WCIM has the most amazinglife-changing humanitarian experiences! I loved being able to visit the schools I help support, and go on sightseeing adventures while in Africa! I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable, they do a great job of getting us where we need to go and providing an immersive cultural experience to remember for a lifetime! :)
As a long-standing donor and supporter, I have witnessed firsthand the monumental impact that 'With Change In Mind' has instigated within the heart of communities in Malawi, Africa. This nonprofit organization, under the visionary leadership of CEO Erin Hempen, has irrevocably altered the educational landscape for hundreds of children, ensuring that the path to their futures is illuminated with knowledge, hope, and opportunity.
Erin Hempen stands out as an extraordinary and gifted leader whose dedication and passion for change are infectious. Her unique approach to community involvement and sustainability has seen the establishment of two schools that currently service over 225 children. These institutions have become a beacon of enlightenment and empowerment within the communities, providing safe, inspiring, and adaptive learning environments where children are encouraged to explore, innovate, and harness their potential.
One of the most commendable aspects of 'With Change In Mind' is its commitment to not just be in the community but to be part of it. Erin and her team have seamlessly blended into the fabric of local society, ensuring their initiatives receive not only the backing of donors like myself but also the crucial support and active participation of the community members. This inclusivity fosters a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride among the locals, thereby creating projects that are sustainable, relevant, and effective.
As a donor, the transparency and enthusiasm with which 'With Change In Mind' approaches every project have fortified my trust in Erin Hempen's leadership. Her innate ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and create solutions with lasting impact make her an indomitable force in the nonprofit sector. Over the past 12 years, every accomplishment and milestone reached by the organization has been a direct result of her empathetic leadership style and strategic foresight.
Moreover, the organization's innovative programs extend beyond just education. They tackle various community challenges, striving to improve health standards, enhance agricultural practices, and empower women, hence nurturing a holistic environment for change and progress.
In conclusion, 'With Change In Mind' is more than just a nonprofit organization. It is a catalyst for enduring change, passionately committed to its mission of transforming lives in Malawi. The successful groundwork laid by Erin Hempen, coupled with her relentless pursuit of excellence, positions the organization as an exemplary model of how heartfelt dedication and strategic interventions can create waves of change across continents. I wholeheartedly endorse and will continue to support 'With Change In Mind' in their noble endeavors and urge others to join in backing this beacon of hope and transformation.
My experience with With Change In Mind was nothing short of incredible. I approached this adventure with skepticism and doubt, but these worries were quickly erased the second I stepped foot on Malawian soil. The people, the culture, the food, and the scenery are all truly unmatched. I was fortunate enough to embark on this trip in the summer of my Junior year of High School, and I don't think it could have come at a better time. It was an incredible learning experience, and I was blessed with a level of perspective and knowledge I didn't even know existed. Since my experience with Erin in Malawi, I have been able to look at many situations in a different light, tell amazing stories to friends and family, and happily look back on both physical and mental memories of the experience. To anyone having doubts, I know exactly where you are coming from. On the other hand, I can confidently tell you that simply saying yes to this decision can alter your perspective on the world and others around you, and provide you with memories that you will never forget. Thank you Erin and thank you With Change in Mind for providing this incredible experience!
This experience was life changing! I encourage everyone to take a trip with Withchangeinmind. It’s such a fantastic experience with an incredible guide (Founder Erin). I met some amazing people along the way who were I’m still in contact with. I can’t wait to go back for another trip someday!
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This was a life changing experience! The trip I was on was so well planned and we were able to experience so many different things and places. Anyone looking for any kind of trip like this I always send them to With Change In Mind. Erin is an incredible host, guide and all around an amazing human being. I wouldn’t want to go with any other organization. I’m telling you, this is the best!
I had an amazing experience in Malawi with WCIM. Erin went above and beyond to ensure we had an enriched positive experience. It was truly a joy and privilege to support the schools, teachers, staff and children. It was a life changing service trip and I can’t wait to go back!
After nearly 10 years of supporting With Change In Mind in a variety of ways, I was finally able to travel with them in July 2023 & it exceeded all expectations! Every detail of my trip from beginning to end was carefully planned to maximize my time in each of the communities we served. I absolutely loved being immersed in the local culture, collaborating with new teachers, meeting with families & supporting the incredible early childhood education/nutrition programs that With Change In Mind has established. Malawi will forever have a piece of my heart & I cannot wait to return.
