These Numbers Have Faces, Inc.

Millions of Americans travel internationally each year. Whether we're overseas for a week, a month, a season, or a school year ("study abroad," anyone?), we come back changed. Sometimes that change is for the worse. Sometimes it's for the better. Rarely, however, does it convert a 26-year-old into a social entrepreneur on the scale of Justin Zoradi.

Don't miss the fact that These Numbers Have Faces works. It's growing. And it's poised for much more growth. Why? These Numbers Have Faces empowers African young adults to pursue a university degree, land a good job, and then turn around and fund a full-year scholarship for another person in their same community. Those new scholarship recipients later fund still other full-year scholarships.

Potential downside? So far, none. www.thesenumbers.org

These guys not only have their hearts in the right place, but their understanding of what the needs are in South Africa - and how those needs can be met by members WITHIN the community - is astounding and inspiring. I will give my support to These Numbers Have Faces for as long as they accept it.

This organization has a true passion and heart for the people of South Africa. Their belief in helping all to gain access to furthering their education and producing strong community leaders is unmatched.

These Numbers Have Faces had such an important impact on my and my husband's life. For years, we've donated to different non-profits but TNHF was changing the world in ways we could relate to. As a soccer player, dancer and advocates of education, we are overjoyed that the things we love are making a difference in the lives of others. As military members, time is not something we can give like TNHF can, so being able to help despite where we're stationed means the world to us. We are so proud to be part of such a great organization and love telling everyone (or showing thanks to our book!) about These Numbers Have Faces. We can't wait to be able to more with you guys:)

I have been impressed with this organization and their long-term partnership in South Africa. The vision and execution of that vision make this organization very effective. Great people with a great vision can do great things.

The foundation that I am a board member of chose to support TNHF for the incredibly tangible results they deliver. We believe that fostering higher education is one of the more sure fire ways to create long-term sustained economic development. As financial supporters, we also greatly appreciate the high-level of communication, appreciation, and interaction that TNHF's leadership has provided.

i went with TNHF to south africa in 2008 and documented their interaction with the people they exist to serve. it was awesome to see, and capture and learn the stories behind the "numbers".

TNHF is a fantastic organization. They are using creative ways to empower South Africans. I loved that they had a world cup bracket this summer and was excited that it became one of the biggest espn brackets in the world (#20 I think). They are excited about their work and have worked hard to develop a in country staff as well.

These Numbers Have Faces is an exemplary organization that performs its mission with integrity and fierce dedication. As a finance intern, I have had the privilege of working for Executive Director Justin Zoradi, whose inspirational leadership and visionary brilliance are the keystones of the organization. Justin’s commitment is so inspiring that the professional staff of TNHF are willing to pour their heart and soul into the organization for minimum-wage pay, while the intern staff are willing to work for free. In their modest office in Portland, Oregon, the walls are bare except for poignant photos of South African scholarship recipients and a tribute to Nelson Mandela. What the office lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in goodwill, laughter, and cooperative productivity. TNHF is a healthy, lean, ethical organization where every possible dollar is used to further the mission of helping South African youth attain education and empowerment.

It's the holistic approach of These Numbers Have Faces that I love. Yes, getting a scholarship is great, but if a student does not have encouragement, support, accountability, or practical life skills, the money is wasted. TNHF understands that. I am completely on board with the mission of the organization and the staff is just the cherry on top. I work with genuinely caring, supportive individuals. We are driven towards a common goal and believe in working together to accomplish our best work. It is this community effort that allows us to effectively impact South Africa. These Numbers Have Faces is truly the embodiment of the quote by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." It's a blessing to be a part of that small group.

I first found out about These Numbers Have Faces in 2008. I had come across their website from some mutual friends that were supporters of the organization and decided to look into them and see what they were about. I was pleased with their mission and with their interactions with me, answering any questions I had. I offered my services as a Video Production Professional and we stayed in touch. Earlier this year (2010), I had edited a few videos for them and was informed by Justin (founder) that TNHF was going to start an internship and he wanted me to apply. So I did, and the Board agreed to bring me on the TNHF team as the Video & Media Intern. As of writing this, I've worked for the organization for over 5 months and have grown even more pleased with the organization since getting more involved. One area that has greatly pleased me is the efficiency with which money is distributed. So much of the funds donated goes to South Africa and that really encouraged me that I was working for someone with integrity, an organization that truly cares for the people it's helping. I am also happy that it's not basic charity but that the organization is built upon a model that can be taken anywhere and can be sustainable in the area that adopts that model, eventually without the help of These Numbers Have Faces. To have an exit strategy is not common among many non-profits and for that, I commend TNHF and it's founders, for wishing to bring more than charity to the people of South Africa. They seek to help them build a foundation for their future and for those who will come after the students currently in the program. They hope to one day hear that the organization itself isn't needed anymore, as the program has become a fully South African model that is sustaining itself. The organization is very personal with it's donors (it's how I ended up working for them) and is responsible with their resources and donations.

