Warm Heart Worldwide Inc

Warm Heart Foundation has provided me with invaluable educational opportunities and a place to call home. Coming from a remote village in mountains, it was incredibly challenging to pursue a proper education. However, Warm heart foundation gave me the opportunity to continue my studies both at school and university, empowering me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a better future.

Beyond academics, the foundation has also equipped me with essential life skills. These include how to live harmoniously with others, adapt to social environments, and develop other important competencies needed for personal and social growth.

Once I complete my studies, I am committed to returning and contributing to the development of the foundation, making sure it continues to fulfill the mission it was established to achieve.

The Foundation is always warm. Children who graduated from Milindhi are always warm. When I was studying, the foundation helped me with everything. The Foundation is a warm foundation that helps children. Listen to the tuition fees. Listen to me. Good work. Thank you to the foundation for helping me while I was studying.

My organization, the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC), has been working with the Warm Heart organization for the past 10 years and we continue to be very impressed with the work that they do for children in the Phrao area. We have worked together to provide glasses for local people in need, to teach local school children survival swimming and water safety (over 300 children receive 15 hours of instruction every year), and now we are collaborating on a project that will provide scholarships for young people who wish to pursue careers in elder care. We have also supported Warm Heart's residential program by providing laptop computers for their library/study hall and sponsoring the living costs for one of their foster children living at Warm Heart.
CMIRC is very careful in choosing partner organizations and over the many years we have worked together Warm Heart has proven to be our most trusted partner as we focus on our mission of improving child safety, health, and education in Northern Thailand.

I write this comment on Warm Heart as someone who has had the good fortune to know its co-founder, Michael Shafer, since before its founding and who watched the organization grow and thrive under his and Evelind’s inspiring leadership. Even well before its founding, in his studies, travels, writings, and teachings, Michael showed truly extraordinary energy and commitment to the causes needed for making the world a better, fairer, more livable and nurturing place for those in need. The other letters praising Warm Heart’s remarkable accomplishments in Phrao and more broadly in Thailand ring true from what else I have learned of its commitments, collaborators, and care receivers. Michael’s having then extended his efforts into Africa seems typical of his exceptional mix of energy and ambition, pitched to the service of small-scale farmers in precarious environs but with strikingly practical means to help them learn valuable new techniques. Others, in cities as well, have benefited from the organization’s involvement in other ways. As a researcher in anthropology and African studies experienced in rural Kenya and elsewhere in Africa, I admire the major positive impact on farming families, their communities, and the broader environment that the biochar initiative offers. May Warm Heart’s example continue to inspire other organizations in Southeast Asia, East Africa, and elsewhere. P. Shipton

Warm Heart Worldwide is doing an outstanding job of creating futures for impoverished Thai mountain kids from tiny remote villages. The organization provides a safe living environment, a wide ranging curriculum of studies and vocational skill development, and helps the local community with clean water and improved agriculture. Literally hundreds of kids and thousands of local Thais have benefitted from the meaningful work done by this fine organization. Here are heroic good works, with wonderful outcomes, done with shoestring budgets. I am proud to have donated every year for the past decade.

I admire the mission of the Warm Heart Foundation, which was established to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged children, ensuring they have equal access to education as those from urban areas. This gives them the chance to gain an education and pursue good careers, with the same opportunities to others. I am a living example of this mission. Coming from a remote area where schooling only goes up to grade six, I would not have had the opportunity to attend secondary school or university without this foundation. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported my education. In the future, I hope to return and contribute to the continued growth and development of this foundation, fulfilling the founders' mission.

Through my many visits to Warm Heart’s Children’s Home just south of Phrao, Thailand, I have been impressed with the long-term commitment the founders have made to their chosen community.

They provide local kids in need with a safe place to live and pay for their education, providing long-term self-sufficiency. Over 90% of the kids who choose to stay in school graduate from high school and nearly 60% graduate from a university. What an amazing legacy for Warm Heart!

I have seen how the founders interact with the kids and how they somehow remember all their nicknames … and not just the current ones, but those from 10+ years ago as well.

In addition to the Children’s Home, Warm Heart has a Public Health / Access to Care program, including Elder Care. With their successful biochar initiative, they are also deeply involved in helping to combat air pollution in Thailand, Kenya and Malawi.

Warm Heart is dedicated to helping the local communities to grow and prosper. They are a financially efficient organization and I will continue to donate and visit in the coming years.

Having worked with several non-profits and personally benefitted from Warm Heart’s exceptional support, I can confidently attest to their profound impact and genuine dedication. Warm Heart played a pivotal role in my journey from childhood poverty to becoming a licensed social worker. Their commitment went beyond merely meeting project criteria; they offered a safe space, continuous support, and a personalized approach that truly addressed my needs.

Unlike many organizations that prioritize the technicalities of project proposals, Warm Heart excels in listening to and understanding the individuals they assist. Their approach is deeply compassionate, focusing not just on immediate relief but on long-term empowerment and self-sufficiency.

In my experience, Warm Heart stands out as a non-profit that deeply cares about those they serve, demonstrating a level of commitment and effectiveness that sets them apart from others in the field.

I volunteered with Warm Heart through a fellowship program at my university. During my two-month stay, I got to know the local community and how engaged Warm Heart has become with Phrao.

The Warm Heart is firmly committed to addressing issues of poverty, such as healthcare access, environmental health, and education. The organization's two vital programs are Access to Care and Children's Home. It is mostly older adults and children who receive support from these programs, and Warm Heart's professional staff puts in a lot of time and care to provide for the individuals in these programs. The organization is fulfilling an essential need in Phrao's community, and many people would be left without basic necessities if not for Warm Heart.

I volunteered with Warm Heart for a university term as part of a study abroad program earlier this year.

The nonprofit as a whole, and all of those with whom I worked and spent time during my few months in Phrao, inspired me and demonstrated the impact that a relatively small organization can instill on the community.

Evelind and Michael, along with the rest of the nonprofit, have built something truly marvelous, that reaches across continents and business sectors to uplift local economies and contribute to the overall wellbeing of those across the globe. I extend my sincere gratitude to Warm Heart for all I learned and experienced and am excited to witness the future impact of the nonprofit.

I volunteered at the Warm Heart boarding home for 8 months. (Nov 26, 2023 to Aug 3, 2024)

I helped the children and teenagers improve their English. I also assisted with some English workshops that were offered to the people in the town of Phrao.

My accommodation was a 5-minute walk away from the children’s home. I was on-site 7-days a week seeing firsthand how all of their programs were being run.

They are doing a wonderful job providing a fully supportive home to the almost 30, remote village children who stay at the foundation in order to attend public school. I was there interacting with the kids as they did their own laundry, finished their homework, played during free time, attended special events, met to make decisions (and best of all) sat with them eating the same incredibly healthy food prepared by the staff with lots of student involvement.

I saw the vegetable/corn growing project, the elder/disabled home support project, the vermicast micro business project, and the biochar briquette-making venture. Warm Heart is making a difference every day!

Feel free to contact me if you want to confirm this review: Geoff Watson explorationenglish@gmail.com

Warm Heart is a truly exceptional organization that serves the Phrao area diligently. Their elder care, youth support, and other community programs have had a measurable impact on the local community, and I experienced this firsthand. Although my time with Warm Heart was cut short and I returned to Canada preemptively, Evelind and the team made my stay memorable. I would highly recommend anyone looking to volunteer for an organization with a tangible impact to reach out!

I volunteered with Warm Heart in 2013. At the time, they were still relatively fresh, but their impact was already was huge and growing. In a community where access to basic healthcare was scarce, Warm helped establish a health clinic. To help with the lack of access to jobs, Warm Heart helped members of the community create small businesses to sell local goods to a global community. When I was volunteering, their bio-char program was in the beginning stages, but the promise of its potential was already showing strong signs to change local and global farming practices. With all the great things that they were starting ten years ago and that they continue do, the biggest impact is the children’s home. Being able to provide opportunities to the children of phrao and the neighboring communities where educational and vocational opportunities aren’t as easily accessible is beyond commendable. To see the impact they’ve provided to the children has been admirable, but also seeing the success of some of the older alumni of the children’s home and the endeavors they experienced is inspiring. Warm Heart provided two months of memories for me in the end of my college tenure that I still look back on fondly with the impact I helped contribute to, but they have provided Phrao and neighboring communities with a lifetime of experiences and opportunities.

