We are honored to award Love Does as our Rylee + Cru Foundation Grant Recipient for the month of March. This incredible organization works to support and care for the vulnerable and needy around the world. We feel greatly moved by their local work with the Love Does Home and Boutique that provides a safe environment and necessary resources for single mothers and their children in our hometown of San Diego. Read on for an informative and inspiring interview with executive director, Jody Luke.
Q&A
Q. What inspired Bob Goff to create Love Does and how has the organization’s mission grown and evolved since its founding in 2002?
A. Bob Goff founded Love Does in 2002 with a simple but powerful belief: love takes action. What started as a grassroots effort to help vulnerable children has grown into a global movement focused on fighting for human rights, caring for the vulnerable, and providing education in conflict zones. Love Does began by supporting schools and safe houses for children affected by war, trafficking, and extreme poverty. Over the years, our mission has expanded to include refugee support, mobile food programs, single mom programs, prison programs, women’s resource centers and more, to develop the communities within 14 countries around the world. By seeking out the needs of people and expanding and growing based on those needs, we hope to make a lasting impact both internationally and domestically.
Q. Can you tell us about your outreach and the programs you offer internationally?
A. In our work in conflict zones and developing countries, we begin by working with locals who know the most about the true needs in their communities, and we work with leaders who can help guide and assist us in implementing the most effective programs. We first ask what the best way to help is, and then we take action. We believe this method ensures the best value not only for those benefiting from our programs, but also the donors supplying the funds. We are committed to this whole heartedly. Love Does operates schools, after school programs, safe houses, women’s resource centers, a drug and rehab center, prison programs, scholarship programs, and refugee support initiatives across 14 countries: Uganda, Somalia, Congo, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Poland, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Iraq, and the US. Here are some of the key programs:
- Education: Love Does has established 23 primary and secondary schools, 2 university scholarship programs, and is in the process of establishing a University in Uganda ensuring students in vulnerable regions have access to quality education and opportunities to build their futures.
- Safe Houses: Love Does runs 6 safe houses for women and children rescued from dangerous situations, providing them with security, education, and emotional support.
- Women’s Empowerment: Love Does operates 4 Women’s Resource Center programs in the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, and San Diego to provide single mothers with resources, mentorship, and pathways toward a bright future
Q. The Love Does Home and Boutique in San Diego, CA opened in 2023. How does it operate? Can you elaborate on the specific programs and services that you offer single mothers and their children?
A. The Love Does Home and Boutique is a restorative and empowering space for single mothers and their babies. Our home provides a safe, supportive environment where moms are given the time and resources to focus on parenting in a healthy way while also pursuing their education and personal growth. We get the honor to walk alongside each mother as she works toward long-term stability and healing.
Our Love Does Home program includes:
- Life Skills Development: We have weekly workshops that focus on cooking, cleaning, time management, and healthy routines.
- Weekly Check-ins: We do regular one-on-one meetings to help moms stay on track with personal goals, emotional wellness, and parenting support.
- Financial Literacy Classes: We have an amazing volunteer that teaches interactive sessions held once a week that teach budgeting, saving, and planning for the future.
- Community: We have many opportunities for moms to build friendships, celebrate milestones, and feel a sense of belonging through group activities and events.
Our Love Does Boutique is open twice a month and serves as a resource for single mothers in our community. We have served over 200 single moms since opening the boutique. We understand the challenges that come with raising children on your own, and at Love Does, we believe that no mom should have to do it alone. Creating a sense of community and offering support is at the core of what we do. During boutique days, moms are invited to shop for free by appointments for essential items such as clothing, baby supplies, hygiene products, food, diapers, wipes, and more. It’s a welcoming space where mothers can feel seen, supported, and cared for. We love being with the moms and hearing their stories, they are all strong and resilient women!
We are extremely grateful for our generous sponsors and donors who make the Boutique possible for moms in the community. Their continued support allows us to show up for moms in meaningful ways and help meet both everyday needs.
Q. Can you share a success story or testimonial from a mother who has benefited from the support and resources provided by the Love Does Home?
A. We have a mom who was praying every single day for a safe home where she and her child could finally feel safe and secure. She dreamed of going back to school and building a better future, but she didn't ever know how she could get an education while still caring for her child. When she came to us, she was deeply hurt and constantly in survival mode. With the love, care, and support that Love Does provided she began to heal and grow into the incredible, resilient woman that she is. She’s in school full-time in her second semester with a 4.0 GPA, and she's even found a new passion for hiking as part of her health journey. She’s no longer in survival mode, but rather has found a sense of peace and is actively working toward the future she once thought was out of reach. Her new disposition has allowed for her child to thrive in ways that before were not possible. Watching her transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.
Q. How can one best support your local and international efforts?
A. There are several ways to support Love Does:
- Donate: Financial contributions help fund schools, safe houses, and all our efforts worldwide.
- Shop or Give to the Boutique: Donations of new baby items, clothing, and household essentials directly help single moms in San Diego.
- Join a Vision Trip: Love Does organizes trips to Uganda, Poland, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico where volunteers can see the work firsthand and contribute.
- Spread the Word: Sharing about Love Does on social media or within your community helps raise awareness and inspire action.
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We are proud to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the world. Submit an application to recommend a 501(c)(3) non-profit making a difference in your community and each month we’ll select one to receive a $10,000 grant in your name.
Together we can make the world a brighter place.
