we believe in supporting the joy thAt can be found in every walk of life, all around the world.

H.E.L.P. International exists to bring lasting, dignified change to communities facing poverty, disaster, and inequity.

Founder’s story

The Moment When Everything Changed

By Jean Kaye

You know those times in life when just for a moment, the world stands still? Heaven invades Earth and in that moment you know that your world will never be the same.

It began at an infamous spot in Uganda, a forgotten and desolate place—where the words of a man collided with an idea from heaven. A man named Ben, a woman named Pam, and I had come to visit.

We were speaking about what was needed, and Ben said “I’m a teacher”. Then the words came out of my mouth, as if someone else was talking: “Why don’t we teach these children under this tree?”

It began under that tree and today it is a thriving primary school with 650 students, 18 teachers, and 35 staff. That moment changed the trajectory of not just my life, but so many others on both sides of the ocean. It has changed the future of Uganda—now more than 5,000 children have been educated in that school, and more than 10,000 people have been educated in vocational training, business, health, and development. Thousands have been treated with medical care, and many are now in the medical field training and treating others.

In one moment, God changed everything.

That was the moment when I knew that it was God planting a future out of my mouth. There were so many children on the street. Everywhere you looked, there were children with an obvious need for nutrition. They were playing in the dirt, laughing and running. But there were few adults in sight and the children lacked direction.

What if we could teach all the children on the street?

In that moment, I knew that God was doing something miraculous. What could we do but start? Ben met with students under the tree. The first month there were 50 children underneath the papaya tree in the middle of an open space. The next month there were 100. Then we hired a second teacher. Right there, underneath that tree, H.E.L.P. Primary School was birthed.

Founder’s story

  • By Jean Kaye

    You know those times in life when just for a moment, the world stands still? Heaven invades Earth and in that moment you know that your world will never be the same.

    It began at an infamous spot in Uganda, a forgotten and desolate place—where the words of a man collided with an idea from heaven. A man named Ben, a woman named Pam, and I had come to visit.

    We were speaking about what was needed, and Ben said “I’m a teacher”. Then the words came out of my mouth, as if someone else was talking: “Why don’t we teach these children under this tree?”

    That was the moment when I knew that it was God planting a future out of my mouth. There were so many children on the street. Everywhere you looked, there were children with an obvious need for nutrition. They were playing in the dirt, laughing and running. But there were few adults in sight and the children lacked direction.

    What if we could teach all the children on the street?

    In that moment, I knew that God was doing something miraculous. What could we do but start? Ben met with students under the tree. The first month there were 50 children underneath the papaya tree in the middle of an open space. The next month there were 100. Then we hired a second teacher. Right there, underneath that tree, H.E.L.P. Primary School was birthed.

    It began under that tree and today it is a thriving primary school with 650 students, 18 teachers, and 35 staff. That moment changed the trajectory of not just my life, but so many others on both sides of the ocean. It has changed the future of Uganda—now more than 5,000 children have been educated in that school, and more than 10,000 people have been educated in vocational training, business, health, and development. Thousands have been treated with medical care, and many are now in the medical field training and treating others.

    In one moment, God changed everything.

our team

Our team is dedicated to restoring the dignity of people in need across 123 nations. We are deeply grateful for their work.

H.E.L.P International Board of Directors

  • Jean Kaye and Don Wilson are the founders of H.E.L.P. International, a humanitarian organization headquartered in Johnstown, Colorado, dedicated to bringing education, community development, and relief to some of the world’s most underserved regions.

    What began with a single trip and a heart to serve has grown into a global movement of hope. Together, Jean and Don Wilson—joined by countless volunteers, mission teams, and faithful supporters—have built H.E.L.P. International into a ministry that reaches across more than 120 countries.

  • Katie is a dynamic speaker, respected leader, and accomplished writer within the Christian community. With a strong foundation in leadership development, she is passionate about equipping individuals to grow in character, purpose, and responsibility—both personally and within organizational settings. Her teaching emphasizes servant leadership, integrity, and faith-driven impact. As an author and communicator, she brings strategic insight, clarity of vision, and exceptional writing expertise to the H.E.L.P. International Board of Directors. Married and the mother of four children, she models a life of faith and discipleship within her home while maintaining a deep commitment to missions and advancing the Gospel both locally and globally.

  • Ronny Sitanga serves as the International Director of HELP International, providing visionary and servant leadership to advance the organization’s mission of transforming lives and restoring hope in vulnerable communities. He is a passionate marketplace pastor who believes deeply in integrating faith with action, demonstrating the love of Christ through practical service and community empowerment.

    Rooted in a strong background of church ministry, Ronny’s life and calling have been shaped by years of serving in the local church, where he developed a deep commitment to discipleship, leadership, and community transformation. This foundation continues to influence his approach to both ministry and development work.