I first heard about TNHF from a friend of mine while I was describing my struggles to get in touch with a different local nonprofit in the Portland area. She mentioned that she had heard great things about this organization, that it was small, but extremely effective. One glance at their website and I was enthralled. I loved the mantra that called for TNHF to work themselves out of business, by helping to create sustainable change through South African youth in their communities. I immediately emailed the volunteer address and was shocked to receive a personal email from Justin a few hours later, thanking me for my interest. That personal touch is apparent through out the website and in the videos with interviews and speeches given by the scholarship recipients. The humility and dedication of our scholars inspired and motivated me and I am very excited to be a recent member of the TNHF team.

TNHF strives to provide education opportunities in South Africa through unique methodology that I find inspiring. Students are not simply given money to go to school. They are holistically taking care of via financial literacy programs, mentorship, and of course, their collegiate educations. The staff is fully dedicated to this cause.

This organization has grown as organically and sustainably as they intend to develop communities in South Africa. I met Justin Zoradi, the director, in college and have kept up with his work over the years only to be constantly amazed at the genuine compassion and intelligence exhibited by this non-profit. They have created something that few non-profits can do: a project that will end if all goes well. As such, I am proud to represent their work in my classroom. I recently taught a lesson to a Public Speaking class at Arizona State University dealing with the use of language and the use of ethical messages to communicate and persuade about big ideas. As a class, we examined this group's webpage and had a discussion about how this group's communication is making a difference. My students were excited to see a direct example of the principles that we discussed and, more importantly, an example of what young people can do for and with each other to change the world. TNHF is doing that, and doing it well.

I know a number of people involved with TNHF from volunteers to the chair of the board. I am continually impressed with their attention to detail that is coupled with their laser-sharp focus on the long-term vision - which is to go out of business! That really should be the goal of any development organization... that they help reduce poverty to the point that they are no longer relevant. TNHF is well equipped to handle the messy process that is development. They have the relationships, resources and vision to do some real good, long-term work in South Africa and be a catalyst to empower local leaders to change their communities forever.

I am a long time friend of the founder of TNHF. This is one of the best organizations I have ever had the pleasure of being involved in. The biggest strength of TNHF is their clarity of purpose. Whne you walk into their office in Portland it is clearly written on the wall. As a donator I know exactly were my money is going. TNHF also does an incredible jod of connecting with their contributors. Whether it is a weekly newslater, posts of facebook, or even a friendly hand written thank you note, you always feel invovled and like you are making a difference. TNHF also connects their contributors with the people they are working with. They attatch faces with the work they are doing. I have worked with other non profits and NGO's in the past, but my experience with TNHF has been so much more rewarding then anything else.

TNHF is a grass-roots organization committed to sustainable change in S. Africa through education and community development. It has been inspiring to observe the consistent enthusiasm by young people for those living across the globe. That passion is complemented by hard work on a daily basis to advance the goals. And it's paying off: beginning with funding the college education for one student in 2008, TNHF now has placed 8 students in 2010 with plans to increase the number to 20 in 2011. One specific fundraising goal this year is to enable 10 women to attend college. Small donations fund the project, which seeks to change the world, one face at a time. And it's happening. I'm proud to do my small part for such an impressive, visionary organization.

I heard about These Numbers Have Faces through Facebook, and thought it sounded cool. When checking it out I noticed they had an awesome t-shirt design and so I bought it. I get a ton of compliments on the shirt, I know the money went to a good cause, and so I bought a bunch as gifts for friends. Now I pay attention to the charity, know about the cause and the need for education in the townships, and am really impressed by the methods These Numbers Have Faces uses to reach the public and help get education opportunities to youth and thus help a whole community.

I love this organization. TNHF is grassroots, but that doesn't mean they're not professional in approaching tough issues in South Africa. The organization has taken the time to understand the communities where they are working, and to provide options for South African young adults who can truly impact their country for good. I also appreciate the creative ways TNHF fundraises. As a donor, they keep me informed and educated as to how the money I give is impacting individuals.

