What Gives Us Hope in 2023

With so many health challenges around the world, it can be hard to have hope. But Project HOPE team members and supporters are working every day to change the narrative and improve access to care.

Like in Ethiopia, where our teams reached more than 68,000 people facing drought, conflict and hunger in the last year.

Or Colombia, where Project HOPE has delivered more than 19,000 pieces of PPE and reached thousands of Venezuelan migrant women through community outreach work.

Or in charitable clinics across the South, where Project HOPE helped provide more than 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines this year.

Or in Ukraine, where our response to the ongoing invasion has provided more than $8.5 million in urgent relief, including essential medicines, medical supplies, surgical kits, and more.

Despite the challenges, there are many reasons to take hope for a 2023 that will see more people access the care and treatment they need to reach their full potential. Here’s what a few Project HOPE team members and supporters are hopeful for in for the new year.

What Gives You Hope in 2023?

Carolina Nelson, Deputy Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean

“What gives me hope in 2023 is working toward transforming lives and serving communities, seeing the smiles of my team members amid challenging times, and seeing the before-and-after of Project HOPE’s interventions.”

Yarishdy Mora, Country Director, Mexico

“I am grateful for the future opportunities that we created in this year: new alliances, more beneficiaries, the possibility of working with different populations. These are not yet a reality, but we planted the seeds in this year, and I’m sure we will reap many benefits in 2023.”

Ramiro Proaño, Country Representative, Ecuador

“In 2023, my desire is to consolidate the programming in Ecuador, developing innovative projects that will implement long-term projects either directly or through partners. Project HOPE has the potential to position itself as the most influential organization in Ecuador and I am proud to be part of this goal.”

“Project HOPE has the potential to position itself as the most influential organization in Ecuador and I am proud to be part of this goal.”

Marco Antonio Suazo, Country Director, Honduras

“I’m hopeful that we will continue to strengthen the presence in my country, so that together, communities, the Ministry of Health, partners, and Project HOPE can attend to the poorest population.​”

Rickelvis Valerio, Program Advisor, Dominican Republic

“This year I’m thankful for all the lives we are saving, for all the newborns that are surviving thanks to the work we’re doing at Project HOPE. Three years ago, I used to work at Project HOPE and I had to leave, but this year I came back and I’m so grateful that I’m part of the Project HOPE family again.”

Teresa Narvaez, Country Director, Dominican Republic

“Every day is a new opportunity to help share new information and knowledge both for the health personnel and mothers. We have a mission to save lives, especially the smallest newborns in the Dominican Republic. We are committed to saving lives. But above all, I take this opportunity to say thank you to those who make it possible for me to help others.”

Emma Schwartz, Writer, Marketing and Communications

“What gives me hope in 2023 are all the stories of progress and triumph I’ve heard from health workers this year. I’ve met doctors, nurses, and community health workers who have devoted their lives to caring for others and are committed to continuing their learning and education to be the best they can be for their communities. In the Dominican Republic, I’ve seen how this commitment saves newborn lives, and how the equipment Project HOPE delivers is saving lives. We went to hospitals that would not have incubators, radiant heaters, or ventilators if it weren’t for Project HOPE.”

Through Gamers <3 HOPE, gamers, creators, and other streamers have shown up all year long to use their creativity to fundraise for Project HOPE and bring health and HOPE to people around the world. Here’s what a few Twitch supporters are taking hope in for the new year. (If you’re a gamer who wants to use your passion to make a difference, click here to learn more!)

Phoenix Redtail, Twitch Streamer (PoniesOnTwitch)

“What gives me hope for 2023 is that when there’s rain in your life, and someone comes along willing to be your sun, it creates the most beautiful rainbow. We often see the world as a cruel place, but we can’t overlook the kindness it has, too.”

Aeryn, Twitch Streamer (KittyAeryn)

“What gives me hope is that more and more people will get help with mental health going into 2023. Every dollar and every donation helps those who need the support. Mental health is just as important as physical health and I hope more people give patience to those who need it.”

