outreach and fundraising events.
Remote volunteers can help amplify our message online. Visit our “Get Involved” page to sign up or learn more!
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What upcoming projects is the foundation planning?
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us:
– Mobile Food Unit: Expanding outreach to urban areas to serve more homeless families.
– Refugee Welcome Kits: Creating starter packs with essentials like toiletries, blankets, and basic groceries for newly resettled families.
Stay tuned via our newsletter for updates and ways to contribute!
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How does the foundation support education and healthcare initiatives?
Education and healthcare are key focus areas:
– Education Programs: Providing books, uniforms, and tuition support to refugee children. Last year, we helped over 300 students enroll in schools.
– Healthcare Projects: Funding clinics, medications, and wellness programs for uninsured families and homeless individuals.
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What impact has the foundation made so far?
Since 2021, Tesfazghi Foundation has helped transform thousands of lives:
– Last year alone, we provided shelter to 50 refugee families, served meals to 200 homeless individuals monthly, and supplied educational support to 300 children.
– Globally, we’ve delivered food and housing assistance to over 1,000 families.
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How can I stay updated on your work?
Stay connected:
– Newsletter: Sign up on our homepage for monthly updates and inspiring stories.
– Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for real-time updates and event news.
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I have a question that’s not here—how do I reach you?
We’re always happy to hear from you! For additional information, use our “Contact Us” page or email us at info@tesfazghi.org. Whether it’s about donations, volunteering, or programs, we’ll get back to you promptly.