Liberty Dining Manager helps under-privileged in Nicaragua

Once Liberty Dining Services’ Resident Dining Manager Jennifer Chappell traveled to Nicaragua in 2007, she knew it would not be the last time.

Chappell, who works at Liberty University, visited Nicaragua 34 times in the last 13 years after founding Save Them One by One, an organization aimed at supporting Nicaraguan families and their children through a variety of programs.

“I knew by my fourth trip that I didn’t just wanted to visit, but do more for the people I met,” Chappell said. “It was during that trip where I asked a family what I could do to help them. They lived in a tiny one room shack with dirt floors. The mother asked if I could help them purchase school uniforms.”

According to Chappell, the Nicaraguan government requires children to have a school uniform before they enter the classroom. Since many families live on limited incomes, it is often difficult for families to make the purchase, leaving their children without an education.”

That is why Chappell started Save Them One by One. A one-time sponsorship fee of $25 provides a child with a school uniform, socks, shoes, backpack, and basic school supplies.

“When we first started, there were 120 children in our program,” Chappell said. “Now we have about 1,800. It has been rewarding to see these children can attend school, something they may not normally get to do it if was not for our support. Children that started in our program have graduated school and now have children of their own. I feel like it is important these children grow up and receive an education to help break this poverty cycle. The mission has also greatly strengthened me and my faith seeing how so many people come together to make it all happen. I have been blessed with some amazing family and friends in the last 13 years that keeps me going to continue this mission.”

Chappell’s passion and love for Nicaragua has spilled over into her day job at the Food Court at Reber-Thomas too. She has had three coworkers travel to Nicaragua with her, which has been a huge source of joy to show her coworkers what she is passionate about outside of work hours.

“We all have a purpose in life and I firmly believe we are not made to sit around and do nothing,” Chappell said. “Not everyone is called into the foreign mission field, and I did not think I would have either, but we can surely find something somewhere. I feel that I am called to advocate for the people of Nicaragua simply because they cannot come here to tell you about their struggles, so it is my job to be the voice for the voiceless of Nicaragua.”

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Editorial Contact: In Toone Communication, 401-258-8830 www.intoone.com