    With a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from Makerere University, Ronny brings both professional expertise and spiritual conviction to his work in community development. He is driven by a God-given vision to uplift the vulnerable, especially children, believing that every individual carries divine potential that must be nurtured and released.

    Together with his wife Sarah, Ronny serves as the Marrieds Pastor at Jinja Miracle Centre

    Gateway Church in Uganda, where they are committed to strengthening families, mentoring couples, and building Christ-centred homes.

    Ronny’s leadership is anchored in faith, guided by biblical principles, and fueled by a calling to serve. He is committed to raising leaders, strengthening families, and building sustainable communities that reflect God’s love and purpose.

    A devoted husband and father of four—three boys and one girl—Ronny values family as a cornerstone of both ministry and life. His greatest passion is to see lives transformed, destinies restored, and communities empowered for lasting impact, all to the glory of God.

    “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

  • Susie Stults brings a sharp business mind and invaluable entrepreneurial skills to the H.E.L.P. International Board — assets that are truly priceless as we pursue sustainable community development around the world. As a very successful entrepreneur and businesswoman, she offers strategic insight, strong leadership, and practical wisdom that help guide responsible growth and long-term impact within the organization. Susie lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has been married to her husband, Doug, for 35 years. Together they have two daughters, Kieli and Taylor.

    She became affiliated with H.E.L.P. International in 2010, and in 2014 she and Doug began sponsoring a child through the ministry. That sponsorship led them to travel to Uganda, where they visited the village of Masese and met their sponsored child, Leah, who was nine years old at the time. During their two-week stay, Susie and Doug served at the school through electrical work, painting, education support, and ministry. She fell in love with Uganda and the vision of H.E.L.P., and has returned numerous times since. Susie is deeply dedicated to partnering with local leaders, churches, and community organizations to provide sustainable support in education, healthcare access, food security, and spiritual encouragement. Her business acumen combined with her servant’s heart strengthens the board and reflects the mission of H.E.L.P. International — building hope and transforming futures through sustainable impact.

  • Business owner and successful entrepreneur in Kansas City. Father of 4 and missionary of Jesus- pursuing his heart and his wisdom. Life verse is Ps 84:10. "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."

H.E.L.P UGAnda advisory board

  • Dr. Peter Garrity is a visiting professor at Teachers College, Columbia University where he teaches Theories of Knowing and Learning Mathematics as well as elementary and secondary mathematics methods courses. Dr. Garrity is a consultant to a number of school districts on Long Island and New York City. He is also a full-time professor at Molloy College where he teaches quantitative analysis in the Division of Business. Dr. Garrity has presented at a number of educational conferences on topics ranging from strategies to deepen mathematics understanding to integrating instructional strategies that align with the Common Core to bring ALL students to college and career readiness. He is a consultant to a number of school districts on Long Island and New York City. Dr Garrity has a BA in mathematics and an MA and Ed. D. in mathematics education.

    In 2010, Dr. Garrity first traveled to Masese, Uganda as part of the H.E.L.P. International team. He conducted training in mathematics and literacy, and helped organize the HELP Primary School. In 2012 he led a team of senior educators to Uganda where they each conducted 9 hours of professional development in mathematics for the teachers at HELP School and schools in nearby Jinja. Dr. Garrity has continued this training model each time he visits Uganda. Dr. Garrity works closely with the teaching staff at HELP School to align curriculum with Ugandan standards and improve instructional strategies. He also works with the HELP School's PTA and School Management Committee as a liaison between the US Board and the community of Masese. Dr. Garrity serves on H.E.L.P. International's HELP Uganda Board of Directors and the Education Committee.

  • Ronny is a community development worker with a passion for supporting and empowering vulnerable groups, especially children & women- towards self-sustainability.
    Ronny oversees all the daily activities of the help project in Uganda. He is a powerful leader and visionary for the help community.

    Ronny has a bachelor’s degree in development studies from Makerere University.

  • Pam McCormick: along with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and some experience in teaching various grades Pam has a sales background. She was CEO and owner of a small telecommunications company in Northern Colorado for a short time. After raising 3 children and helping raise two step children she now is retired and is enjoying grandchildren. She came to H.E.L.P. International in 2005 working alongside Jean Kaye. In 2007 she took her first trip to Africa on a medical mission trip. Having been gripped by the needs in Africa, she returned in 2009. On this trip she and Jean Kaye began a school for children unable to attend school due to extreme poverty in the village of Masese, Uganda. Since that time her focus has been on equipping the school and helping transform the community around it. Helping lead teams she has been to Uganda frequently since 2009. Currently much of her time is spent promoting the selling of Ugandan jewelry to raise funds for the project and in raising awareness through social media. Nurturing relationships between the US and the village are also goals and empowerment of a self sustainable village in Maese is her prayer.

