About Us

At Lifting Lives, our mission is to nurture and empower the children in our Kenyan home through care, education, and mentorship. We are committed to helping each child gain confidence, build character, and develop the skills needed to lead independent and meaningful lives.

Group of happy children enjoying playtime outdoors in Luanda.
A young boy enjoys a playful moment swinging outdoors in front of a rustic brick wall.

The Heart Behind Lifting Lives

Lifting Lives began in 2013 when Ann Dale and Cindy Gardner traveled to Kenya and met 14 orphaned and abandoned children cared for by local leader Carolyne Ashiono. The children were living in a tin shed, sleeping on the dirt floor, so Ann and Cindy felt inspired to build them a real home. By November 2013, the Gardner Granny Home was completed. After Cindy passed away from cancer shortly afterward, Ann continued the work.

Over the past 10 years, thanks to our sponsors and donors, Lifting Lives has grown. The original 14 children are thriving—two have graduated college—and we now support 39 additional children through housing, education, and essential needs, while also helping families in the surrounding communities.

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Meet the Team

Ann Dale

Founder

Wendy Holt

President

Kelly Lear

Board Member

Heather Romano

Board Member

Carolyne Ashiono

Director of Daisy Acadamy, gaurdian of Grardner Granny Children

Eunice Orwa

Social Worker