Support Program for Orphans in Care of Kin (SPOCK), Liberia
The SPOCK system is simple, and addresses the greatest need of families who struggle financially under the burden of caring for additional children: Extra cash to use for the greatest household need. Through a social worker, each month we distribute money to the female head of household as financial relief for the family ($10-$25 depending on age and financial need), scholarship funds to pay for government education ($25-$100/year), and an annual holiday gift ($20). So long as the children are under the age of 18, being cared for full time in the home of the family, and are attending school, they will continue to benefit from SPOCK, in so far as sponsors continue to donate.
Why SPOCK?
Quick Facts:
- Project Started – February 2017, Expanded March 2018
- Current Location – Liberia, West Africa
- Beneficiaries – 140 orphans age 0-17 + jobs for Liberians
- Donations Go Towards: Direct financial support to help meet the greatest household needs each month
- Immediate Need – Funding to expand SPOCK to include more orphan families in need

Our Ebola Orphan Families
We are pleased that our SPOCK initiative is able to provide relief to many families caring for children whose parents died during the “Ebola War” in Liberia. From April 2014 to September 2015 thousands of families were affected, with especially devastating impacts within the Banjor area of Brewerville, a city outside of Monrovia. With the help of Pastor John Fefegula, social worker Teta Domah, and community members, in early 2017 we were able to identify and enroll 59+ children in over 24 households for assistance. In March 2018 we were able to expand to 50 households caring for 140 orphans. Ruby and Andy Jones shot the 2017 video clips as we spoke to each family to learn of their history and current circumstances, to determine if Africa Heartwood Project would be able to lend a hand.
Please take notice that most of the caregivers are women, weary yet strong, who have willingly brought their nieces and nephews and grandchildren into their homes, despite their already limited resources. We hold these hard working, resourceful, and very able Liberian women in the highest regard, and are grateful to our donors who make it possible to ease the burden of financial strain these mothers face every day.
There are more families and children in need; if you feel you can afford to share what you have, Africa Heartwood Project can be the means to help you make a real difference for good.