I have been a donor to Warm Heart for many years and will continue to be a donor for many more years to come. Recently, I joined the board of this small and hugely impactful organization because Warm Heart is doing outsized work in the areas of education, healthcare access, sustainable environmental practices, income generation for locals, and community support.

I am always amazed at the number of people who have been positively impacted by Warm Heart. It’s able to do the work of an organization with 2 to 3 times the funding and likely more than double the staff. That’s one of the reasons why I continue to donate year after year. I know that the money is being spent wisely in order to provide the greatest impact to the largest number of people. I also know that Warm Heart listens to the community when determining which projects will be undertaken.

While Warm Heart’s presence is highest in northern Thailand, it has managed to be a force for good in so many other places as well through the sharing of their knowledge, time and resources in places as far away from Thailand as Malawi and Kenya. Sharing environmental practices and practical income generation strategies has made a difference in theses communities also.

Finally, the integrity, kindness, and dedication of the founders, Michael and Evelind, that their direct involvement is felt throughout the entire organization and serves as a guide for Warm Heart’s dedication to truly serving its community.

I am currently volunteering with Warm Heart on my fourth assignment.

One of the most impressive things about Warm Heart is the children’s home which provides a caring environment and an education to so many disadvantaged children. Warm Heart also supports English-language teaching at Phrao schools thus expanding the organization’s impact in the local area.

Warm Heart’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances is one of its strengths. I have seen the programs grow in response to needs expressed by the community. An example of this is the elder person’s car program which provides support and companionship to senior citizens with health and mobility issues.


Another example is the Upskills Program which works with adults to improve their English language and professional skills. I have also seen Warm Heart’s reach expand internationally. The biochar program now shares approaches pioneered in Thailand through partnerships in Africa. All of this is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the staff. Warm Heart really is making a difference.

WarmHeart: Empowering Elders for a Brighter Tomorrow

Nestled two hours north of Chiang Mai, WarmHeart is a remarkable non-profit organization that has been a beacon of hope for the local community. Originally founded as a children's home, WarmHeart has expanded its reach and impact, offering a wide range of services to meet the evolving needs of the people it serves. Among these invaluable initiatives is the Elder Outreach Project, a heartwarming endeavor spearheaded by the dedicated local staff member, Soda.I spent time with her, visiting a number of seniors in the community, seeing first hand the amazing work that she and other staff members are doing.

The Elder Outreach Project at WarmHeart is a testament to the organization's commitment to ensuring that the elderly members of the community can age gracefully and comfortably in their own homes. This endeavor goes above and beyond by providing comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of each elder they serve. The range of services is nothing short of inspiring:

1. Friendly Visiting: Loneliness and isolation can be daunting challenges for the elderly. WarmHeart's staff members, including Soda, offer warm companionship to these elders. They create a sense of belonging and ensure that no one feels forgotten or abandoned.

2. Medical Transportation: Transport to medical appointments is a lifeline for many seniors. With the Elder Outreach Project, elders can access timely medical care, as WarmHeart volunteers provide transportation to and from healthcare facilities.

3. Healthcare Support: Many elderly individuals face physical challenges that can be addressed with simple aids. WarmHeart supplies items such as crutches and reading glasses, enabling elders to live more comfortably and independently.

4. Food and Essential Needs Packages: WarmHeart recognizes that some elders may struggle to access basic necessities. Through the project, they provide essential supplies, ensuring that every elder can enjoy a decent quality of life.

5. Financial Assistance: In times of dire need, financial support can make a world of difference. WarmHeart extends a helping hand to those who require assistance, ensuring that elders are not burdened by financial worries.

Soda's dedication to the Elder Outreach Project is truly commendable. Her tireless efforts and genuine compassion shine through in her interactions with the elderly community members. She embodies the values of WarmHeart, demonstrating that care and empathy can make a significant impact on the lives of others.

WarmHeart's Elder Outreach Project is more than just a program; it's a lifeline for the elderly population in this region. It's an embodiment of the organization's commitment to uplifting the community, fostering a sense of togetherness, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of age, can lead a dignified life.

The impact of this project is immeasurable, creating a ripple effect of positivity that radiates through the entire community. WarmHeart's dedication to preserving the well-being and dignity of its elderly members deserves applause, and Soda's leadership in this endeavor is truly inspiring.

In a world where the elderly are often overlooked, WarmHeart's Elder Outreach Project serves as a reminder that compassion, community, and genuine care can bring light and hope into the lives of those who need it the most. This organization's incredible work is a testament to the power of giving and the enduring spirit of humanity. WarmHeart is an organization that truly warms the heart of all those fortunate enough to witness their invaluable contributions.

As a donor to Warm Heart, I am continually impressed by the organization's unwavering commitment to children's education and well-being.

Warm Heart's dedication to providing access to quality education for underprivileged children is nothing short of inspiring. Through my contributions, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformation in the lives of these young individuals. The organization not only opens doors to education but also provides a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of hope for the future.

What sets Warm Heart apart is their holistic approach to education. They understand that it's not just about classrooms and textbooks but also about addressing the broader challenges that children face. From nutritious meals to healthcare and emotional support, Warm Heart ensures that every child in their care receives the holistic support they need to thrive.

I appreciate the transparency and accountability that Warm Heart demonstrates in utilizing donations. Regular updates on the progress of education programs, along with heartwarming success stories, reaffirm my belief in the impact of my contributions.

Supporting Warm Heart's work with children and education is not just about giving; it's about investing in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend becoming a donor to this organization if you share a passion for empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Volunteering with Warm Heart's environmental program, particularly in the realm of biochar production and usage, has been an eye-opening and deeply rewarding experience.

Working with the biochar team, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. Biochar, as an organic soil amendment and carbon sequestration method, is not only environmentally friendly but also has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and mitigate climate change.

As a volunteer, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a passionate and driven team that is making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change. The organization's commitment to transparency and the meaningful utilization of resources ensures that every effort put in has a real impact.

If you're passionate about environmental conservation and want to contribute to a sustainable future, volunteering with Warm Heart World's biochar program is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. It's a chance to work alongside dedicated individuals, learn about cutting-edge environmental solutions, and actively participate in creating positive change for our planet.

I was introduced to Warm Heart Worldwide by a professor at my University and to this day I will forever be grateful and count it as a blessing. In the weeks I volunteered with them in Nairobi Kenya, I not only learned about the organization, but they gave me the liberty to delve deeper into the communities they serve. I really enjoyed working with everyone; Mercy, Evelind and Michael all together! It gave me insight and clarity to work that I would love to be involved in my future career. Thank you Warm Heart!

I stumbled upon Warm Heart just before the Covid Pandemic hit the world. I was greatly moved after reading Prof Shafer and Ma'am Evelind's story on how they started Warm Heart and their vision of helping the Hill tribes in Northern Thailand . I decided to volunteer at Warm Heart and joined the Foundation in December 2022, and I have decided to call this place home as I complete my tenth month of Volunteering at the Foundation at present. I am grateful because the World has kind people like Prof Shafer and Ma'am Evelind who choose to sacrifice their lives to help and work to improve the lives of the underprivileged, and I am glad I have the opportunity to be able to play a small role in helping them realize their vision. From spending time working at the farm to helping the kids get ready for school, my journey at Warm Heart has also been an opportunity for me to grow as an individual , I am grateful to Warm Heart for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the vision, and I plan to continue to be a part of Warm Heart to help the community live better lives through the Foundation. The task ahead is enormous but with Warm Heart I believe there is hope for the underprivileged communities in Northern Thailand to be able to live better lives and I will continue to do my part in helping Warm Heart's vision become a reality.

It is always hard to know which organizations to donate to... and we like to chose nonprofits that really use the funds wisely to directly help their community. We have been donating to Warm Heart for many years now for this exact reason.

Warm Heart's environmental work is outstanding and directly affects and uplifts the community around them. I wish we had ten more nonprofits like Warm Heart working on environmental issues in Northern Thailand. And Warm Heart's support of children from poor mountain villages has equally made an amazing impact in their area.

We will continue to support Warm Heart as long as we can - and we highly recommend anyone looking to donate to an important grass-roots nonprofit, to please take a look at Warm Heart.

All the best,

Chris Lowenstein
Film Producer
Living Films

I have been involved with Warm Heart for over 7 years, as a volunteer and a donor. I have seen incredible growth and success in every area. Their success comes from a lot of dedication and hard work by the Founders, Michael and Evelind. Always working with a shoestring budget, they have proved they can move mountains. Their approach of finding sustainable solutions to help pull a community out of poverty is inspiring. The number of children, elderly, women, and farmers they have helped is staggering. If you are looking for a place to support to help make a difference in the lives of the poor, Warm Heart is your answer.

