The Genesis of Hope: Answering the Call in Kenya

The early 2000s marked a profound turning point when a Canadian family encountered the stark reality of suffering and systemic poverty in rural Kenya. With a family history of working with at-risk children and youth in Ontario and specific prayer about going to Kenya, it was during a visit to a children’s home in Jua Kali, the family was immediately confronted by a devastating combination of challenges: 

A Dire Lack of Resources: Critical shortages in sustainable funding, proper health and nutrition, sanitation, clean water, and safe housing left over 75 vulnerable children in hardship. 

Systemic Failure: Beyond the material needs, they witnessed the painful consequences in the lack of adequate social welfare programs—a void that often resulted in the tragic abuse and abandonment of children, tearing families apart.

Driven by an unwavering sense of duty and prayer, the family didn't just observe; they committed to act. Led by not only belief but faith in God, who provides for and sustains children and youth in their vulnerability, they immediately began pouring their resources into restoring broken walls and empowering these children to reclaim their futures. 

Collaborative Mission Takes Flight 

Spearheaded by the dedicated father-daughter duo, Jim and Nicole, the effort rapidly gained momentum. 

Jim, alongside a rapidly growing coalition of family members, friends, church community, and business partners, became a relentless advocate. Their fundraising campaigns delivered the essential needs required by the home. This advocacy brought over 400 people from Canada and the USA to Kenya, forging a symbiotic purpose rooted in first-hand connection and tangible impact. 

Remarkably, 16-year-old Nicole took the extraordinary step of moving on-site. Her presence ensured that donor funds were deployed with integrity. This also granted her a crucial, though difficult, insight into the internal struggles and corruption that challenged the foundation of this, and many other, Kenyan homes. 

Forging a New Horizon 

In 2004, the mission achieved a vital expansion. The family joined forces with a dynamic group of committed donors in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, officially forming the charity Horizon Initiative. Their shared vision was clear: to empower orphaned and vulnerable children and youth toward genuine self-sustainability.

This powerful new alliance of Canadian and American support secured the resources for a fresh start. They acquired new land in the Kitale region and safely relocated the children, birthing a new home: Baba Nyumbani.

During this extensive rebuild, the son, Sam, at just 17, moved to Kitale to personally oversee the construction, ensuring the new home was built with integrity and that the vision to begin afresh was fully and faithfully executed. 

Under the compassionate and dedicated local leadership of Walter Juma, his wife Alice, and their children, since our inception in Kitale, BABA NYUMBANI was established not merely as a refuge, but as a catalyst for change, demonstrating how children thrive when nurtured within a loving village. 

FUTURE OF HOPE + SOVEREIGNTY

For two decades, Horizon Initiative faithfully empowered children and youth. Now, the organization enters its next, vital chapter of evolution:

In 2024: Nicole was appointed as the Executive Director, Walter as the Country Director, solidifying a unified vision for both Kenya and North America. 

In 2025: Together, this dynamic leadership team implemented unprecedented strategic changes—decisions designed not only to secure the organization's long-term sustainability but, critically, to re-awaken the core mission, bringing it into full, vibrant alignment with the original heartfelt vision that God gave the Canadian Family back in 2000.

2026: Our 10-year vision establishes total sovereignty across housing, agriculture, energy, and finance to create a self-sufficient foundation for the future.