Our Story
On March 4, 2017 Daniel, Emmanuel, Marc, Hawa, Jacob, Flomo, along with some other influential people decided to host a childrens program in Daniel’s village. They were surprised to see over 500 children and young people mostly underprivileged. They saw the need to help and give back to those who lack almost everything. Empowerment through quality education for the underprivileged was the idea being discussed. It took one year of praying and brainstorming on the vision and mission. Finally, they decided to establish an organization and call it Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY) in the United States. On July 21, 2018 CLCY was launched in Liberia as a Liberian local charity with the focus on the children and youths of Liberia. On March 16, 2019 CLCY was launched and established. And voluntary Board of Directors and Staff members were installed in office.
CLCY made a significant impact to help the people of Liberia during the Covid-19 pandemic in Liberia. In April 2019 CLCY provided over $3,750.00 for food and supplies for her volunteers, sponsored students, Hope in Christ Orphanage Home, two churches and other underprivileged community people in Liberia and again in July 2021 $8,000.00 for the same purpose during Delta Variant outbreak.
CLCY made a significant impact to help the people of Liberia during the Covid-19 pandemic in Liberia. In April 2019 CLCY provided over $3,750.00 for food and supplies for her volunteers, sponsored students, Hope in Christ Orphanage Home, two churches and other underprivileged community people in Liberia and again in July 2021 $8,000.00 for the same purpose during Delta Variant outbreak.
BIOGRAPHIES OF BOARD of Directors AND STAFF
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Daniel's story |
The Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY) Executive Director/Founder is a Christ centered born again believer. He is married with four boys and one adopted daughter. Growing up, he had always loved God and people and now he enjoys giving back to his people and country. He fled Liberia to the Ivory Coast due to the brutal Liberian civil war. As a refugee, he did not lose hope, but pursued his faith in Jesus Christ and education. He went through struggles but managed to attend three different refugee schools and graduated from high school in 2001. He traveled to the United States as a refugee in 2001.
He later attended Kennedy King College in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 2005 as an honor roll student with an AA degree. While living in Chicago, he helped serve as a volunteer for Rainbow PUSH on the south side of Chicago to help youths facing drugs abuse. Having a grateful heart, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 2005. Daniel met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in Sept. 2015, and he received the Military Outstanding Voluntary Service Medal (MOVSM). Daniel also received a personal letter for outstanding service from the Secretary of Defense Make Esper. Feb 4, 2022, Daniel had the honor to have lunch with both the Commander Naval Operations (CNO) and the Master Chief Petty Office of the United States Navy on board the USS Mason DDG 87 in Norfolk, VA.
Daniel has remembered his people and country, and his heart was quickened to help rebuild the broken walls of Liberia after 14 years of civil war and Ebola devastation. His first thought was to rebuild the house of God in Liberia. With much help and prayer, he did just that by raising approximately $60,000.00 that was needed for a new church edifice. He later invested his family life savings to build a property where missionaries and volunteer workers from overseas are welcome to stay in Careysburg. Our ED loves missions because he believes we have all been given one by God. He got to know the love of God through American missionaries in his village. "That seed of love did everything" and gave him a new perspective. Daniel loves everyone unconditionally and is a man of faith and compassion.
He and his wife Elizabeth are currently sponsoring one underprivileged child from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program and are very committed to the growth of CLCY and are doing everything to support the vision and mission of CLCY financially.
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He later attended Kennedy King College in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 2005 as an honor roll student with an AA degree. While living in Chicago, he helped serve as a volunteer for Rainbow PUSH on the south side of Chicago to help youths facing drugs abuse. Having a grateful heart, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 2005. Daniel met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in Sept. 2015, and he received the Military Outstanding Voluntary Service Medal (MOVSM). Daniel also received a personal letter for outstanding service from the Secretary of Defense Make Esper. Feb 4, 2022, Daniel had the honor to have lunch with both the Commander Naval Operations (CNO) and the Master Chief Petty Office of the United States Navy on board the USS Mason DDG 87 in Norfolk, VA.
