IN HIS IMAGE INTERNATIONAL INC

iHi International's mission is to identify needs of VIPs (vulnerable international people) and develop solutions to provide opportunities. The vision is to see VIPs live increasingly safe, comfortable, independent, and contributing lives within their communities; and to see the positive image of people with disabilities enhanced leading to local communities increasing interest in prioritizing the needs of people with disabilities.

The organization is established with a responsive model through first the identification of needs. This si accomplished through local collaborative partnerships in project countries. iHi International comes along side of organizations and people to help explore the true needs within the communities. Then once need are established solutions are explored though a variety of avenues and sources, including local capacity, coordination with other organizations, and internal capacity to help provide in training, consultation, financing, development, and case management of needs. Strategies also include empowerment and encouragement of marginalized populations through training and positive focus. One of the most critical strategies is networking and problem solving to ensure the provision of solutions to the identified needs whenever possible.

The capabilities through the organization are engagement of expertise and knowledge around needs of people with disabilities and available resources. Creative problem solving in collaboration with other organizations and volunteers who have expertise in the variety of multi-disciplinary fields is also a significant method used to meet goals. iHi International has access to a vast network of experts who have a desire to serve VIPs. iHi International has a strong Advisory Board from a variety of disciplines, and network of connections to tap in to for identification of solutions and opportunities.

A variety of positive impacts on the needs of VIPs in project countries have been accomplished. Some select accomplishments include providing coordination of evaluation of needs in Malawi, Uganda, Iraq, and Zambia, including an extensive needs-based survey and report in Uganda. Extensive survey work has also been completed in Malawi, and follow-up ongoing to provide transport and support for children to obtain orthopedic surgeries at Beit Cure International Hospital, as an example. Collaboration to establish a sewing project for women impacted by disabilities in Uganda was completed, where women are now trained and earn income in a safe and accepting environment at the VIP Sewing project (Sew Much Hope). In Zambia, consultation was provided to survey needs and opportunities for recently graduated deaf youth from the Kansenshi School. Initial support was provided for the establishment of the Moneni VIP project, an agricultural project for the youth. Food, equipment and other humanitarian aid is provided to hundreds of people with disabilities in Malawi, and through collaboration with Let There Be Light International, also solar lighting is being provided to many families. Mobility equipment and training to internally displaced people (IDPs) with disabilities in Iraq was established in 2016 in partnership with Operation Mercy. Connections were developed in Iraq with the Jiyan Foundation and coordination of opportunities for treatment and therapy for IDPs. Also in 2016, iHi International partnered with Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf to support the development and implementation of an audiology project in Jamaica to identify deaf children, who then will hopefully be able to access deaf education in the future where they have not previously.

The organization has not accomplished a level of regular monthly giving ($3000) goal in order to plan for operational expansion. The donor base continues to be developed and giving increase and expand. Additional efforts will be made to move periodic donors to regular donors for planning purposes so the needs of VIPs can continue to met, and goals accomplished.