I got to know the founder, Justin Zoradi, when we both were in Belfast together in 2005 - 2006. Since that time, I have kept close tabs on These Numbers Have Faces and what they are doing. I have been very impressed by their work with the soccer and dance teams that they support in South Africa. More importantly, they are enabling these kids to get a University education through sponsorships and have an economic model in place where they give back after graduation. I have been impressed by how they are run operationally. The videos and pictures that they put together are top notch. I have received hand written thank you notes from their staff and they are very passionate about what they do.

I remember receiving a call from a good friend from college and he told me that he wanted to start an organization committed to helping South African college students. From that moment, I was hooked. Since then, I have seen These Numbers Have Faces grow and flourish from a simple idea into a sustainable, impacting organization that is touching many lives. I have always been impressed by the organization's focus on specific, tangible actions that create lasting change. I'm grateful to be a part of this organization.

TNHF is a solid nonprofit that is taking an honest look at one specific issue - lack of access to education for black township youth in South Africa - and doing what it can do create positive change for those affected. They are working to break the most debilitating generational poverty cycle that I believe exists. There is clear energy and momentum surrounding this relatively small and young organization. The amount of positive press is only a testament to the power of a transparent, progressive, and grassroots movement. I began volunteering to put my development and business degrees to work, and once inside the organization it was clear that they have a clear sense of purpose and calling. Having worked for a number of similar organizations, I was very impressed at how well TNHF is run, and how clear it is that the mission of the organization comes before anything else. They have a clear identity and that will take them so far.

There are hundreds of non-profit organizations out there, each with its own mission and goals. Sometimes it seems like giving money to help impoverished children is like throwing pennies into a bottomless well, or getting stuck running through a revolving door with no end in sight. Although the charities that take care of these kids are important and they should receive support, it is overwhelming to hear that 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation (2006 United Nations Human Development Report). Or that 15 million children worldwide were orphaned due to HIV/AIDS (State of the world's children, UNICEF, 2005). Don't lose hope! We CAN make a difference! Despite all the statistics, you should always remember: These Numbers Have Faces. The global impoverished youth is not merely a tally mark on a bar graph, or a distant intangible cause. These are real people, with hopes and dreams, fears and doubts, and optimism and motivation beyond that which we can comprehend given their circumstances. These Numbers Have Faces is a unique community impact model through which South African youth are given the opportunity to receive a college education with the goal of creating a sustainable culture of reinvestment and mentorship. There are no better people to help a community than those who have been raised within it, whose families and friends depend on their support, and who have a personal and passionate interest in helping their townships succeed. Recently, These Numbers Have Faces has been able to start an initiative to raise $50,000 for a Women's Empowerment Fund, to support township girls as they pursue college educations, which many of them did not think could happen in their lifetimes. Students are nominated by township leaders and undergo an extensive application process to ensure their commitment to their community and their personal growth. The accepted students are required to maintain good grades, participate in community service, learn about financial literacy, and set examples for children and other youth in their neighborhoods. Throughout the process, they have community mentors from the JL Zwane Church or Football Club, and they also have the individual and group support of their friends here in the U.S. By donating to These Numbers Have Faces, you can have a personal relationship with one of the students in South Africa. You can send encouraging e-mails and letters, get updates on final exam completion and college graduation, and you can actually see your donations making a difference in the lives of the youth. These Numbers Have Faces is an organization with a goal of sustainability, which means one day the students who have been a part of this community impact model will be the township leaders, working to reduce poverty and improve the quality of the communities in which they live. For These Numbers Have Faces to go out of business because the students you helped encourage and support are doing such a great job of reinvesting their resources and their talents into their communities will be awesome. We should all get together and celebrate on the day These Numbers Have Faces can contentedly close its doors...I'll provide the pizza, you guys bring the drinks.

These Number Have Faces is a hazardous organization to your apathy. By putting a face, a person, and a story behind real world, solvable problems, they provide both the motive and the opportunity to assist those in need. While I know that I can't change the world, TNHF helps my money make an impact by supporting real, living, breathing people, and works to support an bring opportunities to those in need. Their community impact model is brilliant. It supports those involved in the program, and provides a means for the continuation of this great cause. Their website is clean, functional, and welcoming. Their marketing materials are top-notch. You can tell that they pour their heart into everything they do, and that's exactly the type of nonprofit I want to support.

