New Horizons Society (2008)

In December of 2008, Step Safe provided New Horizons Society (NHS) (www.newhorizonsunlimited.org) with a grant to address urgent budgetary needs. NHS is a Cambodian-based NGO founded and run by disabled people, operating on the principle of self-advancement rather than welfare. Its mission is to focus on ability, empowerment and inclusion. These actions literally open up new horizons for each of its members. NHS serves families living with disability — physical, sensory or social — or other disadvantage in local communities. All take part in a self-poverty assessment tool to qualify for support, which is then used to track their progress towards better lives and lasting livelihoods. Even when members have achieved better standards, they are encouraged to stay on as role models and to enhance advocacy for others in their communities.

Step Safe members have visited with the leadership of NHS several times and were very impressed with the work that NHS is doing in some of the poorest areas of Cambodia. In August 2008, Karen, Jono and Craig spent several days with the NHS team conducting due diligence and visiting several of the villages with active programs initiated by NHS. Seeing the effects that NHS has on individual lives was very powerful.

An amputee who started with one loan to acquire a few chickens has built a sizable farm of chickens and pigs, complete with a feeding and watering system. This individual now mentors other villagers who are starting farms.
A disabled man utilized a loan to start a motor scooter and bicycle repair shop for the village in which he lives. His son is able to work with him in the shop.
A widow received a loan to start a retail and gasoline store in order to support her family after her husband died. She has successfully been able to keep all of her children in school and is sending her oldest on to university.

It was during that visit that NHS approached Step Safe regarding a potential grant. NHS was in the process of applying for several large grants but was facing difficulty meeting its operating costs. Dramatically rising commodity prices, mainly fuel and food, were depleting available funds for its day-to-day budget requirements. Most large-scale grants from the international aid organizations are set up to cover projects but fail to provide funds for operating budgets. Step Safe was able to provide NHS with funds to cover its operating budget for six months. The grant met Step Safe's funding requirements, and NHS was the perfect organization with whom to partner.

As a result of our efforts, NHS was able to continue its tremendous work in Cambodia and ultimately secured a large grant from an international organization which will allow it to expand its programs!!