I have been working with Warm Heart as a volunteer since 2019. When I think of Warm Heart three words come to mind: dedication, adaptability and innovation.
The co-founders and staff are truly dedicated to the children and young adults they assist, equipping them with life skills so that they in-turn can contribute to their communities. But this dedication does stop there. It shines through in the elder-care program and the projects to help farmers improve their livelihoods.

Through its network of community-base leaders the staff adapts its services to local demands. Whether this means creating an elder-care program, providing an English teacher to a local school or developing an upskills program to help rural youth improve their ability to find employment.

Innovation is also a guiding principal. New technologies are always being tried and evaluated, with the most successful ones being selected for real-world implementation. An example is the trench-based biochar making process.

For all these reasons it has been a rewarding experience volunteering with Warm Heart.

For me it has been wonderful to live this experience, to know and learn from another culture, to see how we can make others happy in the simplest way, and this is precisely what I liked the most when I came to Warm Heart Foundation, although communication is something difficult, it is also fun especially with children, is to find a way to make yourself understood and show affection while feeling it reciprocal.
It is a foundation that works for the well-being of children, not only academically but they are also children who are growing up with values, this is something that you really feel when you are in contact with them, part of your work team is with the older adult , and another part with the environment, to jointly make an important contribution to a better world

As a high-school graduate, I was searching for organizations where I could work as a volunteer in a foundation with a social purpose. At Warm Heart, I have received way more than this, I have come to a place where kids show their pure essence despite language barriers and where staff is always there to guide you through the process. Arriving at Warm Heart was one of the best experiences I have had to know what social service is in its essence and also to meet people who have dedicated their knowledge to the improvement of the life-quality of others. This foundation is changing the big from the small, turning habits into real improvements for a world that really needs it. From working with sustainable development to offering and facilitating education to kids belonging to minority groups, this organization is taking a big step towards change. Having the opportunity to meet kids who are willing to learn and people who are dedicated to serve has been the most special aspect about this journey.

Warm Heart Worldwide, Inc is an outstanding organization that is transforming lives and communities in northern Thailand. Co-founders Michael and Evelind are awe-inspiring, generous, and wholeheartedly dedicated to this work.

Warm Heart is amazing because it provides a safe stable home for kids and teenagers and gives them a valuable education. It is an extremely positive environment full of kind, light-hearted people. It provides sustainable work for people of all ages. Warm Heart is very environmentally friendly and makes many sustainable choices. Their use of biochar has had a far-reaching impact and is doing great things for the world. The kids at warm heart are so funny and refreshing and are a joy to spend time with. Warm Heart is a very special place that deserves the world.

Warm Heart runs a number of essential projects that include trying to stop the toxic smoke that engulfs northern Thailand every March and April due to agricultural burning. Warm Heart also runs youth development and education programs for marginalized kids. It is through these programs that I have experience with the foundation as a volunteer, adviser, and donor. The staff are dedicated, savvy, and local. The programs are visionary and yet eminently practical. Warm Heart is an apt name for the foundation. Its approach to people and their needs in northern Thailand is warm and open hearted.

We became aware about 4 years ago of Warm Heart's involvement with an orphanage in Thailand to help them create sustainable solutions so that the orphanage can continue to support these vulnerable children. Secondly, Warm Heart's strong commitment in developing and promoting Biochar Trust. What a wonderful solution to improve the environment while assisting small/large farmers throughout the world, especially in third world countries.

We are very impressed with everyone on the Warm Heart's team. Their dedication, creativity, various expertise and strong focus on their missions is outstanding!

We have made financial donations during these past years and plan to continue to support their various endeavors. We hope others will look at all that Warm Hearts has done and continues to do to help at risk children, poor farmers and others become more self-sufficient.

Gary

I trust the people within this organization and good to have charitable things done with the money.

The team at Warm Heart are extremely passionate about helping those in need, and their dedication is evident to anyone who has the pleasure of working with them. I wish them all the best in their projects and will be happy to support them whenever I can.

A great organization with a worthy cause. The volunteers, employees and all those who help keep Warm Heart WW going are dedicated and really have a vision for a better world.

Great cause, love the personal stories & direct impact!

Great nonprofit from a group of people faithfully dedicating their time and efforts towards a cause that is both greatly needed and personally important to their team. What I am particularly impressed with Warm Heart Worldwide is how they strike a balance between being professional and organized while still maintaining a hands-on grassroots feel and connection with the people they are trying to help. They provide regular detailed updates (with photos) that clearly outline what the donations they received have been used for and what their next goals are for the future. I will proudly continue to donate and support this cause because it's dedicated to building a sustainable and hopeful future for the people that I as well as this team truly believes in.

Warm Heart is a wonderful organization whose founders, board members, employees, and volunteers have done so much to empower children in the local rural community in Phrao, Thailand. They also have a strong focus on improving the livelihoods of the elderly and reducing carbon emissions (by reducing crop waste burning via biochar). It's rare to find an organization that has both the expertise and heart to have such a meaningful impact on their rural community.

I had an excellent time volunteering at Warm Heart. The organization has a great deal of love and care. Warm Heat provides much needed love to so many children. Their lives are forever changed by the love they couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

many of us hope that we can do something, someway, someday to help others less fortunate than us. Warm Heart has allowed me and my family to see that our hope to help others can become a reality. My donations have yielded multiplicative, tangible and thoroughly accountable results. There is immeasurable value to seeing the joy in WM children's faces, reading the accounts of lives improved and communities transformed I can imagine no better way to leverage my wish to help and my personal contributions than to entrust both to Warm Heart. An organization with a warm heart, innovative mind and agility. Bravo Warm Heart and thank you for the work that you do!!!

Warm Heart Worldwide is an amazing organization leading the way in enriching the lives of the children and people they work with. They are beyond committed to to helping their local community in Thailand through various education and public health projects and they're phenomenal at what they do. I have been with Warm Heart for almost 8 months now and can attest to the hard work they put into changing the lives of the people they work for everyday. If you're considering a nonprofit to support or volunteer with, I hope you consider Warm Heart.

I have been working with Warm Heart as a communications and marketing volunteer since July 2020. And, the experience has been absolutely fantastic! Not only is the work I do extremely interesting and challenging in the best way possible, but it's also so heartwarming to see the lives that Warm Heart impacts and the difference it makes, and incredible to be able to be a part of it.

Warm Heart is making a lot of impacts from providing education to children and with their environment project.

I had a wonderful and very insightful couple of months volunteering at Warm Heart in Thailand. I was involved in many projects ranging from health care support of the disadvantaged communities to interacting with the children living at Warm Heart as well as visiting school children attending ecological workshops and lessons about global warming and sustainability. The whole team is so helpful and open hearted, giving all their time, attention and efforts to improve the lives of others. Brilliant charity. I'm very grateful for all I learnt with them. Hopefully I can go back in the future.

I love Warm Heart Worldwide's biochar project, the training and educating of local farmers of the benefits of biochar technology and sustainable agricultural practices. It not only helps eliminate the smoke from open field burning, but it also enriches the soil.

I also love how they provide a loving home environment for children from isolated mountain villages and broken families who had no place else to go, and also provide them an education.

One of the things I like about Warm Heart is their diversity. They have a program to help children get an education, another that provides jobs for women through their microenterprise program, and their elder care program helps those most in need. The work they do impacts the whole community. Their environmental program helps the farmers, while also helping slow down global warming, and that helps all of us. I donate to their different projects because I know they are changing lives and I like to be a small part of that success.

