Hello! My name is Carolyn Meves, and I am so glad you're here.

Welcome to the Newly Updated Site! With your help, I have exceeded the $1,000 goal! Because of this, I would love to create a new one. I have always been apprehensive to fund raise, but after seeing what just a few people can do in a short amount of time, I thought what could MORE people do over a longer period of time! I am committed, for as long as it takes, to raising $10,000 for COA School. There will be many opportunities to do this - Through the sale of small fundraisers like T Shirts, Garage Sales, COA Crayons, and more - I hope you feel led to be a part of this journey in a way that changes your life, as it has done so to mine! Keep an eye out for updates and progress! The Mambures, myself, and the children of COA Thank You!! Are you ready?! Here we go!

The Story

I met Lucia Mambure while working at Elim Christian Services several years ago. Elim is an organization which provides services and support to individual's with special needs. Through working specifically in Elim's International Outreach Program, I learned more about the support groups that her and her husband had started for individuals with special needs. 

When Lucia visited for a conference at Elim, my husband Scott and I were able to host her at our home for the week. During this time I got to know her on a more personal level. We were able to host her again the following year. After these two quick but meaningful weeks, I knew I wanted to support her journey to bring support and awareness to individuals with special needs in her communities.

To give you some more background and information, Chenga Ose Association (COA) was formed in 2008 in Zimbabwe, Africa to be a place where individuals who have disabilities could gather with their families to learn, grow, join support groups, and be in a safe and welcoming community.

In Africa, these families and individuals are often viewed negatively, or are shamed, isolated, and at times abandoned. Lucia and her husband, Davis, started COA to provide more resources and support for their son, who has Cerebral Palsy. They have gone thru the struggle of providing education and resources for their son, but have hope in the future thru COA and all the Lord is doing in their life. The support groups have been incredibly successful and have served around 100 families. These individuals and their families now have true community, confidence, and hope.

Currently, COA and the Mambure family want to continue to grow this special needs community by creating a school specifically for these individuals. This is so exciting, as many of these individuals have not been able to attend school before. There they will receive even more support, love, and education.

What Can We Do To Help?

To do this, COA will need to raise over $55,000 in their first year to cover their start up costs of the new school. This will include rent for the school building, furniture and equipment, employment of staff, and much more.

Recently, I have become a member of a Support Group for COA, which meets thru video conference calls online with the Mambure's. A few of us here in the US and in Africa, volunteer and work to support the growth of COA, create and begin fundraisers, and offer prayer and encouragement to the Mambure's. 

This is one way I feel that I might be able to help out. COA is looking for donations in order to open the doors to a school. I know there are many causes that need your help. We have been meeting for over a year now, and I can see the passion and dedication that so many people have for this. Any amount you would be able to give would be extremely helpful and appreciated. I know that God has a plan for this school, and I can see that He will make it happen! I am hoping this page will be a small (or big!) part in that!

Just a side note - your donation will go to LIFE Ministries, and organization which is working with COA and the Mambure's, and will be able to give the donation to COA. Thanks for reading and please contact me with any questions! COA would love for you to join us in raising this money, spreading the word, and keeping us in your prayers. Please share on your social media and we will keep you posted on our progress!

Thank you, again!