Ekisa Ministries International is a non-profit organization based out of Fishers, Indiana. Ekisa Ministries provides those living with special needs in Uganda, East Africa, a place of understanding and assists them in their physical, mental, and spiritual growth. In Luganda, a local language of Uganda, Ekisa means "Grace."

By showing God's grace to children in Uganda living with disabilities, we wish to see each child transformed by His glory. In Uganda, living with special needs is often seen as a curse, and it is not uncommon for these people to be shunned by their communities and even their own families. At Ekisa, we create a safe and nurturing environment for people living with special needs who need to know love, acceptance, and a place to call home for a little while. We also work with communities and families in an effort to change the negative views towards people living with special needs and empower families to better care for their child living with special needs. By empowering these families, we fully believe they will be the catalyst of change here in Uganda.

[HISTORY]

In 2008, Ekisa was nothing more than a shared vision between friends. Emily Worrall and Emily Henderson met in the summer of 2008, while volunteering at Amani Baby Cottage in Jinja, Uganda. Through being there together, they discovered their shared passion for working with children and people living with special needs. A casual comment was made about the need to start a program to help children living with special needs in Uganda. That little comment took root deep in each of their hearts. Emily and Emily had their own plans – maybe wait a few years since they were so young, get a "real job" first, and settle down. But God had other plans. In February 2011, Ekisa and the Emily’s opened their doors to their first child. Since then Ekisa has taken in thirty-three children with special needs into their home and helped over 60 families better care for their children. In the future, Ekisa hopes to have the means to build and expand to be better equipped to help more children and families.

[VISION]

We envision a Uganda where each child grows up in a loving family, despite his or her disability. We dream of children being cared for by parents, relatives, or neighbors whom can offer them the long-term, unconditional love, attention, and support they need. Our vision sees the end of discrimination towards children and adults living with special needs in Uganda – it hopes instead for celebration of differences. We boldly dream of the day where no more children need to be institutionalized.  And until the day comes when Ekisa’s services are no longer needed, we will stand in the gap – to give respite to children whom need love and care, and empower parents and families to best care for their children.