Having spent 6 weeks volunteering, with my partner, at Warm Heart, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that the foundation has within the local community and beyond.
Warm Heart’s children’s home gives access to schooling for disadvantaged and often vulnerable children from isolated mountain villages. They are given accommodation, meals, clothing, transport to and from school and extra lessons. All provided by Evelind, Michael, their local employees, and volunteers from all over the world, with genuine love and care.
The elderly and disabled in the villages of Northern Thailand have no access to the medical and personal care services that we take for granted in the UK. With Warm Heart I visited the homes of people in shocking personal circumstances, seeing for myself the kind of practical support, resources and social contact that this brings to people who would otherwise be isolated and without help.
Alongside the programmes for children and the community, Warm Heart is involved in a number of environmental projects. During my stay with them, I was involved in the recycling of waste styrofoam into building bricks and the production of biochar from crop waste that would otherwise be burnt in the fields, releasing carbon and toxic waste into the atmosphere.
Styrofoam is one of the most environmentally unfriendly types of waste that exist today and is notoriously difficult to recycle. Warm Heart mixes the styrofoam waste with cement powder to make building bricks that are light in weight and have great insulating properties. I helped visiting school children to make the bricks in the moulds built by Warm Heart, which were then used to re-build a volunteers’ hut on site.
Smoke pollution from the burning of crops by farmers is a major problem in Thailand and many other parts of the world. At Warm Heart I learnt that special techniques can be used to burn the waste without releasing carbon into the atmosphere. The biochar that this produces encapsulates the carbon and can be used directly to enrich soil, or used in the production of fertilisers, charcoal briquettes, and other environmentally friendly products.
Warm Heart is an authentic, grass-roots charity that really makes a difference in the world.

Our club has done a great collaboration with Warm Heart in Thailand and we could really see Warm Heart as a nonprofit that sustains itself with innovative ideas and a true care for the children. The volunteering experience connected us and the children despite language barriers.

Warm Heart Worldwide is an exceptional organization. From their approach to people and communities to their innovative technologies that address real-world problems, WH Worldwide is an organization that truly 'walks-the-walk' when it comes to generating positive social, environmental and economic impact. WH stands out as a exemplary model for how community-based development should be carried out around the world.

As I was exploring northern Thailand, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet the founders and team from Warm Heart. They are all so generous and caring. We initially got to know them by their great work with supporting disadvantaged children but quickly realised they do so much more for the community and the environment. It’s amazing to see how much of an impact they’ve made. As my wife has shared with me several times, they are a true inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud to support such a wonderful group.

Amongst their excellent projects, Warmheart are to be congratulated on their campaign "Stop the Smoke 2019". Chiang Mai and environs is a great place to live except for the months when smoke creates problems, particularly for the elderly. They deserve every support in reaching Our target – your target: 5,000 rai – 5% of all of the cornfields of Mae Chaem.

As a member and past president of the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC), I can tell you that The Warm Heart Foundation is one of the best community partners we have ever had. CMIRC's focus is on child safety, health, and education, and we have found the work that the Warm Heart Foundation does with over 40 children in their Phrao facility (near Ching Mai) to be very worthy of our continued support. The caring environment they create for the children they house is exemplary. We are proud to partner with them in service to poor children in Thailand! We have also found the Warm Heart Foundation to be an excellent facilitator for CMIRC programs in Phrao. Their staff has helped us run a successful water safety and drowning prevention program for the past two years. We could not conduct this program without them. As a result we will have taught survival swimming and water safety to over 300 children by the end of this year. Great staff and great program!

I volunteered with Warm Heart for about 2 months. During this time I was able to get an immersed feel for how the organization works and what they aim to achieve. The work they are doing for the northern Thai hill tribes and for the Thai community needs to be recognized and supported. This organization truly cares about the children they look after and also about the other important issues they handles such as combating environmental Issues.

The work that Warm Heart Worldwide Inc accomplishes is fully motivated by the intent to do the most good to the most people. This ideology can be seen in every project, from the orphanage to environmental sustainability, from public health to microenterprise. In order to sustain this ideal, Warm Heart management remains highly organized, cost-efficient, and inspired as reflected in their communication skills and overall efficiency. What makes Warm Heart stand out (and receive a "five-star" rating) is that their mission extends beyond their projects--Evelind and Michael are the physical embodiment of compassion and are some of the most generous and thoughtful people I have met. They fully utilize their knowledge, skills, and wisdom to help those they can. Those looking to work with/for Warm Heart can expect warmth, generosity, and efficiency from the start.

My time at Warm Heart was full of laughter and learning. I came to Warm Heart to help update marketing and PR practices. I was able to learn so much about creating content for small NGO's through testing different types of posts. I was also able to help update PR information. But, even more so, I was encouraged to participate in many different projects going on throughout Warm Heart. Whether it was Public health related or biochar or english learning classes I was able to experience something new weekly. Warm Heart has many different projects going and on and I think that's what makes them so successful. There is never a day where nothing is happening. Which means I got to learn about a little bit of everything.
The people of Warm Heart made goodbyes harder. From Evelind and Michael's passion for their work, to Big Aom's drive to make biochar successful, to Mali's never ending support for the volunteers needs, and of course the kids. The people really make it a place you will never forget, and honestly think about staying longer! But most of all, the volunteers the organization attracts made my days so joyful and fun. I laughed way too much and really enjoyed my time getting to know them. Some forever friends.
So I highly recommend Warm Heart if you are looking for a place where you can focus yourself on a specific project, but be exposed to many other things happening around you!

I chose to spend ten weeks volunteering at Warm Heart because it offered me the opportunity to work on two things that I am most passionate about: education and healthcare. Of course, there were the additional challenges of a language barrier, cultural differences, and being 9,000 miles from home. I have learned more from my time at Warm Heart than I ever thought possible!

When my friends and family would call to ask about my plans for the day, more often than not, I responded with “I don’t know.” There have been very few instances in my life where I have given this answer for so many days in a row, and I have found the unknown quite exciting! I typically wake up knowing I will help the kids with their homework after school and teach English on Monday nights, but beyond that I have learned to go with the flow. I’ve gone on many home visits to the elderly and disabled with the Warm Heart staff, taken trips to the market in Phrao to buy ingredients for delicious Thursday night volunteer dinners, ran Warm Heart’s Instagram, made biochar, helped plan Warm Heart’s 10th Anniversary party, and even volunteered at Chiang Mai’s mango festival, in addition to other things. The majority of that does not fall under my original job description, but I have been more than happy to do it all. The diversity of experiences that Warm Heart allows its volunteers to have is extremely special. A lot of independence and trust is given to volunteers, so it is important to be confident and know that your efforts are making a difference and are greatly appreciated.

I am so grateful for the kindness I was shown, the knowledge I received, and the experiences I had during my time at Warm Heart. I have gained a new sense of independence and confidence that I’m sure will serve me well in the years to come. Warm Heart has incredible projects in the works and I cannot wait to see what they do next to benefit this beautiful community!

Warm Heart is contributing on so many fronts - home and school for orphaned children, making big breakthroughs on global climate change, developing entrepreneurship opportunities for communities in developing nations, and more! Mike and Evelind are two great minds, with a passion to make a difference in a big way!

I volunteered with Warm Heart the summer of 2017 and while I went to lend my expertise, I learned a whole lot more from them than they probably did from me. This organization goes above and beyond to cover all the needs of the rural Thai community they serve. I was inspired by how much daily effort and thought goes into developing their community to be the best it can be. I saw firsthand how much every little donation counts and how much thought goes into putting money into the right places. Donors really are making a huge difference in this community with any support they can give.

I am from Bhutan, I am interested on bio chart machine.. I would like to help our farmers in Bhutan to use bio chart to reduce forest fire for agriculture and improve the agriculture in our country... sorry if I have written in the wrong page..... pardon plz...

My time at Warm Heart was truly an exceptional experience. The children and staff were extremely welcoming and kind, really wanting the volunteers to learn about their traditions, language and culture. You get out what you put in, but with a self-starting mindset, Warm Heart can help you accomplish any projects you desire.
More than the day to day work, Warm Heart really incorporates you into the community, showing volunteers the compassion and warmth of Northern Thailand.

A great grass-roots nonprofit serving a rural area in Thailand. Unlike a lot of non-profits, they actually serve the people and meet their needs rather than doing what they think is best without the community's input. They take incredible care of 46 local hill tribe children, on top of environmental, public health, and micro-enterprise projects. I've loved volunteering for Warm Heart Worldwide, and strongly believe in what they're doing here in Northern Thailand!

This place is absolutely amazing! The organizers do a great job of providing everything for the kids to succeed. They are always keeping them active with creative activities that are fun and engaging so the kids can learn.

I volunteered with my boyfriend last month for one weekend. We taught a science lesson and played with the children for the rest of the weekend. It was amazing to see how well run the children's home is. The children are well fed, clothed and seem of great spirits. I highly recommend anyone to volunteer at this nonprofit.

