2026 So Far: Sow BIG
Dear Providence Community,
Excitement, adventure and growth is tangible at Providence International. 2026 marks a new season as our founder, Bud Hancock, resigned his role and turned the reins over to fresh leadership. We continue to 'sow the seeds' of healthy community and effectual partnerships, we anticipate reaping a fresh harvest of great stories that uplift everyone.
In March, we hosted EndPoverty.org CEO, Madalena Santos, for a night of vision casting and inspiration. Over $18,000 was raised and sent to seed new livelihoods in the developing nation of Kenya. We believe in the dignity of work and know it's a key to freeing people from the scourge of poverty. We also see the tremendous wisdom in partnering with successful, boots-on-the-ground, proven colleagues in this work. EndPoverty.org matched our funds, upgrading your donation to BEST STEWARDSHIP status, and they take the lead in creating the jobs that change lives. Thanks Madalena and team for co-laboring with us and God-Speed on the mission to free people from poverty.
We also funded 3 beehives that will bring an increasing yearly income to families in Uganda, and we helped update facilities for Shade Tanzania's who rescue, house and educate kids with Albinism in that country.
Locally, we've sown greatly into our Riverland Farm, completing a total reset and clean up. We then partnered with First 5 Shasta, UCDavis and Shasta College on an Early Childhood grant initiative called Farm2Child. By linking with sister farms, we supplied fresh produce to many local daycares for several weeks this summer. Children were exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables and taught the value of daily nutrition. We anticipate more partnership opportunities like this as we expand operations and exceed expectations. (Do you know anyone with a large Industrial Fridge or a Box Truck with refrigeration? We could truly use one next season.)
Speaking of exceeding expectation, our new offices at The Patron House in downtown Redding provide a beautiful setting for the next season of Providence International. Board President and Patron Group's Dave Michal has generously supported Providence's efforts for the past decade and more. This partnership and the Patron Platform allows Providence to self-underwrite so that your donations go toward our EXCITING PROJECTS instead of excessive administrative costs. We care about STEWARDING your money well for maximum impact. Thanks Dave and the Patron Group! Let's expand together!
Fresh helpers are drawn to our teamwork, vision and progress here at Providence. James and Karen have teamed up to voluntarily build out the hugelkultur strawberry mound which will be juicy-ripe for the picking by the time you read this letter! Daniel (our farm manager) has a new team-lead at the farm: Brad Banner. Shasta College Corp is sending 5 intern/students our way again this fall. Shasta F.A.C.E.S. program has placed 2 wonderful helpers with us. 12 well connected, seasoned leaders with know-how in development, grant writing, finance and more join our advisory board later this month. From the farm outward, we are expanding responsibly to grow a more healthy community, create opportunity here and abroad, and adventure into new exciting fields ahead. Thanks for sowing into this good soil!
Watch for the Fall Harvest dates between Oct 10 and Oct 31 at Riverland Farm. Bring your family, enjoy the new corn maze, jump on the hay ride, find a pumpkin, visit the petting zoo and experience a variety of fun vendors.
NEEDS: Fresh monthly donors to begin running with us in this new season of Providence! 85HP Tractor. Refrigeration. Farmer's Market helpers as we seek to launch market #1 at Farm soon. Volunteers on the farm this fall and winter.