Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian and Christine Cloar.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In July 2012, we traveled to Kenya on a humanitarian mission trip with an organization in Houston that partnered with Serve Progressive Academy in Western Kenya. During that journey, we were introduced to the children of a local special needs school in Kakamega.
Even though Christine grew up there, and is a Special Needs Diagnostician by training and trade, neither of us knew this school existed. What we discovered during our time touring the facility changed everything about our lives. It was an unforgettable experience that transformed our minds and hearts.
The school conditions were poor and in disorder at best. The school grounds and buildings were in disrepair, and the children’s uniforms were sparse, torn and tattered for those who had them. Most children were grouped into rooms together and were merely handled rather than educated while others’ needs were simply not met.
One child, Kevin, lacked the use of his legs. He was not supplied with a wheelchair and pulled himself around on the concrete and dirt to follow the group throughout the school grounds to be a part of the visit. There was absolutely nothing wrong with little Kevin’s mind. He was one of the brightest students at the school. However, he was reduced to this life because of the stigma related to special needs and disabilities in the developing world.
Seeing all of this first hand inspired us to do something to change the situation. It was on this visit the dream that would become UnFinished International was conceived. We tried for years to accomplish something to help kids like Kevin. It was not until we moved to Houston years of prayer, planning, and education, that steps began to restore hope into the lives of these beautiful children, their families, and communities in Kenya and impoverished areas of Greater Houston.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been anything but smooth. With so many nonprofit organizations in the world, finding a way to stand out has been tough. Also, being newer to the world of nonprofits has brought its own challenges. Paying our dues and spending our time on the bench can be frustrating knowing so many kids in Houston and other impoverished areas all over the world need so much help.
All the work we do is funded through donations. We do not have merchandise per see to sell or commercial means to generate revenue. We rely strictly on the support of those with a heart to reach the world and leave it a better place than they found it. A great deal of our revenue comes out of our personal pockets. Changing the world turned out to be so much more difficult than we ever dreamed.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the UnFinished International story. Tell us more about the business.
Through our research, we learned that children with special needs and disabilities who live in impoverished areas face many problems their counterparts in better areas do not. It does not matter if the impoverished area is in America or the other side of the Earth. We specialize in identifying these children, empowering, educating, and equipping them, while working to build development and sustainability options in their lives.
Currently, we are primarily working in West Houston and Western Kenya. We are most proud of our work in Western Kenya. Through the formation of an independent organization, UnFinished International Kenya, we have identified children in the villages who were hidden away from society and given them hope. We do that through advocating to get them in school for the first time and, through our programs, assist in bringing sustainable income and sustainability into the home.
That is not to diminish the work we do in Houston. Here, we support a classroom in Fort Bend County and encourage parents to be their advocates and assist them in knowing their rights. Our mission is to change social stigmas related to special needs and disability. We feel it is our call and it has the potential to change the world – even if that is just the world of one child
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
With the over saturation of the nonprofit industry in the last decade or so operations become difficult. It’s tough not to be “just another nonprofit” in the industry where there are so many people wanting to help. In the next 5-10 years, there will be greater scrutiny on nonprofit organizations.
This reality creates the need for greater transparency. Due to the continued stalemates and failures of government programs, the work of legitimate nongovernmental, nonprofit organizations will become in higher demand. Those that survive and make the most impact will be those who are transparent with their work, their operations, and their money.
We plan to be a part of that future. We are a Platinum rated organization on Guide Star and believe in transparency. Being 100% dependent upon donor support is also a challenge. But, we have been blessed to pay the bills so far. We believe great things are coming in the future.
Pricing:
- $45 a month fully supports a child’s education and home life.
- $30 a month covers all educational fees.
- $5 a month, combined with others, compounds to make a difference in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.unfinishedinternational.org
- Phone: 281-796-2551
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfinishedinternational/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unfinishedinternational/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/unfinishedintl
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