I worked with Warm Heart as a product designer and market researcher for a period of 3 months. I learned so much about the difficulties of ethical design while working in a place to which one has no cultural ties. I also came to understand how Warm Heart navigates these issues, and succeeds in creating beautiful, ethical products with the Phrao women's co-ops, creating work and providing stable income for their members. Warm Heart has created work for silk spinners, weavers and dyers, helping them to continue utilizing these ancient, precise skills. Together they create high quality textiles that benefit everyone involved. While there, I also experienced all of the other great things Warm Heart does for the community, such as providing a children's home for dozens of kids, and making strides in the development of biochar and sustainable agriculture.

I spent two and a half months at Warm Heart, and I have never encountered a more holistic approach to public service. What is so inspiring about this organization is the fact that they support the community from all angles- public health, education, and Microenterprise. The children I met from the Children's Home changed me in remarkable ways, and their futures, thanks to support from Warm Heart, are so much brighter than that of the typical child's in rural Thailand.

I worked at Warm Heart for 2 months in total. I had a really great time volunteering with Warm Heart, and I helped with the BioChar project - a great project that will have a noticeable health benefit to all those living in Northern Thailand.
Warm Hearts location allows for those volunteering to have a great mix between learning the local culture (thai boxing classes in local village, can help and learn thai cooking with some of the restaurants nearby) and also some big city life as theres a songtow bus a few times a day to Chang Mai.
All in all a really great experience and am thoroughly grateful for all that Warm Heart do!

I have spent sometime here at Warmheart, and found that Evelind and Michael have created and continue to support a great children's home with out reach into the community.
The areas I am familiar with where they are involved are :
1) a public health support service for people who are at risk and unsupported by family or other community members, and
2)the development of a programme to clean the air environment of toxic smoke caused by burn off of vegetation.This programme is developing and researching methods of biochar production, and teaching community farmers and children of the benefits of this process. Biochar is returned to the soil,sequestering the carbon (mitigating effects of climate warming), at the same time enhancing soil fertility.

I have found Warmheart to be a great place to work, and very well organised. There is clear leadership, and consideration not only of the people they serve, but also the workers volunteers,who are given the opportunity to use and develop their passion and ideas, whatever they may be, and share them in a way that enhances the work done here, at the home and in the community.

I congratulate Evelind and Michael on their work , and fully recommend this as worthwhile nonprofit organisation.

My experience at Warm Heart was fantastic! I felt very involved in many different projects and I learned a lot and grew from my time here. I came in to my volunteering with a plan for a project and I think this made a huge difference in my experience because if you are not eager and willing to work and get things done, no one is going to watch over you to make sure you are doing something. So if you are looking for someone to hold your hand and instruct you on every part of your work, this is not the place for you to volunteer. You must be committed and engaged in order to get things done and make a difference at Warm Heart. The Warm Heart main "campus" is where I stayed during my time here. I lived in one of the volunteer houses which was very comfortable with a bed, fan, mosquito net, shelves, and a bedside table. The bed is hard so if you are wanting something plush then you could get a mattress pad or something but it was fine to me and I slept on it for 10 weeks. The room was tightly sealed and had screens to cover all the openings, so I didn't even have to use my mosquito net the whole time I was there! And I did not get bit inside my room even once for 10 weeks! You need to wash the sheets and bed covers yourself but they have a washer and spinner at Warm Heart that you can use. I recommend staying on the main campus if possible, it is convenient and nice. The bathrooms are just outside the rooms and so is the sink and a little kitchen area with a mini fridge. So if you like to cook yourself you can! Or you can eat at the kitchen each day. Up to you! The food was Thai food and it was usually very good with lots of vegetables which I appreciated. I felt extremely safe at Warm Heart, in Phrao, and the Chiang Mai region in general. The Thai people are so kind and good hearted. I felt like nothing could go wrong while I was there. Plus, Evelind and Michael have security cameras to add to the safety. Thailand is a very safe place to travel, and Warm Heart is a very safe place to volunteer. The Warm Heart team all really care about the mission of the organization and are all committed to their jobs. Their hard work was inspiring to me and motivated me sometimes when I was feeling less eager to work. Every week we had a volunteer meeting to fill Evelind in on anything we needed, our progress with our projects, and just generally how everything was going. So that was really nice! Sometimes, being a grassroots organization, Warm Heart can be a bit unorganized. But that is just how it is when you have so many things to take care of and not enough people to take care of them! When you get to Thailand, you will get a Thai phone and sim card so you can call Evelind, Michael, or any of the staff if you ever need them so that is a great thing they have going. Plus everyone works really close together on the main campus anyways. The people working at Warm Heart are so amazing. I became very good friends with a few of the girls working in the kitchen and children's home and the staff in the main office are incredibly kind and helpful. Evelind and Michael are two are the most compassionate people I have ever met on top of being very intelligent, insightful, and fun to be around. I so loved getting to know them. I would have to warn you that there will be other volunteers there and this can be quite distracting because some people simply do not have motivation to do anything. My best advice is just to keep your eye on your goals for coming to Warm Heart and don't allow other people to knock you off your path! I loved working here and I look forward to coming back and working with Warm Heart in the future!

I volunteered for Warm Heart from June-Aug 2016, and had a great experience. It is amazing that a small grassroots non profit like Warm Heart can help with a wide variety of issues in the community. I was involved with multiple projects, from public health, English teaching, and environmental research. This is an organization which will not hold your hands, and one must be a self starter and autonomous to really thrive. I was free to work on projects how I liked, and was supported by the staff, both Thai and the other volunteers. Because this is a small nonprofit, there are certain challenges that come up, mainly, somewhat lack of manpower since volunteers come and go all the time. But they are doing their best, and even though there are times when they seem to stretch themselves thin due to the number of projects they are involved in, their positive impact and work in the community is visible. Evelind and Michael are great, very caring and supportive. I felt much at home here, and would urge other volunteers who wish to gain more experience in non profit work to join Warm Heart. Cheers!

Really amazing volunteer experience which helped me to find a dream job in Asia. I will always remember Warm Heart Foundation and especially Evelind Schecter who has really impressive dedication to the foundation. I am proud that I could be part of the Warm Heart family and my volunteering was really unforgettable. I would recommend to everyone to undertake volunteering at this foundation.

Vaclav, 28, Czech Republic

It's rare to find two people as passionate and caring as Evelind Schecter and Michael D. Shafer. Many non profits work remotely from the US to support causes in other countries but Evelind and Michael gave up their successful careers in the US and moved to Phrao, Thailand to truly make a difference in the lives of many. The work can be frustrating at times due to the language and cultural differences between Thais and foreigners and the politics involved to get things done but when you see how happy the children that Warm Heart cares for and the difference they make in the lives of many locals, it's all worth it. Being a volunteer has it's challenges with Warm Heart taking on so many different responsibilities that every day is a new day. So if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and roll with the punches, Warm Heart will be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. You will live like a local and experience true Thai hospitality and culture.

Being at Warm Heart I have been inspired and touched by the passion and care that the Founders, Staff and Volunteers have for not only improving the lives of Phrao's community members but everyone they interact with.

Whether it be helping a child with homework, celebrating a young woman's (who is living with HIV) birthday, or bringing books to a home bound woman's house, every moment is seen as an opportunity to make life a little brighter.

You quickly see how these simple, compassionate acts create ripples of goodwill that lifts up the community, instantly feel a strong bond with the people, and more deeply appreciate the magnitude of Gandhi's famous quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world.

I am participating in this organization as a volunteer, especially in Public Health part. The first thing I felt was that this organization is well known to local people and they didn't hesitate to express how grateful they fell about this organization. Moreover, the way of this organization's doing was also adequate, I think, because they are not trying to help people in need directly like charity, but trying to support them with more proper ways such as giving them a job or micro-finance, so that they can get financial independence. Now, I'm in charge of canvasing uncovered areas to find out somebody to help, I hope we could help them too in a proper way.

I am Vaclav from the Czech Republic and I am a volunteer at Warm Heart. Volunteering at Warm Heart surpassed my expectations because when I joined this organisation, I expected that it would be another internship with stereotypical tasks. But at Warm Heart I work on very diverse projects - such as agriculture, public health, education or finance. I have received a good coaching from my supervisors, I can get profound knowledge and skills in these areas.

I was lucky to find Warm Heart. This organization was a great place to have my first international volunteer experience. They are doing great work in northern Thailand, help take care of all your visa arrangements and have good living spaces.

When I first heard about Warm Heart I was most impressed with the fact that they stand by their children's education as far as the children want to go. Besides the 60 + they currently have in various grade levels, they are helping three in college, and several in Trade schools. They are making such a difference in the lives of children who were doomed to a life of poverty without their help.