Daniel has remembered his people and country, and his heart was quickened to help rebuild the broken walls of Liberia after 14 years of civil war and Ebola devastation. His first thought was to rebuild the house of God in Liberia. With much help and prayer, he did just that by raising approximately $60,000.00 that was needed for a new church edifice. He later invested his family life savings to build a property where missionaries and volunteer workers from overseas are welcome to stay in Careysburg. Our ED loves missions because he believes we have all been given one by God. He got to know the love of God through American missionaries in his village. "That seed of love did everything" and gave him a new perspective. Daniel loves everyone unconditionally and is a man of faith and compassion.
He and his wife Elizabeth are currently sponsoring one underprivileged child from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program and are very committed to the growth of CLCY and are doing everything to support the vision and mission of CLCY financially.
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Emmanuel's story
Emmanuel George Sapolucia, MHA, BSc, MLS (ASCP)cm
Sapolucia is Chairman of the Board of Directors and co-founder of Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY) and a Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Harris Health System (2017-present). He is co-chair for the Laboratory Governance Committee at the Lyndon B Johnson Hospital Pathology Department, His passion for healthcare has always driven him to serve in medical settings and his love for his native country moved him to be the current president of CLCY. He is a loving husband and a proud father of three boys.
Emmanuel (known as E-man) was born in Baila, Bong County unto the union George C. Sapolucia and Nowai Lablah Sapolucia. Emmanuel started primary education at Samuel B. Cooper Elementary in Baila and continue at Brewersville Junior High (Annie Banks Williams High) School in Brewersville, Montserrado County, Liberia. He completed secondary education in 1998 at one of Liberia’s prestigious high schools of the 90s, Seventh - day Adventist high on 120 Camp-Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia.
Upon graduation, Emmanuel volunteered his service to his home-town in 1999 to tutor 9th grade students (7) of Samuel B. Cooper junior high school prepared for its first ever West African Examination Council (WAEC) exam. After two weeks of intensive camping under tedious conditions, we got 86% (6 passed) passing rate, this is considered excellent considering the lack of text books and study material besides the ones he took with him. He matriculated to the nations highest institution of learning, the University of Liberia in 1999 to study Biology (major) and Chemistry (minor) to prepare for his studies in medicine. Emmanuel was a founding member and Financial Secretary (1999-2003) of Baila Progressive Development Association (BPDA), a name he suggested and was adopted by the body, and Baila Progressive Development Association Financial Saving Club headed by Mr. Allen Wayakollie and a member of the Bong County Development Associated headed Mr. George Miller respectively. As an official and member of both associations we were instrumental in lobbying and delivering school supplies to Kpai District in Bong County in 2001 and lending micro-loan to Liberian businesses (2001-2002). Sapolucia also served as Vice President and Financial Secretary of the Freeport community Development Association (FCDA) 2001-2003 and 2000-2002 respectively. FCDA was a community based association of youths volunteering their time to clean the community and create awareness of proper sanitation services and engaging community leaders, Law makers and the government officials for support to provides tools and/or equipment. We initiated and started the widening of the drainage along the Somalia Drive in 2001.
A son of a classroom teacher, Sapolucia spent few years in the classroom and was first employed by one of his former teacher (Mr. Saydee) at the Samuel K Doe (12 Room) Elementary school where he taught Mathematics 1999-2001, 2001-2003 Sapolucia taught at the Garrison W. Gibson (G.W. Gibson) High school teaching Jr high (7th-9th grades) mathematics prior to his departure for the United States in late 2003.
Sapolucia began another journey that wouldl take him to 13 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, when he joined the United States Navy November 9, 2004, exactly one year in the United States. He quickly became recognized as a leader when he put together group of sailors in his division (First Division) known as the “United Nation (UN)” who he mentored through the ranks of the US Navy. He served in many capacities in the Navy to include: Supply Petit Officer (SPO), team leader (UN), CPR/BLS Instructor, Hospital Corpsman, Safe PO, Medical Laboratory Technician, coach and captain of Naval Branch Health Clinic New London etc., just to name a few. Sapolucia was awarded Navy Marine Achievement Medal, 2 Good Conduct Medals, Blue Jacket of the Quarter and many other awards.
