About Us - Heart Of Care Foundation

Our Story

Heart Of Care Foundation was founded in 2022 by Elly Ochieng in response to the growing needs of widows and vulnerable children in Oyugis, Kenya. Having witnessed firsthand the struggles of families who lost their primary breadwinners, Elly recognized that these communities needed more than sympathy—they needed sustainable pathways to self-sufficiency and hope. What began as a small grassroots initiative has grown into a comprehensive community-based organization serving hundreds of families across the region.

Our approach is holistic and community-driven. We work directly with widows to provide skills training, microfinance opportunities, and emotional support, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

For vulnerable children, we focus on ensuring access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and safe environments where they can thrive. We believe that by investing in widows and children today, we are building a stronger, more resilient community for tomorrow.

Through partnerships with local leaders, volunteers, and international donors, Heart Of Care Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact. Every program we implement is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that the communities we serve can continue to flourish long after our direct involvement.

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Our Mission

To empower widows and transform the lives of vulnerable children in rural Kenya through education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood programs.

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Our Vision

A community where every widow has dignity and economic independence, and every child has access to education, healthcare, and a brighter future.

Our Core Values

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Compassion

We serve with empathy and understanding

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Dignity

We honor the worth of every individual

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Sustainability

We build long-term solutions, not temporary fixes

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Transparency

We operate with accountability to our donors and community

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Community

We believe in local leadership and grassroots empowerment

Meet Our Team

Dedicated leaders committed to transforming lives

Elly Ochieng

Founder & Director

Elly Ochieng brings over 20 years of community development experience to Heart Of Care Foundation. A native of Oyugis, Elly holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Nairobi and has worked extensively with rural communities across Western Kenya. After losing his own mother at a young age and witnessing his widowed aunt struggle to raise six children alone, Elly developed a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable families. Before founding Heart Of Care, he served as a program officer with several international NGOs, where he gained expertise in community-based interventions, microfinance, and sustainable development. His grassroots approach and deep understanding of local culture have been instrumental in building trust within the communities we serve.

Calvin Omondi

IT Coordinator

Calvin Omondi is a technology professional passionate about using digital tools for social good. He holds a diploma in Information Technology from the Kenya Institute of Management and has over 15 years of experience in IT systems and database management. Before joining Heart Of Care Foundation, Calvin worked in the banking sector in Nairobi, where he managed customer databases and digital platforms. Recognizing the transformative power of technology in the nonprofit sector, he relocated to Oyugis to volunteer his skills full-time with the foundation. Calvin manages the organization's digital infrastructure, donor database, communication systems, and online presence. He also leads digital literacy programs for widows, teaching them how to use mobile money platforms and access online marketplaces for their products.

Levin Otira

Women & Children Group Coordinator

Levin Otira is a dedicated social worker and women's rights advocate with over 25 years of experience working with marginalized communities in rural Kenya. She holds a degree in Community Development from Maseno University and specialized training in trauma counseling and gender-based violence prevention. Levin herself became a widow at age 35 and raised four children on her own while building a successful tailoring business. Her personal experience gives her unique insight into the challenges facing the women and children we serve. At Heart Of Care Foundation, she oversees all programs related to widows and children, including skills training workshops, support groups, and educational initiatives. Her empathetic approach and strong community networks have made her a trusted figure among the families we support.

Esau Owino

Program Coordinator

Esau Owino is an experienced program manager with a strong background in community health and education initiatives. He earned his degree in Public Health from Kenyatta University and has spent the past 18 years implementing development programs across rural Kenya. Esau's career includes work with UNICEF, the Kenya Red Cross, and various faith-based organizations, where he coordinated healthcare camps, school feeding programs, and water sanitation projects. Growing up in a single-parent household after his father passed away, Esau understands the vulnerability that children face when families lose their primary caregivers. At Heart Of Care Foundation, Esau coordinates all field operations, manages relationships with local schools and health facilities, oversees volunteer teams, and ensures program activities align with our mission and donor commitments.

Our Approach

How we create sustainable, lasting change

Community-Driven

We work alongside community members, not for them. Local leadership and grassroots participation are at the heart of every program we implement.

Holistic Support

We address multiple dimensions of poverty—education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support—to create comprehensive solutions.

Sustainable Solutions

Our programs focus on building capacity and self-reliance, ensuring that beneficiaries can continue to thrive independently long after our intervention.

Transparent & Accountable

We maintain rigorous financial accountability and regularly share impact reports with donors, partners, and the communities we serve.

💎 Our Commitment to Transparency

At Heart Of Care Foundation, we believe that transparency builds trust. We are committed to operating with the highest standards of accountability to our donors, partners, and the communities we serve. We maintain detailed financial records, conduct regular audits, and publish annual reports that detail our activities, impact, and financial performance. Every donation is tracked and allocated according to donor intent, and we are always available to answer questions about how funds are used.

Where Your Money Goes:
• 75% - Direct program activities and services
• 15% - Administrative and operational costs
• 10% - Fundraising and donor relations

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can empower widows and give vulnerable children the future they deserve.

Donate Now Get Involved

About Heart Of Care Foundation