The second thing that impressed me was the quality of the volunteers that come and help at Warm Heart. Dedicated people whose help clearly makes a difference in the success of the program.

As a grassroots organization they have been able to involve the community, working together to solve problems to alleviate the pervasive poverty that has in the past kept these people down.

I have personally contributed to several projects, and know that my money has been well spent.

Working with Warm Heart was an unforgettable experience. On arriving in rural Thailand you are welcomed into very unique situation by extremely inspiring people. Living in close quarters with Michael and Evelind (the founders) and their extended family in the Children's Home you quickly feel like a part of the Warm Heart family and the wider community. Michael and Evelind are unwaveringly passionate about their work in the community and there is so much scope to make a difference by helping on one of their many projects. The most useful volunteers will have a skill and knowledge base already as Warm Heart relies so heavily on volunteers and the input they can offer. I was the videographer and multimedia volunteer for over 3 months and found the role not only immensely rewarding but also had many opportunities to enhance my skills and challenge myself while feeling like I was providing really useful resources for their website, marketing and fundraising. I would recommend volunteering at Warm Heart to anyone that wants to experience living in another culture, make a real difference in the community and intimately learn about the inner workings of a small grassroots non-profit.

As a volunteer with Warm Heart's public health program, I was thoroughly impressed by the positive impact Warm Heart generates on the community level. Originally, Warm Heart was founded as a children's home to allow Hill Tribe children to attend school. Since then, it has expanded to include micro-enterprise, public health, and environmental programs, the latter of which has recently been awarded a grant from the U.S. Consulate.
Many of the children at Warm Heart come from communities that do not speak Thai, and therefore are behind in school from a very young age. Warm Heart gives local children the ability to learn Thai and therefore go to high school.
In my time traveling around Phrao and Chiang Mai province, the majority of people I met had only wonderful things to say about Warm Heart and how the organization has positively affected the lives of friends and family members.
I was thoroughly impressed by the tangible and measurable changes in the Phrao community as a result of Warm Heart's influence. Warm Heart is an NGO with real integrity, and any donations or time, money, or other resources are guaranteed to go toward improving the lives of local Thai people in Phrao.

After only one month, I´m sure I made the right choice by coming to Warm Heart. As my time here functions as an internship in my masters degree, it was important for me that I chose an organization that can offer a variety of projects to work on,and off course an organization that have a good working and social environment. Warm Heart has everything! The projects you work on really challenge you and you learn to think in new ways. After a long day of work, you have other volunteers you can explore this beautiful country with!

Hi!
I´m actually being part of this amazing experience, working as Environment Project Manager.
As in any other job there are good days and bad days, but then you see the results and everything is worth it!
Helping communities develop in a more sustainable way is good in many levels; local, for they can grow better and more. Regional, for they live and grow healthier without all the pesticides and smoke. Worldwide, because we are all part of the same big house; The Earth and every little step forward can help make the difference in the future.
I also enjoy the quiet environment and, avobe all, food is great! Get ready for some real spicy things!

Hello! My name is Laura Fernndez and I am from the Dominican Republic. I came here, leaving my corporate job, because I believe social causes are my real passion. I will be here for 6 months, until the end of this year, and so far everything has been wonderful, the relationship with the other volunteers, the staff, the locals and the kids are really great and playful.
This is my first trip to Asia and so far my favorite thing is food! I've wanting to eat everything here. The landscapes are also very calm, very appropiate to have some alone time, meditate and think a little bit about important things in your life. Since we are living in the country side there is not too much going on, so we have time to hang around together, play cards, watch movies and laugh a lot.
At Warm Heart I am working as an operations program manager, reviewing major processes such as volunteer recruitment, financial reports and other areas and now I have been doing some tasks related to volunteer's coordinator. The work is very challenging, I want to do so many things, hope at least to achieve my mayor goal.
Come to Warm Heart, there is a lot to see, learn and love!

I am a current Board Member and former student of one of the founders of Warm Heart. Warm Heart is a wonderful organization that truly listens to the community it serves. The founders are two of the most hardworking, intelligent and dedicated social entrepreneurs I know. It's a privilege to serve on the Board.

I was a volunteer during the summer of 2014, working on after-school mathematics with high school students and helping out with the Biochar/green initiatives on site. I learned so much in my ten weeks there. Most of all, i was continually impressed with Warm Heart's complete dedication to the local community in Phrao, even despite limited resources. Evelind, Michael, and PJ are ambitious and passionate about the work they do, and it has a clear impact on the lives around them-- everyone from the kids who grow up there, the Thai staff who live and work there, and community member who depend on Warm Heart for daily basic necessities. I can't wait to see how Warm Heart grows in the future -- best wishes to everyone back in Phrao!

I'm a new resident of Chiang Mai, and was recently introduced to Warm Heart through a new friend. After just a little exploration of their programs I couldn't have been more delighted to make a small donation to support their wonderful work.

The Warm Heart programs are innovative, sensitive, and truly reflect the needs that the community of Phrao have identified as most important. After a visit to their center in Phrao I was struck by the skill and dedication of their staff, and the wonderful quality volunteers who do so much to support the work.

The kids that live in their Children's homes are absolutely joyful, reflecting the kind spirit and loving environment the homes provide. The campus is vibrant with activity, gardens, friendly people and animals.

There are many organizations doing great work, but I've seen no foundation where a donor's investment is more leveraged to support great benefit for the community. Warm Heart is not only completely sincere in their desire to help the people of Phrao, they are also extremely skillful in their projects design and execution. What a powerful combination. Bravo.

Warm Heart World wide - They're doing it right!

Warm Heart is truly amazing. I volunteered there for half a year, 2013. My project was marketing local handcrafts. I felt so passionated about this project as it's very entrepreneurial, and the people I worked with are smart. After I finish the volunteering, thanks to the rewarding experience, I landed a job working as a fundraiser for Teach For China(the same network with Teach For America）. WH is also like home to me. The people I met there keep inspiring me. I'm pretty sure I'll go back again in near future.

I was a volunteer working on the reforestation project a year ago for Warm Heart. I stayed three months and that was too short. I've learnt so much when I was there. I've learnt professional and personal skills, I have met extraordinary people, and spent unforgettable moments.
I won't say it was easy everyday, but in the end this is the kind of experience were you only remember the good moments. Michael and Evelind are really good teachers and good persons, and it was a pleasure to work with the others, the thai staff, the kids and the villagers I've met during my work.
I hope I'll go back there one day soon !!

I am the Chairman of one and on the Boards of two other organizations focused on global poverty alleviation and economic development with my emphasis being on India and the MENAT region. We have known Professor Michael Shafer and his wife for many years, and have followed closely their remarkable progress in the Hill Tribes region of northern Thailand. We recently spent a week with Michael introducing him to 5 major players in this space in the Washington area. All were amazed at the accomplishments of Warm Hearts, and the the results of their "bottom up" investigation into the causes of poverty in the region, and their development of effective tools to address these causes. Most important is that these tools and programs are planned for adoption and implementation by the local population themselves, and can be sustained without continued outside intervention. All 5 of the NGOs to which we introduced Michael and Evilind Shafer have committed to assist in the growth of Warm Hearts with various support initiatives. We hope for more Michael and Evelind Shafers!!!

We have followed Warm Hearts progress since its beginnings six years ago. The founders, Michael Shafer and Evelind Shecter, chose a neglected rural area of Thailand to rebuild into a sustainable community through working cooperatively with villagers to identify their community needs, prioritize them, and then tackle problems with cross-cutting solutions. They have created effective programs for children's education, all stages of life health care, microenterprises for women without regular income, and agricultural initiatives to rebuild the soil and increase harvest yield. By approaching local problems with a broader vision of world issues, they have been able to leverage basic technology, such as their biochar process, into a potential instrument to reduce global climate change by improving soil on a field-by-field basis.

With more money and support, Warm Hearts is poised to increase its reach and to have its model practices imitated in many other rural communities of developing countries. Their recent foray to Washington, DC, introduced them to major foundations and larger non-profits that recognize the value of their persoanl dedication and concept f bottoms-up community development.

We visited Warm Heart Worldwide in Northern Thailand and were amazed at how effective a small organization, with imaginative leadership, limited funds and a can-do spirit can be. It is a model of local empowerment that should be replicated in other parts of the world. For the first time participants have access to education, career training, sustainable living skills, medical care and a sense that a greater community is rooting for success.