I was nervous. After all, I was 71 and was going to Africa! The cure for my nervousness was Erin! She guides you every step of the way! I knew from the first email that things would go smoothly…and they did! It was the trip of a lifetime and not a day goes by that I don’t think of something or someone from my trip. It was so amazing! The people could not have been more loving or accepting of us. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. The animals are incredible and it’s so exciting to see them in their natural habitat! I suppose you could say we worked in the village but to be honest it was just fun! Erin has worked hard to accomplish everything she has done for the small village, the school, the well, the garden, the kitchen, the toilet, the hand washing station and more! The people respect her and I would even say love her. I know she loves them. This trip is special. It’s personal and has so much meaning. Contact With Change in Mind and take the trip
Of a lifetime!
Big organizations have big money associated with it but a lot of the costs go to overhead and salaries for people who aren't even involved with the programs themselves. With Change In Mind is the opposite of that where you can rest assured that every penny that you donate will go directly to the villages we serve. Serving as a board member is a volunteer position and funds go to paying local teachers, local staff, and various programs in the two communities in rural Malawi!
If you want to contribute to REAL change for families in the warm heart of Africa, you need to address their holistic needs and WCIM does just that - nutrition, sustainability, education, community involvement, and helping to address real-world needs in community oriented ways.
If you want a life-changing experience, and contribute to an organization that is making a difference every single day in meaningful ways, get in touch with WCIM!!!
This trip has changed my perspective on life and kick started my want to travel and help out communities outside of our own!! I don’t think i’ll ever go on another volunteer trip unless it’s with this organization.
Taking a trip with the organization With Change in Mind was an amazing experience that changed my life! The work that is being done by WCIM is spectacular and so impactful for all the lives involved. The kids are able to go to a local schools in their communities. This is only possible due to the dedication and hard work from WCIM to make these dreams come to life! I was blessed beyond measure to be a part of something much bigger than myself. cannot wait to go again to be a part of such amazing progress for these communities and students!
My husband Dan and I went on the 2022 With Change In Mind Adventure. It was absolutely amazing and one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences we have ever had! Every day was filled with the joy of work and fun. In addition to painting classrooms, organizing library books, working in the garden, helping prepare breakfast and lunch and numerous other activities at each kindergarten, we enjoyed numerous activities to immerse ourselves in the culture of Malawi. Seeing the excitement of these kindergarten children and the commitment of the teachers and staff was heartwarming. Erin's heart is so full of dedication to the people of Malawi. We came home with new friends and a true love for the heart of Africa. Our advice to everyone is, "If you are thinking of going on an adventure With Change In Mind, go and think about it later". You will have unbelievable memories and, who knows, a deep desire to return. With Change In Mind is truly a very special organization!
This is a fantastic charity that gives from the heart to help those who are in need the most. Honorable work from honorable members! Thank you for the wonderful experience I have had! I'm looking forward to my return!
Change in Mind’s mission caught my attention because of providing for children and their families in rural areas. Malawi, Africa now has a school in Salima and in Nkhotakota which WCIM began from the ground up. The organization supports funds for a preschool education and two meals per day, which the mommas prepare in the school’s kitchens. I have experienced three trips of volunteer work to help complete the buildings. The interactions with the kiddos and parents were personally rewarding.
Trips are very well organized and you are exposed to the culture. Also, there are exciting, amazing adventures!
My husband & I continue to support this work.
This organization has created a unique experience allowing immersion into the local culture combined with adventure. This year was my third time on the trip. My favorite engagement by far was the volunteer work at the 2 schools which helped us connect with the kids and their families. My favorite activity was the hike. You live on the edge of your comfort zone figuratively and otherwise! You really do leave Malawi a better person than you came because you realize we are all in this together, to coexist and have adventure! WCIM’s passion to help children and their communities impacts you and our world!
Last year I had the privilege of making a trip to Malawi with ‘With Change in Mind’. What a wonderful experience it was!! We met some beautiful people that took excellent care of us. I enjoyed helping out at the kindergarten and seeing all the smiling faces!! One little girl just kept looking at me and I would smile at her and she’d smile back. After several exchanges like that, she gave me a thumbs up and smiled so big! I returned the gesture so after that I kept getting a thumbs up and the sweetest smile from a little girl with a perfectly round face and huge dark eyes! It melted my heart! It was so fun to watch the children learn and see how well the teacher kept control of the class.
