Wells of Love
a 501c ( 3) non-profit organization, was established to enhance the lives of the children who live at the Meru Children's Home, and the families of the surrounding Kenyan community who work on the "shambas" (farms). The shamba's provide jobs for neighboring families and food and jobs for the orphanage.
Transforming Lives in Meru
Education Support
Ensuring children receive quality education.
Nutrition Programs
Providing nutritious meals for healthy growth.
Medical Care
Offering essential medical support and services.
Transforming the Lives of Kenyan Orphans
Wells of Love, founded by Ruth Foster, is dedicated to enhancing awareness and improving the quality of life for the Kenyan people. Committed to transforming the lives of orphans, we provide essential education, nutrition, and medical care. By supporting orphanages and collaborating closely with local communities, we strive to create lasting, meaningful change that positively impacts lives.
Driven by Gratitude, Inspired by Hope
Our mission is to return the love and kindness the Kenyan people have so generously shared with us. Since the first visit of our founder in 2008, we've experienced their warmth, hospitality, and unwavering spirit. Inspired by this, we are dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams for their children, the elderly, and orphans—those working hard to build better lives. Through this mission, we aim to create lasting change and support the communities that have shown us such care and compassion.
Our Journey, From Inspiration to Impact
What began as a vacation to escape the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC, turned into a profound, life-changing experience. Ruth's visit to Kenya was initially intended to be a trip to see Sr. Anselmia Karimi at her workstation near a game reserve. However, when her sister injured her ankle, she stayed with her family in Nkubu, where she was embraced by the warmth and kindness of her relatives. This hospitality left a lasting impression on her, and she quickly developed a deep love for the Kenyan people.
A Life-Changing Encounter in Kenya
While staying in Nkubu, three local orphans, all in 8th grade, came to speak with Sister about their desire to attend high school. However, the school fees—about $600 each for tuition, room, and board—were beyond their reach. One of the children, a girl, had excelled academically, ranking #3 in the region and showing great promise. Moved by their situation, I used my Christmas bonus to pay for their schooling, which set the course for what would become a much larger mission.
An Unexpected Opportunity to Help
Over the next few years, Sister Karimi spoke about other children needing help, and I quickly realized that my personal contributions were no longer sufficient. I knew I had to create a more sustainable solution. In 2012, with the help of a generous attorney, I founded Wells of Love as a 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia. This would allow me to expand our efforts to provide education, nutrition, and medical support to Kenyan children, orphans, and families in need.
The Birth of Wells of Love
What began as a personal desire to help a few children has blossomed into a meaningful initiative that positively impacts many lives in Kenya. The kindness and love I experienced during my stay in Nkubu continue to inspire our work today. Wells of Love is more than just charity—it’s about creating lasting change, building community, and offering hope for a brighter future.
A Mission of Love and Community
What We Do
We are proud to support the Meru Children’s Home, located in the picturesque Meru region of Kenya. This heartwarming initiative provides a loving home and essential care to orphaned and vulnerable children. The home manages several farms, ensuring food security and financial stability. They cultivate crops like grains for porridge and raise livestock for milk, eggs, and meat. These resources not only nourish the children but also provide a safety net during emergencies. Under the guidance of Sister Karimi and her dedicated staff, the children at Meru Children’s Home receive a nurturing upbringing. They are treated with love and compassion, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.
Join Our Mission
Support Wells of Love in providing education, nutrition, and medical care to Kenyan orphans. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can get involved and help us.