Warm Heart is a great place to learn and grow up! It is not a place where you get cuddled but where real life shows its head and where you are prompted to action the minute you step down. This NGO is full of light and energy that is not so often seen in the humanitarian world. The commitment and dedication of the couple who lead is tremendous, and everyone who lives on the campus shows eternal gratefulness to them. As a volunteer, I had wonderful opportunities to create projects and campaigns which will help out further in strengthening Warm Heart’s funding and marketing strategy. I am also eternally grateful for my time spent there and I would recommend this experience to all people who are ready to learn more and grow further.

I was attracted to WH because of the same philosophy we are sharing, which is helping people to help themselves. I've been volunteering for several NGOs since the first year in college. But WH is truly one of a kind. What suprises me most is how much things they are doing, small as taking sick villagers to get treated, great as create jobs and sustain the community. No matter what kind of challenges they are facing, Michael and Evelind always stick to their promises to the people.
It is my pleasure to work with them for the the past three months, to learn how to live just as a basic human being.

My company Trade Monkey LLC has been working with Warm Heart's micro-enterprise program for over a year now, and with each order we are more and more impressed with the organization. As a business, they are very responsive, hard-working and punctual, not to mention the products they produce are top quality and beautiful. They are constantly working to provide fair-wage sustainable jobs for local people in their community, while taking environmental impact into consideration. It is always a pleasure to visit Warm Heart because of the infectious family vibe you get from being around Michael and Evelind and the countless children running around from the Warm Heart Children's Home. If you meet Michael and Evelind, you will be inspired by their lives completely devoted to giving to those less fortunate. All of us at Trade Monkey feel fortunate to have met them, and lucky to have the opportunity to work with them.

Where do I start? Warm Heart as an organization has taught me the difference between solving problems using a one-size-fits-all approach and designing specific community programs meant to address problems in the community based off what members of that community need. There is no doubt that Warm Heart's mission of listening first and taking strong action to make an impact is the best approach in a community like Phrao, ridden with problems in the structure of education, public health and sustainable agriculture. People in the community respond to this personal way of helping in an overwhelmingly positive way. I would see the affirmation everyday in the smiles and respect villagers would give us. At the local market, when I would be designated as the personal bag carrier for N'Pan and the ladies who feed and take care of about 40 children at Warm Heart, we would be greeted by so many people wanting to know what kinds of projects Warm Heart was involved with and how children who previously had no chance of attending school were liking their classes in 5th grade. I fell in love with the people of Phrao, all the children and the beautiful country. The sense of community within Warm Heart and Warm Heart's presence in Phrao as a place to solve problems is an electrifying combination that motivates and influences change. My days of beautiful scenic motorbike rides in the dense forest mountains and learning challenging games from strong-willed Thai children are over for now, but I hope anyone who wants to make an impact on a community in need and cultivate existing or unknown skills will team up with Warm Heart.

Since the first day when Evelind (the founder) picked me up from Chiang Mai (closest city), I never doubted that I had chosen the right organization to achieve one of my longstanding dreams – visiting Thailand and volunteering in a rural community.

Everything that I have encountered at Warm Heart has opened my eyes. Warm Heart is involved in so many ways in the community that it takes more than a single stay to understand. Only the founders know everything: taking care of around 40 kids with an assortment of problems, and helping disabled people and needy families is certainly not an easy task. Although WH has only been in existence for a few short years, already over 200 people depend on it directly.

The last but not the least, I will also never forget the many great moments that I shared with the amazing volunteers I met in my three-month stay.

Mauricio Villarreal - Lima, Peru (volunteer June - August 2014)

It has been nothing short of an honor to be able to volunteer with Warm Heart for the last three months.
Something about this organization moves me every day, whether it's the bottomless well of compassion displayed by the founders Michael and Evelind for the kids in the home and the community at large, or the way you are able to witness tangible and meaningful growth in the villages they work with. Warm Heart has a number of different development projects, all of them with both environmental and economic stability at their foundation. They are well-thought out, long term and effective, as well as participatory. In short, Warm Heart is everything a grassroots development NGO should be.

Perhaps the most affirming thing about working here is the way that everyone in the district knows about Warm Heart and flashes you a beaming smile when you tell them that you're volunteering for "un-jai" (the organization's name in Thai). On a more personal level, I've been moved to tears by the stories of some of the kids who have ended up in the children's home here. Warm Heart gives these kids a chance, and a safe place to grow - Somewhere free from neglect or abuse or poverty, where the only thing they need to focus on is their homework, and being a kid. The evidence is in the way that the grade point averages of Warm Heart kids skyrocket above their classmates, and the genuine smiles and shrieking laughter that I have the pleasure of witnessing every day that I'm here.

As a student of International Development Studies, I've learned a lot about everything that could go wrong in the "development game", everything that's bad about international volunteering and everything that non-profits need to be careful about. As a result, I expected to be very critical of my first experience with an international NGO - But Warm Heart has exceeded my expectations and proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, to be an overwhelmingly positive influence on this rural Thai district. It is the poster child of an ideal grassroots development NGO, responding to the unique problems faced by its community and launching proactive programs to help put Phrao on a sustainable and equitable development trajectory.

Without another thought, I would (and intend to) recommend Warm Heart to anyone thinking of getting involved in any way they can.

The kids at Warm Heart have changed my life forever. The week that I volunteered there was amazing. Warm Heart is doing great things to help the community around Phrao, Thailand. They go out of their way to help these people in need, and care about everything they are doing.

Warm Heart is doing amazing things for the community in Phrao, Thailand. Every time a community member is in need, Warm Heart figures out a way to help them. Countless people I met in Phrao said they owe their life to Warm Heart. I had such a wonderful time volunteering that I go back every year.

I volunteered for Warm Heart from February to September, 2013. With the help of the staff and volunteers, and the endless energy of the kids at our Children's Home, we were able to host and run several successful English camps, practice sustainable ways of living and farming, reforest impressive tracts of previously unhealthy land, and build a playground out of recycled tires. It was an amazing experience and one that benefitted everyone involved.

I gained far more from my experience at Warm Heart than I could have possibly contributed in the eight incredible months I spent volunteering there. My role was to be an RA in the older girls dorm, afternoon study buddy, health and horticulture specialist, and human jungle gym for the 37 kids that I lived with at the children's home at the time.
I still haven't fully recovered from leaving, as it is easy to become lost in society without having the fulfilling and rewarding experience of waking up to a true purpose and tangible set of goals every morning. I adore every single person that I encountered in my time there, every child that I was able to hold in my arms, each staff member, and most of all the incredible individuals who founded Warm Heart, Ajahn and P'Lin.
I cannot wait until the next opportunity that I can return.

I came to Warm Heart to contribute to something I feel to be worthwhile while gaining real world experience in my chosen field (public health). I could not have chosen a more perfect place. The geographic location and campus are beautiful to the point of surreality and the local people, staff, other volunteers, and children ended up teaching me more than I ever could have anticipated, and about a lot more than just public health. That said, my work with the elderly and people with disabilities project and eye and ear project was totally eye-opening and I continue to draw from my experiences at Warm Heart (and will continue to do so for a very long time).

I found Warm Heart, Phrao, on the internet while looking of an organisation where I could volunteer in Sep 2013. It was one of the the best find I made. All the staff and volunteers at Warm Heart are warm - just like the founders Michael and Evelind. The various tasks that I did during my 2 months stay eg. helping build childrens' home, delivering food to flood victims in Ayutthaya, even being a stand-in driver, was satisfying. I They are doing a wonderful job in helping the community in Phrao. I salute Michael and Evelind and given an opportunity, I will return to Phrao again ... to have a drink with them !!!

i came as a group with other volunteers from goodwill globetrotting and we spent a week on site at WHW. it was one of the most fulfilling weeks of my life, working and living side-by-side with michael and evelind and the kids. the things they are doing to help not only the kids on site but also all of the villages around them are truly inspiring. i hope to be a part of WHW again as soon as possible.

My last experience with Warm Heart on location in Phrao was in 2012. Since then, I have continued to stay abreast of their activities, objectives and networking projects by continuing to edit a wide variety of documents and website postings.

Warm Heart’s cultural atmosphere seems to bring out the best in people. Creative potential blossoms working together sharing a common objective in a loving, supportive atmosphere that WH directors Michael Shafer and Evelind Schecter and staff create. Their attitude of "working together for good" brings people of vastly different backgrounds and talents into a network of possibilities to research and find self-sustainable solutions the local people can own. International volunteers bring a wide variety of innovative expertise to fuel solutions.

