Growing up in Ethiopia, I watched my parents help raise, educate, and support so many in need around them. After I graduated from college and started working, I wanted to do the same. However, after moving to the United States about 21 years ago, getting married, and starting a family with kids, life became so busy that I was unable to pursue my dream to become a reality.

About six years ago, I took a mission trip to Ethiopia and witnessed how much the poverty gap increased and the need has grown. Fast forward to 2021, through God’s unfailing love and His faithfulness, I was reminded yet again by our senior pastor that our visions and dreams are God’s greatness in us to be emancipated to the world around us for His glory. That changed my entire perspective and sparked me to take action. My old dreams began to reawaken. I started to write down my dreams and visions in my journal and prayed to God for His faithful guidance. Today, I’m grateful for God’s grace and faithfulness that has led me to start this ministry according to His will.

In honor of my father and mother, I used the first two letters of their first names (Yetbarek and Tsegie) and came up with “YETS.” Today, YETS Family Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The specific purpose for which this ministry is initially organized is to serve underprivileged high school graduates in Ethiopia by providing funds and resources for them to attend and graduate college. It is also to encourage and give hope to the hopeless to not give up YET(S). We believe difficult situations today can take comfort in the Word of God. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’