    Bruce McCormick: Bruce worked at Avago Technologies as a test technician with the Wireless Signals Division. Avago makes various components for cell phones. Bruce has a an associates degree in electronics, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking. Prior to his career in the technology industry, he built and ran a dairy farm with his father. Utilizing both his experience as a dairy farmer and his computer technology expertise, he has joined Jean Kaye and his wife, Pam, in the empowerment of the Ugandan village of Masese. Beyond his involvement with the HELP Primary School construction team, he dreams of bringing computers to schools throughout the Jinja area. As he networks local Ugandan government and community resources to U.S. donors, he hopes to create a synergy that will enable HELP's community empowerment goals for Masese.

  • Business Leaders. Visionary Partners. Champions of Hope. As respected entrepreneurs and business owners — leading both The Lincoln Cheyenne and Plato's Closet Fort Collins — this dynamic couple brings exceptional business insight and strategic expertise to H.E.L.P. International.  For many years, they have faithfully volunteered their time, talent, and leadership to strengthen the organization’s marketing, sales strategy, and long-term sustainability planning. Their entrepreneurial mindset helps translate vision into action — ensuring that H.E.L.P. International not only serves with compassion, but operates with excellence.

    As experienced business leaders, they understand growth, innovation, and financial stewardship. Their skills are invaluable in helping expand awareness, build partnerships, and develop sustainable funding strategies that support our global and local initiatives.  We are deeply grateful for their leadership and the powerful example they set: using business success as a platform to build hope and transform communities.

  • Susie Stults brings a sharp business mind and invaluable entrepreneurial skills to the H.E.L.P. International Board — assets that are truly priceless as we pursue sustainable community development around the world. As a very successful entrepreneur and businesswoman, she offers strategic insight, strong leadership, and practical wisdom that help guide responsible growth and long-term impact within the organization. Susie lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has been married to her husband, Doug, for 35 years. Together they have two daughters, Kieli and Taylor.

    She became affiliated with H.E.L.P. International in 2010, and in 2014 she and Doug began sponsoring a child through the ministry. That sponsorship led them to travel to Uganda, where they visited the village of Masese and met their sponsored child, Leah, who was nine years old at the time. During their two-week stay, Susie and Doug served at the school through electrical work, painting, education support, and ministry. She fell in love with Uganda and the vision of H.E.L.P., and has returned numerous times since. Susie is deeply dedicated to partnering with local leaders, churches, and community organizations to provide sustainable support in education, healthcare access, food security, and spiritual encouragement. Her business acumen combined with her servant’s heart strengthens the board and reflects the mission of H.E.L.P. International — building hope and transforming futures through sustainable impact.

  • Trish Garrity is the Global Communications Director of Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson, where she leads communications and public affairs strategies that elevate the Company’s efforts to champion the global health workforce and advance health equity.

    With a robust background in public health and communications, Trish has successfully spearheaded campaigns that deepen awareness and drive behavior change while leading high-performing, cross-functional teams. Her creativity and strategic insights have played a crucial role in launching innovative platforms like the J&J CareCommunity brand and driving authentic brand storytelling with breakthrough results.

    Trish holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and a BA in International Relations from Boston University. She is also a founding member and Board Member of H.E.L.P. International- Uganda, supporting empowerment programs for 300 female artisans and primary education for 650 children. She is a key member of this team.

    Outside the office, Trish enjoys curating playlists, perfecting her shakshuka recipe, and getting to her final continent, Antarctica.

  • Uganda Administrative Board Member for HELP School

    Delia  Garrity was a public school educator for 37 years, serving as a math teacher, teacher of the gifted, mathematics department chairperson, curriculum supervisor, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent. She has taught graduate courses on mathematics education at Long Island University and is a guest lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a national educational consultant and presenter.

    She coauthored  Opening the Common Core – How to Bring ALL Students to College and Career Readiness and Detracking for Excellence and Equity, with Carol C. Burris and authored or coauthored articles in American School Board Journal, The School Administrator, and The Arithmetic Teacher.  

    She has a BA and MS in Math Education and a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership. 

    Since 2010, Delia has worked as a volunteer for H.E.L.P. International’s HELP Uganda project, devoting herself to the children and families in Masese.  She serves on the project’s Board of Directors and the Education Committee.  She raises awareness about H.E.L.P.’s work in Masese and actively fundraises for the project through presentations and bead sales at local schools and community events.

