Updated December 14, 2011

Dear Friends, 

In January 2004, Wisconsin Trails Magazine acclaimed Echo Valley Hope, Inc. as one of "20+ organizations making a difference." Our fledgling educational and charitable nonprofit was already being recognized as innovative, hard working and on target. We continue to live up to that honor as we work within our mission to advance sustainable living and all initiatives of peace. 

In 2011, we forged relationships with numerous organizations and networks, bringing awareness and charitable donations to the efforts which are aligned with ours. These included The Prem Rawat Foundation, The Cornucopia Institute, Valley Stewardship Network, Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, Motherland Rhythm Community's Benkadi Project, Veterans for Peace, Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership, Daughters of Navajo Weavers, and Family Farm Defenders.

As we approach 2012, we are committed to Peace First: continued collaborations and exchanges of good will, ideas and financial support with those helping to bring peace and addressing the well-being of all people. 

We recognize the essential human needs for local healthy food, water, and shelter. We strive towards educating people about food production, green homes and community supported living. Through our free events and classes in sustainability, we empower individuals to be innovative, free thinking, and community active. Roxanne, a young woman who came to learn about green building and gardening last year, is now working on a raised bed garden to grow local produce for a low-income area in Philadelphia. She said, "My experience with Echo Valley Hope made me want to work on a project with people, not solo--a project with my community and for my community." 

This year, we will be adding educational activities on peace and nonviolence for people of all ages. Throughout the month of July, we will host youth camps inviting children to work together, to support one another, to find their individual strengths and to learn practical and sustainable skills - while having fun. 

With your financial support, we can continue to make a difference. Echo Valley Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)3. With low overhead and all-volunteer efforts, you can be sure your tax-deductible donations will be applied to programs advancing sustainable living and to promote all initiatives of peace. Last year, our charitable donations helped people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, drought and hunger victims in East Africa, brought clean water to students in Iraq, and fed people via local food pantries in Wisconsin. 

We know that your dollars are stretched. We know that the needs are great everywhere. That is why we work so hard to address the needs at a fundamental level, planting seeds of hope and of food, teaching people how to work together again, reminding people of the joy of living and the sweetness of peace. 

Please allow us to continue to help in this way. Your dollars and your input are welcomed and appreciated. May the New Year bring us closer to the reality that we know is possible: may each human heart rise up to discover peace within, and may Peace on Earth prevail. 

The Board of Directors of Echo Valley Hope 
Dena Eakles, Joyce Firestone, Joan Ross, Melissa Gordon Rhine, Nancy Douglas Putnam, Aedward Del Signore and Lauren West

To make a tax-deductible donation, send a check or money order to Echo Valley Hope, Inc., E 14604 County Rd. F, Ontario, WI 54651, or donate online securely through PayPal by clicking the button on the right.

Let Kindness win.