H.A.N.
Welcome to Hands Across Nations!
Hands Across Nations (HAN) is a 501(c)(3) non profit which began as a friendship and has developed into a team of people who are dedicated to “sharing the love of Christ in practical ways”. What began as short term mission trips to Uganda in 2001, 2002, and 2003, has become a long term working relationship between a team in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, and a team in Northern Uganda. Northern Uganda has suffered for over 18 years from raids of “The Lord’s Resistance Army”.
This “army” is a band of rebels who attack villages, killing adults and abducting children to be used as soldiers and equipment carriers for the “army”. The result has had a devastating effect on the economy and every day lives of the Northern Ugandan people. Children are orphaned everyday from the rebel raids and HIV related deaths of their parents.
Working closely with trustworthy Ugandans who understand the problems and the culture, HAN is making a difference. We invite you to join with us in this endeavor.
Our Beginning
Hands Across Nations didn’t start with a big vision or even a great idea… it was born in the midst of devastation and was started out of a necessity to care for the needs of the thousands of unheard voices ravaged by war. In 2001, what started as a missionary trip became a life altering journey for Carolyn Kurowski, a founding member of the charity. After witnessing the suffering in Uganda, the individuals with no access to doctors, no clean water, and no protection from rebels, her faith and hope could not be quelled. After that first trip, Carolyn returned to the U.S. and enrolled the hearts of countless others to aid these devastated areas.
In 2003, she was determined to not only meet needs of those in the region, but to also provide hope and let them know they are not alone. She stayed for two and a half months and brought mobile health clinics, education, and food supplies. Four days after leaving, the village was attacked by rebels, killing 53 people, many of whom she helped and had grown to love. The survivors made their way to displacement camps outside of UNICEF’s reach, and within weeks another attack almost wiped out the entire village – more than 500 men, women and children were killed. Hearing this news, Carolyn realized that a larger relief effort was needed…Hands Across Nations would be the company to rise and meet these needs.
Our Mission
Meet the physical, spiritual and health needs of disadvantaged people Support needy children and young adults in primary, secondary and higher education Initiate and support health care programs and practitioners.
Our Motto
Sharing the love of Christ in practical ways