Sapolucia is currently working on his Masters at the University of Houston-Clear Lakes in Healthcare Administration. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 2017 in Clinical Laboratory Science at Texas Southern University where he served as Class President 2014-2017. He worked tirelessly with Texas Workforce Commission to secure scholarship for Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program in 2016 to help at least 10 students beginning 2017 and Associates of Science degrees in the same discipline at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is a teachers assistant to Dr. Dorothy Cummings at the Texas Southern University where he prepares students of the Clinical Laboratory Science program for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam. He also serves as co-chair and teacher in the youth Department Christian United Ministries International (CUMI).
He and his wife Ruth are currently sponsoring one underprivileged child from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program.
Hawa's story
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel Master Chief Petty Officer Hawa P Riley, U.S. Navy
Senior Chief Riley is Deputy Executive Director and co-founder of Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY). Riley was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia West Africa. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 23 May 1995 and attended basic military training followed by ABF “A” School at Recruit Training Center (RTC), and Naval Training Center (NTC) Millington, TN.
She served at the following commands:
Senior Chief Riley is Deputy Executive Director and co-founder of Change for Liberian Children and Youth (CLCY). Riley was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia West Africa. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 23 May 1995 and attended basic military training followed by ABF “A” School at Recruit Training Center (RTC), and Naval Training Center (NTC) Millington, TN.
She served at the following commands:
- Guantanamo Bay Cuba (1995-1997);
- USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CV 67 (1997-2000 completing 2 deployments); NAVAL STATION Mayport, FL fuel farm (2000-2003); SIMA Mayport, FL (2003-2005).
- USS HARRY S. TRUMAN NAS Norfolk where she served from July 2005 to May 2010 (completed 2 deployments); followed by COMNAVAIRLANT Norfolk, VA where she joined the Aircraft Carrier flight deck inspection team from 2010-2013.
- Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes IL May 2013 till Oct 2016 as a Recruit Division Commander.
- Currently stationed on-board the USS BATAAN as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer as the V-4 Division LCPO. She is married and lives in Suffolk VA.
- Hawa is currently sponsoring one underprivileged child from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program
Nora's story
Change for Liberia Children and Youth Secretary General Nora Nimely is a loving mother and a wife of 20 years. She has been living in Virginia Beach, VA for over twenty years. She works as a kindergarten teachers assistant with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Nora was born to Mr. Dahn Woundeh and Yeanpu Woundeh in Margibi County, Liberia.
Mrs. Nimely loves the Lord and enjoys serving Him wherever there’s a need to serve. She currently volunteers as a worship leader at Unity Fellowship, a non-denominational church. She has also served as a worship leader/director at the Bethel World Outreach Ministries in the Ivory Coast from 1994 to 1998. Prior to that, she served on an evangelistic team during the civil war in Liberia by ministering to both rebel fighters and displaced people.
Nora considers all of her services as successful by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Some of Nora’s successes include but not limited to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others in deed and words, spearheading the establishment of the Liberian Association of Hampton Roads, sponsoring and soliciting assistance for the children of Fatima Cottage Orphanage for more than three years, and the ongoing sponsorship for schooling for her nieces and nephews in Liberia. Nora has a passion for helping and teaching people who are in need spiritually and physically. She considers it to be an honor to volunteer with CLCY to serve the needy in Liberia. Finally, Mrs. Nimely believes Jesus is the head of her life.
Marc's story
Marc Posch is a member of Grace Bible Church and good friend of Daniel Henderson. Marc went on his first missions trip to Nicaragua in 2015 which led to an increased awareness of the need in other countries, especially as it relates to children. Daniels enthusiasm for the children and youth of Liberia is infectious and he considers it an honor to be a part of CLCY. Over the past several years Marc has worked with Daniel and the other CLCY team members to help promote the cause of education and training for children in Liberia. He is excited to see what God has in store for this ministry and is willing to serve in any capacity. Being a part of the CLCY team is special because we all know that God is steering this ministry and He will get all the glory for the success we know will come.
Marc is married to his wonderful wife Dana (almost 29 years) and has four children (Brianna, Rachael, Colin and Ashley). He has been a Norfolk Police Officer for over 25 years and enjoys serving his community in that capacity. He and his family are one of the most general givers in CLCY.
Marc is married to his wonderful wife Dana (almost 29 years) and has four children (Brianna, Rachael, Colin and Ashley). He has been a Norfolk Police Officer for over 25 years and enjoys serving his community in that capacity. He and his family are one of the most general givers in CLCY.