     While in Uganda, Delia offers professional development training for teachers, works with the women of Masese in the bead cooperative, visits homes in the village, and meets with local businesses to raise awareness of the project and seek funding.

volunteer spotlight

  • Lara Holt loves Jesus Christ. Her faith in His love for every individual is the anchor of her life and the driving force behind her service. After 12 years teaching mathematics at Windsor Charter Academy—and more than three decades mentoring and coaching youth—Lara is retiring from the classroom to devote even more time to her beloved family and to faith-centered community impact. She has volunteered as a recreational and competitive youth sports coach for over 20 years and has served as both a youth and children’s pastor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah and Colorado, guiding young people to discover their divine worth, develop resilience, and use their gifts to bless others. For the past five years, Lara has partnered with Harouna, an educator in Sabou, Burkina Faso, through HELP International and Builders of Hope to support sustainable community development efforts—including sending a truck and critical supplies, helping fund and build a well to provide clean water, constructing a secure home for a headmaster, and supporting vocational training and coalition-building initiatives. Whether serving locally or globally, Lara’s mission remains the same: to reflect Christ’s love in practical, transformative ways and to invite others to join in building hope that lasts for generations. You also may find her hiking, playing pickleball, reading, learning, or spending time with her beloved family and friends.

  • Lynda Allen serves as the Volunteer Warehouse Manager for H.E.L.P. International, bringing exceptional organizational expertise and a servant’s heart to this vital role. With extensive experience working in a school district fulfillment center, Lynda applies professional-level systems, logistics coordination, and inventory management to ensure our warehouse operates efficiently and effectively. She skillfully leads and empowers volunteer teams, creating an environment where service is both impactful and meaningful. Her attention to detail, reliability, and dedication make it possible for H.E.L.P. International to distribute supplies locally and globally with excellence. We are deeply grateful for Lynda’s leadership and the invaluable contribution she makes to our mission.

  • My name is John Grosvenor, born January 15, 1948 and retired on Jan 3, 2013 from The National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado. (formerly the National Bureau of Standards). I have also worked for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), RCA (Radio Corporation of America) under contract with NASA. I was an electronic technician while serving in the US Navy from 1966 to 1970 and made 3ea., 9 month long Mediterranean Sea cruises on the USSColumbus CG-12 guided missile cruiser. After serving in the Navy, I went to college and got two Associate's degrees. One in Accounting and one in Business Management. I began doing volunteer work at HELP International shortly after my retirement when the HELP International warehouse was located on Roosevelt Avenue in Loveland, CO. I have traveled to Israel with Don and Jean Kaye and have been to Israel 5 other times with other ministries. I have authored and co-authored 20 US Department of Commerce Technical Publications while with NIST. The subject was primarily on the electromagnetic properties of various materials. I am an Amateur Radio operator and have been involved in amateur radio since I was onboard my Navy ship, the USS Columbus CG-12. I also enjoy model railroading in N and Fn3 scale.

  • Ally Whittemore has a Bachelor of Arts in education from Hope International University in Fullerton California and has spent most of her adult life working in ministry in various capacities. Her most recent role was working for a church with a group of creative professionals writing Bible curriculum for children. Ally visited East Africa for the first time in 2011 and developed a love for the people and culture. This trip had a profound impact on Ally and helped shape her understanding of missions. Her passion is to empower and mobilize the local church to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in their own community with sustainable solutions. Ally loves the work HELP international is doing in Uganda and around the world. Ally lives in northern Colorado.

  • Kurt and April Duff are invaluable members of the H.E.L.P. International team, bringing both professional excellence and servant-hearted leadership to our organization.

    Kurt serves as our go-to problem solver and maintenance lead, always willing to step in wherever help is needed. A proud U.S. veteran, he brings integrity, discipline, and a strong work ethic to everything he does. In his professional career, Kurt serves as a Field Service Manager for a major national company, yet he consistently makes time to support H.E.L.P. International with hands-on expertise, practical solutions, and a joyful spirit of service. His character, dependability, and heart for people make him a tremendous asset to our mission.

    April serves as our bookkeeper and QuickBooks specialist, providing the financial oversight that keeps our organization strong and accountable. Her attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills ensure that we steward every resource with excellence and transparency. Beyond her technical expertise, April’s calm presence and genuine heart to serve others bring stability and encouragement to our team.

    Together, Kurt and April embody the spirit of faithful service that strengthens H.E.L.P. International and advances our mission of building hope and transforming communities

  • Shelley Arnstad is a gifted business entrepreneur, massage therapist, a Doula, and a devoted woman of faith who carries a strong mantle of intercession and prayer. She brings steady spiritual covering to our organization—listening, discerning, and standing in the gap with wisdom and love. Wherever she goes, Shelley ministers with compassion and integrity, creating space for personal breakthrough, inner healing, and lasting wholeness. Her presence strengthens people, aligns vision with purpose and builds unity within the team. She is an integral part of our mission and a treasured member of our leadership team.

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