Preschool of the Arts is proud to sponsor the Jeff Braun Children’s Home Foundation in conjunction with Golden Gavel Auctions, Family Academy of Music and Stafford Conservatories.
Jeff Braun
Jeff Braun was born on July 24, 1984 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and adopted by William and Meredith Braun of Stafford Springs when he was six months old. Like many children in Honduras, Jeff would have had little hope for his future if not for the love of those who took him in.
He had a wonderful relationship with his family including his sister, Julie, who was also adopted. The two of them were very close and supportive of one another.
After graduating from Stafford High School in June of 2003, Jeff joined the Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division to serve his country and prepare for college. While in the Army, Jeff received numerous honors and awards while in military training and when stationed in Iraq.
Even while serving our country on the battlefield of Iraq, Jeff never let his dreams slip away. From Iraq he began to communicate via email with Hope International Ministries to enlist their endeavors in building the “Team Honduras Children’s Home.”
Unfortunately, Jeff never had the opportunity to see his dream come true because his life was lost on December 12, 2003 fighting for the freedom of others.
JEFF’S DREAM CONTINUES….
The Braun Family, in conjunction with Hope Ministries International, established the “Jeff Braun Children’s Home Foundation”. Through this foundation Jeff’s dream will come to fruition with the help of many people like you. Jeff dreamed of building a children’s home in Honduras that would give other children some of the same basic opportunities that he had been given.
Food, clothing, shelter and a faith in God were the key elements he wanted to offer to those needy children.
Ten acres of land have been purchased in El Progresso, Honduras where planning has already begun. Construction on a multi purpose building began in February 2009. This building will be shared between the children’s home and the new church that Team Honduras has planted in El Progress.
Hope International Ministries, Inc. has acquired a grant of $50,000 which will be matched by funds in the Jeff Braun Foundation which will give money to begin this exciting project. More money is needed to make Jeff’s Dream a reality, and we know that the upcoming projects here in Connecticut will make a significant difference in how fast construction moves forward.
Family Academy sponsored mission team leaves for Honduras Oct. 2008
In October of 2008, a team of five took a trip to Honduras. Ten suitcases stuffed with supplies to make 200 gift bags for the children of Mount of Olives, a needing community in El Progresso, accompanied the team. While visiting, they met some members of Team Honduras, and had the chance to become a bit familiar with the beautiful area of El Progresso as well as some people living there This group also visited the land purchased for the children’s home.
Family Academy of Music is again planning another trip in April of 2010.
Preschool of the Arts also sponsors participation in Operation Christmas Child. Under the auspices of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child gives families the opportunity to put together gifts for children around the world at Christmas time. Families at PSA gather gifts for a child that may include items such as small toys, writing implements, art supplies or even clothing of some kind that will be sent in a shoe box through Samaritan’s Purse. It is an excellent opportunity for the young child at PSA to learn about children who are not as privileged as they.
