![4D0A1742 A group of children in red uniforms standing next to each other.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/4D0A1742-1-scaled-circle.jpg)
Bridges of Hope and Empowerment International Story
Bridges of Hope and Empowerment Initiative was founded in 2016 by Dr. Karen Lyons as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focused on bringing hope and value to vulnerable children in Kenya through education. The mission to to embrace, equip and empower the less privileged. Bridges of Hope and Empowerment accomplishes this by working with individuals, churches and partnering with community organizations in The United States and Kenya.
We also provide education, life-skills training, seminars, conferences, and other community health initiatives, prevention of illnesses from drinking unclean water, and counseling to orphans, vulnerable children and their families. Dr. Karen Lyons and her husband, Dr. Ralph Lyons, set out on their first safari in Kenya in 2012 where they visited Amboseli, Samburu and Masaai Mara National parks.
Their love of meeting people and learning about diverse cultures lead them to visit a village in Maasi Land and especially a school with children. This visit ignited a special passion and love for children in Kenya, resulting in a life long commitment to providing education, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment in Kenya.
![Icon1-1 A red and white icon of an arrow in the center of a target.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Icon1-1.jpg)
Our Vision
Achieve united and healthy communities through education, life skills training, feeding programs, and community partnerships, leading to self-sustainability.
![Icon2-2 A white piggy bank with a dollar sign on it.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Icon2-2.jpg)
Mission
To embrace, equip, and empower vulnerable people in Kenya through opportunities that provide for their well-being, education, and employment.
![Icon3-3 A white hand holding something in front of another hand.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Icon3-3.jpg)
Core Values
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Professionalism
- Courage and Committment
Our Goals
Bridges of Hope and Empowerment Initiative aims to achieve various goals. These goals will help the organization create a society-based empowerment forum where we are planning to:
BOHEI
![LOGO A red bridge with the words bridges of hope and empowerment on it.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LOGO.jpg)
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USA Team
![Karen A woman with long hair wearing a purple jacket.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Karen-square.png)
Dr. Karen Lyons
![Lyon A man with glasses and a bow tie.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Lyon-square.png)
Dr. Ralph Lyons
![Zoe-1 A woman in leopard print shirt smiling for the camera.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Zoe-1-square.png)
Zoe Zellers
USA Advisory Board Members
![Loura A woman with long hair and pearls in front of a wall.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Loura-square.jpeg)
Dr. Laura Lockett
![Darlene A woman with short hair wearing a black and white shirt.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Darlene-square.jpeg)
Darlene Bulgar
![Janava A woman with dreadlocks wearing a pink blanket.](https://bohei.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Janava-square.jpeg)