I got involved with These Numbers Have Faces about 8 months ago when Justin contacted me about doing some video work. Since then I have been a monthly donor and remain involved in both These Numbers Have Faces and the friendships I have built with their staff. While the vision appears simple, it is the heart and thoughtfulness of These Numbers that keeps me engaged in this organization.

I used to live and work in Cape Town with an organization that was involved with community development work on a small scale through training community health workers. When I moved back to the states I was looking for a way to stay involved in South Africa. These Numbers Have Faces is working in a very similar community to the one I had experience in and I appreciated their vision to find ways for the recipients of their scholarships to take ownership in their communities by giving back through financial reinvestment and community service. The organization is putting structure in place to be mentoring the youth they have in their scholarship program, so it's not just about giving money, but it has more of a relational focus which in turn makes it more sustainable. I think the most important thing the organization could move towards is putting the leadership in the hands of local South Africans so it will be run even more effectively. As they launch the Women's Empowerment campaign I'm excited to see how they expand their influence in the community by having more of a focus on bringing women into their community impact model through granting scholarships to them and plugging them in to the different facets of what is expected of those receiving scholarships.

This organization is tremendous in their efforts to assit not only the women of South Africa, but ultimately, through them, the greater South African community. Meaningful relationships is the counduit of all they do; through this intimate and hands-on approach, communities are being tranformed and will eventually be able to lift themselves out of poverty through education. I wholeheartedly believe in the excellent leadership of this organization and know that the affects of their work will ultimately reach farther and wider than South Africa.

These Numbers Have Faces is a first-rate international development nonprofit. Their work outside Cape Town, SA defies the traditional development model. That's why I was initially drawn to their programs. What began with youth soccer players in the townships has grown into an encompassing community 'to end poverty' model. It's quite fantastic. I'm personally motivated by their mission and the wonderful people working behind the scenes at TNHF. Keep up the good work!

I have so enjoyed getting the founders, employees, board members, and interns at These Numbers Have Faces over the past year. On one occasion I spoke at length with a board member of this organization and was challenged to hear of the relational basis of their work and impressed by the sustainability of their model for providing higher education scholarships and opportunities for young women in South African Townships.

I asked one of the founders of These Numbers Have Faces, Justin, about why he decided to start this nonprofit. He gave a compelling answer about how reporting statistics regarding poverty can be overwhelming and dehumanizing, but through connection and stories we can really come to understand why fighting for dignity and equality is so important. He described exactly how he met the people he works with and what they hope to do. This organization is driven, passionate and inspiring.

I was first introduced to TNHF by the Executive Director, Justin, in 2006. We met at a coffee shop so he could share his story about meeting the JL Zwane Football Team, Coach Eric and Anda. He wanted to continue his relationship with the team, felt called to do more, and formed a sole proprietorship business in order to do so. Little did he know that soon, after many a meeting in his attic, this little sole proprietorship would be the incredible nonprofit it is today. I believe in TNHF and am honored to be associated with this organization not only because of their responsible community-based development model and understanding that investing in girls is a key solution to addressing poverty from the bottom up, but because of the passionate dedicated leadership behind the scenes. Justin, his wife Trisha, the very few staff members, and the countless volunteers work at TNHF because they believe in the power of education, the dignity of all human beings, and they just love their friends in South Africa.

These Numbers Have Faces is a tremendously committed group of men and women that work everyday to play their small part in improving this world. It would be easy to be discouraged when tackling something like poverty in South Africa, but what they are accomplishing through their community impact model is revolutionary. They have the potential to empower not only the youth of South Africans to lift their communities out of poverty, but also leave a sustainable organization and structure that in the future will not be reliant on These Numbers Have Faces.

My volunteer experience with These Numbers Have Faces (TNHF) has been nothing short of continuing growth. The team at TNHF is unusual. Once the team recognized my talents and skills I was encouraged to come up with creative ideas to help grow my area of skill. I had been so accustomed to working in a controlled environment I’d almost forgotten what it was like to be free and creative. When I’m not volunteering I work in marketing for a company who sells consumer products. Having the knowledge I did in marketing and some contacts in the non-profit world here in Portland proved to them I could help get the job done. We met weekly to talk about ideas and status on projects. Every week I was there was positive and we continued to move forward. The positive feedback on ideas encouraged me to dig deeper for creativity within myself. When a company or non-profit allows their employees or volunteers to be free the sky is truly the limit on where they can go. I know TNHF will continue to inspire those they aid as much as those who volunteer.

great organization. great message. their work is focused, relational, and making a difference. i've been impressed with their marketing and branding as well. I think they are making a significant impact with youth in South Africa.