Going the Extra Mile for the Sake of the Last Mile

From left to right in the photograph: Dezman, Fran, Debbie, Fred and James.

A common description of where LWR works is the "last mile." This mission sounds geographical, but it's more; it refers to our focus on people whose reality is marginalization. Sometimes they're experiencing oppression. Often, they're living in isolation, and invariably these survivors have little without access to opportunity or training. Rural dwellers as I have witnessed them in South Asia, East and West Africa and Latin America are hard working women and men. But because of their last mile status, they often lose as much ground as they gain--and their families, especially children, suffer the most. LWR is investing in the creative capacity of these communities to claw their way out of poverty.

That's what motivates this team in the photograph at LWR headquarters in Baltimore, MD, USA. By-passing their Christmas break this week, this mission advancement crew is at their desks when almost all of their colleagues have the time off. Arriving by mail, over the phone and via the Internet are thousands of gifts from people across the United States who want their donations to make a positive difference in the world. LWR is grateful for such compassionate giving at Christmas and all year round. And, we are very proud of our commitment to carefully and quickly process these gifts while also offering thanks for each individual contribution.

So, kudos to these colleagues this week, they're going the extra mile for the sake of those at the last mile.