Abeba M. Wossen, President of Friends of HAPCSO

“As a member of the Diaspora community, I was always looking for a meaningful way to contribute to my country, help find a solution to the poverty and the serious crisis caused by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

In 2003, I finally found what I was looking for, I attended a forum in Washington DC where activist and humanitarian, Sister Tibebe Maco was speaking. I was touched by her sincerity and boundless compassion. I was also inspired by her motivational speech and the work that her local grassroots organization was doing. Since that day, my family and I have been intimately involved in Friends of HAPCSO. FOHAPCSO help raise money to support HAPCSO to help the organization continue its exemplary work and fulfill its vision of creating a society free of HIV/AIDS.”

Tsehau Tadesse – Vice President /Treasurer, Friends of HAPCSO

My involvement in FOHAPCSO is driven by my desire to give back to my country and to my people. I believe that, to whom much was given, much is expected. The challenge is always that, how can you go about it? Where do you start? When I learned about HAPCSO in the year 2002, I was moved by their dedication, honesty and genuine endeavor to save the lives of the needy untouchables in the slums of Addis Ababa who are languishing in agonizing poverty, forced to live their day to day life under sub-human conditions in misery. Particularly, Sr. Tibebe Macko’s personal integrity, her unwavering dedication to the care of human life has impressed me. Under her leadership all the humanitarian care and support given by the volunteers to so many of those affected by HIV and AIDS proved to me the notion that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a proud member of this group, I thank Sr. Tibebe and her dedicated volunteers for let me be part of their effort.

Aieda Hopkins, Event Coordinator and PR, Friends of HAPCSO

“When visiting HAPCSO’s activities in Ethiopia, I saw not only the highly remarkable work that Sister Tibebe and the volunteer nurses did but I also witnessed the compassion and love they had for the people they served. I truly believe in their vision of creating a society free of HIV/AIDS and despite all of the obstacles that come with such an endeavor, I have faith in their dedication and commitment to make it happen, especially with help from people like my fellow FOHAPCSO members and myself supporting them from this side of the world.

Born, raised and living in America, I know that I am in a position to do something to help. That is why it is so important for me to lend a helping hand and encourage my peers to do the same.”

Menbere Endal, Volunteer, Friends of HAPCSO

“I have both professional and personal reasons why I joined Friends of HAPCSO.

I was working with Sister Tibebe from 1992 to 1997 as a Secretary/Accountant in for the Norwegian Save the Children (Redd Barna) in Ethiopia. During those 5 years at Redd Barna, I had the privilege to see the dedication and honest work of Sister Tibebe Maco (Founder and Executive Director of HAPCSO). On a daily basis, I witnessed the love she had for underprivileged children and how much she was assisting and supporting those who needed her helping hands. She is honest and hardworking.

As to my personal reasons, I have always felt the obligation to serve my country and pay back for the education and the good life that Ethiopian tax payers afforded me. I am really thankful for the opportunity HAPCSO has given me to give back.

I know the money I send for the child I sponsor is given directly to the family representative and monitored by HAPCSO to make sure it is used appropriately.

I also want to mention that both my brother and my childhood friend lost their lives because of this deadly epidemic, thus I want to work as volunteer to support this very important organization.”

Winta Teferi, Volunteer, Friends of HAPCSO

“I was attracted to HAPCSO because of its grassroots approach in responding to one HIV/AIDS crisis. Although ‘grassroots’ these days is only a buzzword, I feel that Sister Tibebe and her team are truly in the trenches supporting and mobilizing the community. I am constantly amazed by the creative projects and partnerships HAPCSO initiates to empower orphans and patients to live meaningful lives. I am honored to be supporting an indigenous organization in Ethiopia alongside an amazing group of Ethiopians here in Maryland consistently and tirelessly working together for over 5 years to do their part.”