“What gives me hope is that more and more people will get help with mental health going into 2023…Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

Jody Echo, Twitch Streamer (jodyecho87)

“What gives me hope going into 2023? Honestly, my family. When COVID hit there was a constant dread and fear for my family members, but the kiddos kept on smiling giving me that reassurance that it will pass and we are still alive and kicking. Also, my community, my team, and my friends—without their support and belief in me, our communal efforts would have been null. I cannot wait to see what 2023 has to offer.”

Chlebzz, Twitch Streamer

“What I hope for in 2023 is for the world to be more united instead of war, that the LGBTQ community is more accepted, and that there is less hate for us.”

RuthfullLA, Twitch Streamer

“Hope can be hard to maintain in the face of tragedy and loss, but it is also the strongest force in the universe! My hopes for a better world in 2023 are bolstered by experiencing the wonderfully supportive Twitch creative community, by witnessing the bravery of the Ukrainian people during the invasion of their country, and seeing people choose kindness and love every day, even when it isn’t the easiest option. My four rescue cats give me an extra boost of hope too, whenever I need it.”

Katy, Twitch Streamer (guitarbard)

“What gives me hope going into 2023 is that despite everything going on in the world and how tough things have been on everyone, there are still good, kind people reaching out to help others. Whether it’s encouragement via social media, random acts of kindness, or donating money, supplies, and time to people in need, there are still good people in the world. I think eventually, the good will win out, no matter how loudly hateful people try to rally against it.”

Evan Johnson, Project HOPE Senior Director, Mass Market Fundraising

“As I look ahead to 2023, it is Project HOPE supporters that give me hope—both our continued supporters and the brand-new people who have joined forces with us. They have so much compassion, positivity, kindness, and a desire to do something good in the world. And they always share uplifting words of encouragement and appreciation, both for our teams around the world and for our mission. That keeps us energized and inspired.”

Project HOPE was one of the first organizations on the ground after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Since then, we have provided urgent medicines and medical supplies to 120 hospitals and health facilities in the country, launched 10 mobile medical units, rebuilt multiple damaged health facilities, and launched a regional response that is assisting refugees across three countries. Here’s what some of our Ukraine team and global emergency response personnel are taking hope in after a year of heartbreaking destruction.

Giorgio Trombatore, Country Director, Ukraine

“I see that Project HOPE is investing in bringing in new human resources and is also working actively in building local capacity on the ground. I am confident that with a clear strategy and proper leadership in place, Project HOPE can have a substantial impact in eastern Europe and develop more in the coming years by establishing a strong network within the country and being able to continue to respond and assist local populations.”

Artem Murach, Information Officer, Ukraine

“When times are tough, like now when all the Ukrainians live in a state of war and fear, facing the destruction of their homes and losing their loved ones, it’s essential to have hope: hope for a better day, for the victory and freedom.

“First, what gives me hope is a feeling that being a part of a humanitarian organization I am doing something useful and important, so I can shift the focus from myself to the people in need that we are helping. Seeing the actual impact and meeting strong and resilient people across the country really makes me proud and hopeful.

“Also, what lifts me up are small, everyday things like playing board games and laughing with my friends, enjoying a delicious dinner in my hometown, singing and playing music, taking a stroll in the park, or riding a bike. Finding some fun things to do every day and trying out new things really helps me stay distracted, not lose my mind, and keep going.

“And most importantly, I think what gives me hope is the sense of unity with my friends and family, colleagues, and each Ukrainian—the feeling that you’re not alone, you have somebody who can watch your back and support you.”

