The Barnabas Group ("TBG") platform is an amplifier of God's work, and our partners are the pillars of our platform. We are beyond honored to be a part of such a talented, God centered and passionate network of Christians. When our TBG family focuses in on God's ministries, miracles happen and prayers are answered!
An amazing example of God's work through TBG was recently brought to our attention by CouldYou? ("CY?"). Their transformational ministry is dedicated to normalizing menstruation in developing countries, as well as combating the stigmas and misconceptions associated with it. The following interview with Christine Garde Denning (CEO & Founder, CY?) gives us a glimpse through the ministry lens of the amazing work that our TBG partners are doing:
"CY? sure has seen "God at work" these past few months through TBG partners who have given of their time, talent, network and treasures. Earlier this year, our ministry benefited from a group consulting call with seven TBG partners. This group came together to address needs identified in our TBG SWOT analysis, which revealed the need to pivot during Covid-19.
Before the call was over, TBG Partner, Randy Gusikoski, had rallied his personal network on our behalf. He assisted us in creating a manufacturing relationship, putting us on the path to owning a mold to manufacture our own FDA registered menstrual cup right here in Orange County. Since the call, Randy generously purchased the mold for CY?, and his friends are making a medical grade silicone menstrual cup for us to export to Africa at cost! This is truly incredible, as it will allow us to take our work to scale.
The CY? Girls Health Initiative addresses menstrual health management in African countries, delivering the menstrual cup and health education as a solution to combat period poverty across Africa with a focus on Mozambique, Ghana and Uganda.
Period Poverty is a real barrier to education and earning potential, and many myths and taboos surround menstruation. CY? has gained immensely from the selfless TBG partners who have come alongside our ministry, making the following possible through personal connections:
● Developed a manufacturing relationship with IRP Group, a white glove industry leader in custom rubber molding in San Clemente. Their owners have hearts for Jesus, and want to "leave a legacy," and bring dignity to girls across the world.
● Engaged with a consultant at Kara & Associates to gain FDA approval for our CY?'s new cup. Their consultant extended her services at a massive discounted rate. She is now also fully committed to being an advocate for The Girls' Health Initiative, and has begun introducing us to her circle .
● Initiated a pilot project with TBG partner, David Zimmerman. We are on the ground in Mozambique alongside organizations caring for orphans and women. We have aligned through a united vision and mission to bring dignity to the people of Mozambique in a capacity building way.
● Engaged with three talented young female TBG partners who are sacrificing their summer to lend us their talents and skills in web content design, social media and visual data. ● Gained multiple relationships with like-minded women and men, through the extended network of TBG families and friends who are selflessly availing their energy and networks to raise funds and advocate for our work. This has resulted in Randy Gusikoski formalizing a fundraising and strategy committee to help us scale our work.
● The Barnabas Group members have become incredible allies to CY? Randy now participates in weekly consulting calls with our CEO, and is helping scale The CY? Girls' Health Initiative. It truly has been an answer to prayer, as the majority of our grant funding for 2020 had been reallocated or pushed back 12 months because of Covid-19.
Thanks you TBG! You have literally fast-forwarded our objectives to bring the CY? Cup to vulnerable and marginalized girls and women, changing the landscape of their future."
For more information about CY?, please contact Christine Garde Denning at 917-796-1961, christine@couldyou.org, or visit their website at www.couldyoucup.org. |