I got to be there for the dedication of the second school. And it is so nice!! More smiling faces there too!! They, as well as the Momma’s, we’re so happy to have a school!
You won’t find a nicer, kinder person to make a trip like this with than Erin! She was fantastic and you could tell she was very loved and respected there in Malawi. She’s the best!!
I must admit, my husband wasn’t sure about the organization at first. But after he met Erin he was all in!! He supported me making the trip and we were both thrilled that I was blessed to experience such a great adventure!!
If you have the opportunity to go…just do it. I was 71 at the time, so if I can do it, anyone can! If you can’t make the trip, then think about donating to keep this great work going. It’s a wonderful organization with a wonderful leader who has such a heart for these children!! Erin believes in what she’s doing and so do I !! JUST DO IT!!!!
I have been following With Change In Mind since the beginning, always knowing I would travel with them. Founder Erin Hempen always told me I would end up on the trip that I was meant to be on. I cannot agree with that statement more. In 2017, the stars aligned and I found myself on the flight to Africa with six other people who would be working on a kindergarten in a small fishing village. To say my life changed would be the biggest understatement of the year. It was incredible to be serving a purpose greater than myself. Erin managed every detail down to noticing a member of our group not enjoying tomatoes, and adjusting his meals to accommodate. WCIM doesn’t just go in and impose their views, schools, etc onto the welcoming people of this country. They build relationships with the community leaders. Erin listens to what the community feels like they need and then she finds a way to meet them at their level. I’ve never gone anywhere and felt so genuinely welcomed. Erin made sure to answer the millions of questions that we posed, with confidence and honesty. Not once did I feel unsafe, or afraid. Leading the group through a culture lesson helped us understand the people of Malawi in a more educated light. Sharing different fun experiences as part of the trip, outside of the current project, brings a sense of balance between work and play.
The group of strangers that trekked across the globe have become more than friends…they are family. We have experienced births, deaths, marriages and more together. Having experienced the 2017 African volunteer trip together, was a unique experience that only we share. Each trip is different, each group connects differently. I can’t wait to go back!!!
I have joined With Change in Mind for 2 trips and wouldn't have any hesitation recommending them to anyone. WCIM employs and empowers local people and supports not only the students they serve but also a staff of adults. I travel extensively, but my trips with WCIM were some of my most memorable and formative travel experiences. You are fully immersed in Malawian culture in a respectful way, and you are able to have so many meaningful, genuine interactions with local people. With Change in Mind is an organization you can feel good about supporting.
I've had such a wonderful experience with this organization! With Change in Mind is seriously the best! From the planning stages to the trip itself, Erin was there every step of the way making sure everything went smoothly. Malawi is a beautiful place, and we learned so much about the people and the culture. And I promise you, the kids will steal your hearts! I will always recommend With Change in Mind to travel with. It's a once in a lifetime experience that you won't regret! I have so many cherished memories from my trips.
I have been involved with With Change in Mind for over five years and have been fortunate enough to go on two of the humanitarian trips to Malawi. It’s an incredible experience to see first hand how every dime donated is benefiting communities and most importantly children.
I was able to help finish one kindergarten in 2017 and then returned four years later to experience the growth and just how big of an impact With Change in Mind has made.
It’s remarkable that one woman with a rather small nonprofit is literally changing the world for thousands of children.
When I returned last year I was also able to be involved with the finishing touches for yet another kindergarten in another village. I look forward to going back down the road and witnessing it growing and flourishing as the first one has.
The first year I went I met a little girl who was never allowed to go to school and crawled everywhere she went. Her verbal skills were limited but her spirit and smile were as bright as the sun. Four years later I cried as I saw her walking over to the school by herself. Her name is Ruthie and she is provided extra educational attention and is now flourishing. She has been given the opportunity to come to school for as long as she needs or wants to.
That’s only one story of one beautiful child who has been given a chance to basic needs we take for granted all because With Change in Mind saw a need and took action. This nonprofit goes above and beyond to champion for little ones across the world who most don’t even know exists.
You really have to experience it to truly appreciate what they are doing. I’m looking forward to a long relationship with this organization.
I’ve added pictures of the classroom and students from the first kindergarten school as well as sweet Ruthie sitting in class and walking into the school.