Vlatko Uzevski, Regional Manager, Balkans

“After everything the world went through in the past few years—when we were hoping that we, as a global community, could start moving forward—we faced another unimaginable disaster of epic proportions. In one of the most challenging years of my life, once again, Project HOPE proved something that we all knew—that it’s here to serve. And to serve those most in need. The day when the war started in Ukraine, Project HOPE was ready to move and start responding. And it was a massive response with everyone in the organization going over their limits and investing everything they could just to be able to support as much as possible. With all hands on deck, all the other projects continued thanks to the dedication of everyone in the organization. This is something that makes me not just thankful, but also very proud to be part of this great organization.

“I’m seeing every day that the worst events are bringing out the best of people. That gives me hope in general in my life. It’s unfortunate to see that we need triggers like that, but at the same time it’s joyful to see that humanity is still alive. After the war in Ukraine started, I was on the ground the next day and was able to witness firsthand the response of the people. Everyone was doing what they could just to help. There is no better feeling than this. It gives me hope that we can overcome everything just if we stick together and help each other. That’s the key.”

“After the war in Ukraine started, I was on the ground the next day and was able to witness firsthand the response of the people. Everyone was doing what they could just to help. There is no better feeling than this.”

Christine Lathrop, Program Officer, Emergency Response

“What gives me hope is meeting humanitarians around the world who possess such a strong passion for helping others. Knowing the determination of those individuals gives me hope that all those affected by conflict and disasters will receive support when it’s needed most.”

Kelly Sauer, APRN, FNP-BC, Medical Volunteer

“What gives me hope going into 2023 is that the level of awareness around the world has profoundly increased, and the ability for individuals to intrinsically respond has shown itself. My hope is that the new standards that we hold ourselves to in the space of humanitarian response will become even more affluent as we enter this era of life. I am honored to be a part of this chapter and hope to give myself more to the mission. Project HOPE has given me more personal actualization of how I am able to give back to communities of need. I am humbled and honored.”

Despite the challenges brought on by emergencies in places like Ukraine, Ethiopia, and the Caribbean, Project HOPE’s essential global health work continued around the world this year. In total, we reached more than 3.4 million people, trained over 58,000 health care workers, provided medical services to 561,000 people, and tested 336,000 people for HIV, TB, diabetes, and other diseases in the last year.

Fathimatuzzahra Shafira, Yayasan Project HOPE, Indonesia

“One of my joys is when midwives come to us to thank us for how useful our mental health training is so that they can provide proper care for mothers who come and seek their help. They hope that there will be more mental health trainings held by Project HOPE so that more midwives could join this training. Their story really gives us HOPE to face another day and let’s welcome 2023 with HOPE!”

Fillipus Absalom, Communications Specialist, Project HOPE Namibia

“What gives me hope in 2023 is the possibility of continued personal and career growth and furthering the cause to create hope for the less fortunate in my community. More specifically I would like to delve deeper in the personal fitness and wellness space to help others lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Robert Haihambo, Economic Strengthening & PPP Officer, Project HOPE Namibia

“What gives me hope are the many clients who remain steadfastly committed to bettering themselves, their families, and communities with grace and dignity one day at a time.”

“What gives me hope are the many clients who remain steadfastly committed to bettering themselves, their families, and communities with grace and dignity one day at a time.”

Don Hartline, Peace Corps volunteer, Project HOPE Namibia

“What gives me hope is that I bought a new saddle, and this will encourage me to observe and conserve the environment every month I visit my village. It’s a dream realized in 2023.”

Aseth Tjipepa, Finance Director, Project HOPE Namibia

“Knowing an organization like Project HOPE exists and will continue to exist gives me hope for 2023. However, to attain that hope it’s necessary that we have continued positive engagement and support from the community we serve, employees, and stakeholders.”

Mubiana Mubiana, Finance Admin and Logistics Officer, Project HOPE Namibia

“What gives me hope is the innate tenacity of humans to overcome adversity and continuously strive to make life that much better for themselves, their loved ones, and communities. 2023 presents a clean slate to tick off those all-important goals—embrace every opportunity that comes your way.”