My Story.
Born in 1984 in Kampala, Uganda, I was raised in a Christian royal family, where my mother instilled in me a profound faith that would guide me through tumultuous times. At the tender age of 13, I experienced the tragic loss of my parents, an event that might have crushed many but instead fueled my spiritual resolve and dedication to my faith.
Despite these early hardships, I emerged as a formidable human rights activist and advocate for the incarcerated. My passion for justice and equity led me to establish ELOI Ministries in 2007, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing essential health and educational services to marginalized groups, including children, women, and the elderly. However, my advocacy, especially efforts to encourage young people to exercise their right to vote, put me at odds with the Ugandan government, resulting in threats, torture, and eventual detention.
In 2018, facing increasing persecution, I fled to the United States to seek asylum. My journey to safety was fraught with skepticism and peril, but my indomitable spirit and faith never wavered. I shared my harrowing yet hopeful story with Judge Frank T. Pimentel, showcasing my enduring commitment to my mission and beliefs.
Now settled in the USA, I serve as the President and Founder of ELOI Ministries, working tirelessly to empower communities across the USA and Africa. My vision extends beyond just advocacy; it’s about creating sustainable change through education, healthcare, justice, and environmental initiatives. Remarkably, ELOI Ministries has transformed the lives of over 10 million people, my profound impact and dedication.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Key achievements
My Journey with the Dream Program
I made a profound impact as a Donor Impact and Relationship Manager within the Dream Program, dedicating myself to building meaningful connections and driving positive change in the community. My work focused on fostering relationships that empower individuals and inspire collective growth.
The dream program facilitated me a lot in understanding the culture and practices in the new England region which enabled me to better understand how to relate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Empowering Communities Through Leadership
I played a pivotal part in guiding initiatives that address key community needs. By leveraging education and targeted skill development opportunities, I strengthened programs that promote social change, reflecting commitment to creating lasting benefits for those I served.
Transforming Impact Into Action
Through innovative approaches in donor engagement and program management, I was encouraged by my supervisor to become a community organizer of new Americans and all people who live in low income housing communities which gave me a better understanding of how best the dream program could serve them. My dedication has bolstered healthcare, educational, and environmental initiatives, ensuring sustainable progress and stronger community relationships.
Community Engagement
As a Donor Impact and Relationship Manager within the Dream Program, I amplified my efforts in community engagement by fostering collaborative projects and building partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations through presentations about my story and engagement of ideas and resources. This work has enriched outreaches and expanded its impact across multiple initiatives.
My Journey with ELOI Ministries in The USA
After leaving the dream program, I decided to concentrate on ELOI Ministries US chapter which I founded in 2021 as an indigenous 501(c)3 non profit organization when I just went to Vermont. With a profound and steadfast commitment, driven by my core values of compassion, empathy, love and faith, I strive to empower individuals by providing necessary humane conditions and innovations aimed at improving life for the better through education, access to justice and health which intern improve the social-economic well-fare of communities we serve.
Addressing Justice and Mental Health in the USA
Our mission expanded to the USA, where we are dedicated to tackling social injustices and supporting mental health through community-driven approaches:
Justice and Systemic Racism: ELOI Ministries works ardently to combat systemic racism by providing legal aid and advocacy, ensuring fair treatment and access to justice for minority communities. Our programs aim to bridge gaps in understanding and foster a society where equality and Justice prevails.
Mental Health Support: With the guidance of inspired individuals and support from our dedicated board members, we offer programs that assist mental health victims. These initiatives focus on providing a safe space for healing, empowerment, and reintegration into society.
Cultural Exchange and Community Partnerships: We organize events that promote cultural diversity and understanding, bridging communities with shared missions. These efforts encourage dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for sustainable community development.
Board members
Empowering Communities in Uganda
Our journey began in Uganda, where the need for accessible resources and opportunities was incredibly palpable. Here, ELOI Ministries has become a beacon of hope for many:
Education and Empowerment: We launched educational programs that have sponsored over 500 children, providing them with primary, secondary, and vocational skills training. Our school outreach initiatives ensure that children receive quality education that prepares them for a brighter future.
Healthcare Initiatives: In partnership with local facilities like Buwenge Hospital, ELOI Ministries offers mobile medical care and health education to combat prevalent health issues, including HIV/AIDS and maternal health challenges. Our efforts focus on preventive care and elevating health standards in underserved areas.
Community Engagement: By collaborating with local leaders, we have implemented projects that foster economic stability and growth, such as sustainable agriculture and small business workshops. These initiatives help families generate income and achieve self-sufficiency.
Our Collective Impact
The journey of ELOI Ministries across continents reflects a shared vision of creating a world where every person can thrive regardless of their circumstances. Whether in Uganda or the USA, we are committed to making a difference, guided by our mission of offering dignity, hope, and opportunities for all.
I am deeply honored to witness the resilience and courage of those impacted by our initiatives. Their stories inspire continued dedication to our cause, reinforcing the belief that together, we can cultivate positive change and a hope-filled future for generations to come.
Philosophy and Values
My ministry is guided by the following principles:
- The authority of Scripture
- The power of prayer
- The importance of community
- The call to evangelism
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. My journey has been one of growth, passion, and ongoing discovery. Whether through my professional pursuits, personal interests, or community involvement, I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact and connect with others. I look forward to what the future holds and am always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborations.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect or learn more about my work. Let’s create an incredible difference and impact we all desire to see in life.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the ELOI Family
As we close the chapter of the year, I extend a message of gratitude to the incredible team and selfless volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to making a difference in the organization and the community we serve.
Below is the full message:
Biography
Get in touch
- United States of America 72 Church Road Colchester VT 05446
- tendo.steven@gmail.com
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+1956 272 6732
+1802 399 0809