Jeff's Story
The Change for Liberian Children and youth Executive Board Co-chairman, Jeff Shoaf is a NCS alumnus class of '80. Math Dept. Head Algebra II / Trigonometry Honors Pre-Calculus Ap Calculus AB & BC and he is an Elder of Grace Bible Church, Virginia Beach, VA
He graduated from Messiah College: BSC in Math Education. Graduated with M.Ed.in Math Education at Old Dominion University.
Something very special Jeff is that he has been teaching for 33 years, 13 of those years at NCS.
Jeff Favorite verse. Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Why Jeff Teaches, " I teach because I enjoy encouraging others and challenging them to learn. God has given me a desire to help kids better understand math. After 20 years at Cox High School, I was blessed to return to Norfolk Christian, where teachers and coaches had poured so much into me as a student."
Jeff favorite season is summer because according to him, it is during the summer he leads his annual missionaries trip to serve children and families around Managua, Nicaragua.
He is an Elder at Grace Bible Church.
Special note: According to Jeff, his wife Tami came to Norfolk Christian to teach before he did and he and his wife have two NCS graduates- Ashley, a doctorate student at ODU and Jonathan, a recent graduate of Geneva College in Pennsylvania.
Jeff is excited to serve on the Executive Board of CLCY as member to bring his skill of leadership and expertise to the young organization.
He and his wife Tami are currently sponsoring two underprivileged children from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program.
He graduated from Messiah College: BSC in Math Education. Graduated with M.Ed.in Math Education at Old Dominion University.
Something very special Jeff is that he has been teaching for 33 years, 13 of those years at NCS.
Jeff Favorite verse. Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."
Why Jeff Teaches, " I teach because I enjoy encouraging others and challenging them to learn. God has given me a desire to help kids better understand math. After 20 years at Cox High School, I was blessed to return to Norfolk Christian, where teachers and coaches had poured so much into me as a student."
Jeff favorite season is summer because according to him, it is during the summer he leads his annual missionaries trip to serve children and families around Managua, Nicaragua.
He is an Elder at Grace Bible Church.
Special note: According to Jeff, his wife Tami came to Norfolk Christian to teach before he did and he and his wife have two NCS graduates- Ashley, a doctorate student at ODU and Jonathan, a recent graduate of Geneva College in Pennsylvania.
Jeff is excited to serve on the Executive Board of CLCY as member to bring his skill of leadership and expertise to the young organization.
He and his wife Tami are currently sponsoring two underprivileged children from Liberia through CLCY sponsorship program.
Jim's Story.
Jim Gresham grew up in Colorado with his parents and two brothers on the family farm. He attended and was baptized at the Elbert Christian Church in Elbert, Colorado where his family has actively served and worshiped for generations. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he took a job with Westinghouse and moved to southwestern Pennsylvania. He continued to work for Westinghouse until his retirement where he had various engineering and management roles in nuclear plant design and safety analysis. Jim is the author of “It’s Suppertime,” a book of devotions about the Lord’s Supper. He is married to Dianne, a native Pennsylvanian and they make their home near Jeannette, Pennsylvania with their daughter, Amy, who is a teacher’s aide for special needs children. They are all actively involved as members of the Hempfield Church of Christ in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Jim currently serves as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and worship leader. Jim and Dianne have long been involved in children's, youth and family ministry and serve on the Missions team. Jim loves the Lord with all his heart and seeks to serve Him daily. Jim loves the people of Liberia and he and his family are supporting CLCY financially on a monthly basic.
Evelyn's Story
"I knew you before you were in the womb, I set you apart before you were born." Jer. 1:5
I was three and a half when i accepted Christ with my brother, at home with our mother. We were gifted in playing instruments for both the piano and the organ and harmonizing in son was a natural for both my brother and I We were the young duet that sang in the church, on the street corners, mission and wherever my father found a place for us to minister. Church was our life and our home was a home to many Jewish people and a place where found the Lord and were sent out into ministry. Trying to find my place in ministry after high school, led me to work with Gerald Derstine in Sarasota, FL and later in San Diego with Morris Cerullo and his family.