WH serves as a catalyst for multi-faceted solutions. For example: WH introduced hill villages to the concept of reforestation with native trees (preventing erosion and enabling water retention for the dry season) so they could grow a cash crop, coffee, and thereby increase their income. But the soils are depleted. So WH introduced the idea of using a clean-burning stove that runs on corn cobs and produces biochar, a natural fertilizer. The offshoot of this is less respiratory disease from using a clean-burning stove. Better nutrition for the villagers results as subsistence farmers use the biochar to enhance their kitchen gardens in addition to their cash crops.

Our family of three volunteered for Warm Heart in 2012. Our daughter was 10 at the time and it was a huge leap of faith to take her out of school for three months to live and learn in northern Thailand. Volunteering at Warm Heat was an incredible experience for us all. We lived in Phrao and commuted daily to the office, the Children's Home or other locations as needed. My husband Greg, along with another volunteer, helped set up a Quick Books accounting system for the scarf micro enterprise initiative. I helped with blog posts and images to document the scarf making process, from silk worm to finished textile. Our daughter soaked it all in and still keeps in touch with some of the children she met.

Making a difference on a budget! That's what Warm Heart excels at.

House, feed, cloth and educate a kid, plus provide medical care and computer classes! All on $100 USD a month! Pretty amazing!

Tackle disabilities in local villages by surveying all homes to determine needs and teaming up with another non-profit to provide wheel chairs and other assistance.

Help local farmers switch from corn, a low profit / heavy water usage crop, to coffee, a more environmentally friendly and profitable crop. And at the same time, convince locals to re-forest land that had been stripped years earlier.

If you are able, I highly recommend going to Phrao and seeing all the smiles on the kids living in the Warm Heart Children's Home! You will never forget!!

It's in Phrao. Fun, delicious and challenging. I learned what is like to work in non-profit development, and carry those experiences into my work today. I miss the travel, my friends, riding my motorbike to work, and of course friday night Muay Thai in Chiang Mai!

I volunteered with Warm Heart while making a career transition from the corporate world to one focused on global health issues. It was also just before starting graduate school in international affairs, and was absolutely critical to my experience there. It has allowed me to try things, go places and learn things - and even open doors - that would not have been possible earlier. I was given free reign to manage a major project, but received the support that I needed. The program I research was just implemented, and now there is a resource for the disabled and the elderly in this area of great need. It was also personally very rewarding, and I made some of my dearest friends in only a few short months.

I worked with Warm Heart on three separate occasions. The last being for over three months. The organization has a way of finding your talents and using them. It meant that I was able to do what I loved and what I was good at doing. The organization focuses on sustainability for itself and the people it helps. It was great being able to see my time as an investment that would linger instead of a volunteer experience that just leaves you warm and fuzzy inside. The experience allowed me to see the cultural barriers, work through personality issue and remain in a family like atmosphere. There was never a dull moment!

I learned a great deal about poverty, sex industry, drug epidemics and human trafficking and how they play a role not only in Thailand but in the global community as well. The directors of warm heart are great teachers and they allowed me to see global issues on smaller scale. Perspective is certainly everything. I was also able to see a hands on approach to the issues of education through their Children's home. It was incredible to see kids from an impoverished tribe growing and flourishing with the Warm Heart family and staff.

The housing provided was great, the freedom to roam gave me a sense of adventure and the services I was able to work on all made the experience amazing. I'd go back in a warm heart beat!

Prior to applying to work for Warm Heart, or even becoming aware of Warm Heart's existence, past experiences both moved and inspired me to aid the desperate plight of rural indigenous communities against unequal wealth distribution, unsustainable industries, and the lure of a perceived hedonistic western lifestyle. The core ethos of Warm Heart, which is to bring education, healthcare and opportunities to remote Hill Tribe villages in northern rural Thailand, whilst preserving their cultural traditions and local environment, very much represents my broader intentions.

At Warm Heart, one thus has the opportunity to work towards achieving a sustainable way of life for these peoples by becoming an active member of the local community, learning the basics of a new language, forging friendships with people from all over the world, and, more generally, by sharing, collaborating, creating and exploring.

Warm Heart is a truly amazing and unique organization. Warm Heart is constant contact with the local community asking what needs they can meet. Programs are designed and readjusted to meet these specific needs. The organization uses every donation as an investment in the creation of sustainable opportunities for those willing to sieze them. I volunteered for six months and am determined to go back. While I served as Official Photographer, I had the chance to work in a breadth of areas and connect very personally with community members. I had one of the single most educational and meaningful experiences of my life. I loved every minute.

Although I only stayed at Warm Heart for a month, since returning home I've continued to work with the organization and will return for a second stint when I can. I particularly appreciated WH's down-to-earth approach and its holistic outlook on the myriad of activities that volunteers can get involved in which will hopefully improve life for the people in the community. Volunteers are undoubtedly getting as much out of the experience as they're putting in so it's a good exchange of life energies. The fact that it's in a rural setting is healthy. Finally, although the operation is small enough to feel intimate, it's big enough so that they are always people to meet and others to get to know better.

My family and I were volunteers at Warm Heart for 3 months. It was one of our life's most rewarding adventuers. With WH we were able to see our efforts put to good use right away. We helped WH build a community center, open the center and see the local villagers use the center. We saw the smiles on their faces as they took the yoga classes and as they ussed to center to gather with their neighbors. We helped WH create silk scarves to employ local women and raise money for WH and their continuing literacy compaigns. We helped the children at the children's home prepare dinners and get ready for school. Our efforts went directly to helping the communities around Phrao. It was a life changing experience.

I volunteered at Warm Heart for three months and it’s one of the moments of my life that I’ll cherish the most. Most of my time was spent at their micro enterprise initiative, which aims to provide livelihood for the community and most especially for the women. I also had a chance to participate in other projects, spend sometime with the lovely kids of Warm Heart Children’s Home and met various volunteers from around the world. Warm Heart’s passion to make a difference is life-changing!

As a volunteer at Warm Heart I was able to serve in various capacities working on numerous projects. I taught art therapy in a rural village, assisted government officials in delivering much-needed public benefits, organized the distribution of wheelchairs to the disabled and spent countless hours playing sports with the students from the children's home. It was a great opportunity to experience and understand the important work that Warm Heart does. I'd highly recommend volunteering there. Be flexible and have fun.

i volunteered at Warm Heart for 10 months. It was an amazing and immersive experience. I was able to work with volunteers from around the world and on various projects. It was a true testament of how teaching and community development can change lives for the better.

Warm Heart is the perfect example of what a change agent should be - adaptive, persistent, and truly integrated into the community in which they serve. Their approach is pragmatic, but rare. Listen to what the people need (rather than telling them) and develop solutions accordingly. There's always a long list of diverse projects and initiatives that need owners, meaning that volunteers with many different backgrounds and competencies are constantly needed. This also means that volunteers can spearhead their own initiative and feel like they really made an impact. And they usually do.

Warm Heart Worldwide helps people help themselves as I have seen firsthand as a volunteer in Thailand. Founders Michael Shafer and Evelind Schecter use a unique combination of strategies. They invest in children's education, community healthcare from the water supply on up and uplift communities with micro-enterprise. They constantly innovate their approach working with the Thai staff to fully participate in the local culture and priorities. Volunteers from around the globe add their input and expansion has included cash crops for farming and development of a senior center. The Warm Heart way is more than win-win--it creates "Jai" - joy - well being.

Warm Heart is an example of an NGO that has a holistic approach to raising the floor of poverty in the Phrao region of rural Thailand. Touching on health, water, sanitation, education and micro enterprise the programs that Warm Heart implements are done in a scalable and sustainable way that allows the communities they serve to take real ownership of the programs that are serving them. Warm Heart does incredible things with the resources they have and I look forward to following their progress for years to come.

Warm Heart is fulfilling many needs in an area of Northern Thailand that is often looked over. The powerful effects of determined hard working individuals with optimism and love carries projects through to
completion though odds might say there is not enough man power or funds to do so. Concentrating on equipping locals to help them help themselves is the goal through health care, education, and micro enterprise. I hope to see more people come alongside Warm Heart to equip them with support through funding and time and energy. There's a lot resting on a few people's shoulders, but that doesn't stop people from getting things done!