As the Lord would have it, I felt a strong urge to go to Elim Bible Institution in Lima, NY where I was blessed to sit under the ministry fo Bob Mumford and many other powerful teachers. There my ministry began to grow, as I sang, played and began to preach. The call was strong, and the Word as powerful. Ministry on the streets of New York with "The Little People". a gang of teenage boys were a highlight fo my 2nd year in the Bible School. Doors opened fo me after graduation to return to the Elim to teach. One of my students that year was John Giminez. Little did I realize that this connection would lead me to Virginia Beach, where the rest of the story would take place.
I came to assist John and Anne Giminez with their new church (The Rock Church) on Lens Avenue in Norfolk, VA that had sprung out of the charismatic revival in the 60's. I directed the "girls home" for troubled teens that were on drugs. Returning to Elim for a while to teach once again, a desire was born in my heart to go to Africa where many of our missionaries were stationed. For six months, I traveled around world ministering in many countries and in places I never dreamed of going. When I returned, I came back to Virginia Beach ministering once again with the Rock Church. Little did I know the things that God had in store for my life.
In 1974, I met a man who had a profound influence on my life. His name: Frtz Stegemann. He wondered if "I knew anyone who could play piano like me, who could help a guy get a church started." This is the beginning of Open Door Chapel. It was an exciting time, and a new season in my life. We rejoice together, as we saw God work miracles in providing finances to move into the old barn on Holland Road. That place became a sanctuary for many and the foundation was laid for further and larger influence in the city of Virginia Beach. Pastor Frtz was on fire for God, and would do anything that would bring others to Christ-regardless of the cost. He used the excess land that the church owned on Virginia Beach Blvd to open the Virginia Beach Center. (By this time, they had moved to the old "Princess Anne Theatre", which grew almost overnight into a thriving church)."The side door", became the home for an AA group, whose memories linger in the hearts of many who found help and hope at the Open Door Chapel.
I ministered in music at the Open Door intermittently, but was always connected in my heart to Pastor Fritz and his wife, Fran, and their children. In 1977, I met and married my husband, Gerald Puckett. We had two children, Susan and Bryan, and for a while my life was taken up with raising my children. I always was involved in the ministry, and have helped many Pastors in the Tidewater area with music and teaching and preaching. In 1994 I entered into the ministry with the United Methodists Church, and pastored in Norfolk for 16 years.
After retiring in 2010, I wondered if I had completed my work. however, in June 2011, I walked into the Open Door Chapel to say hello. I am still there, only the conversation has gone a lot further. In November, I was voted in as the pastor. Two years prior, I spoke at the Open Door one evening. Pastor Fritz was there. A week later he went to be with the Lord, but had predicted that night that I would be the next pastor fo the Open Door Chapel. God works in a mysterious ways-His wonders to perform. The latter days shall be greater than the former, and in this place will I give peace. (Hag. 2:9) the best is yet to come!
Pastor Evelyn loves God and the people of God, since she came in contact with brother Daniel in March 2019 and get to know him and his Vision and Mission for the children and youths of Liberia she and the Open Door Chapel family have come to love Daniel and his family and CLCY as an organization. Through Pastor Evelyn leadership Open Door Chapel is one of the biggest supporters/partners of CLCY, sponsoring 5 students and doing more for CLCY long term goal.
Ruth's Story
Ruth Guma Gray Sapolucia, Co-founder CLCY/ Financial consultant
MBA- Accounting Concentration
BSC – Accounting and Economics
AA – Computer Science
13 years Tax experience and over 15 Years Accounting work experiences. I have worked for many companies, to include but not limited to: Tax companies, Oil and Gas, Non-For-Profit Organization, Manufacturing, University, an colleges, etc.
Currently working for Huston Community College -Accounting Specialist Married for over 18 years to Mr. Emmanuel Sapolucia Sr.
and a mother to three boys. Hobby and Passion: Love to be with my family and friend. Always willing to assist, with passion of helping other. Famous verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation will overtake you; God is faithful who
will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are not able to bear, but temptation also make a way to escape and make you stronger. Goal for CLCY: To contribute to the building of a great nation by empowering the youth
and underprivileged children of Liberia with quality educations and skills.
MBA- Accounting Concentration
BSC – Accounting and Economics
AA – Computer Science
13 years Tax experience and over 15 Years Accounting work experiences. I have worked for many companies, to include but not limited to: Tax companies, Oil and Gas, Non-For-Profit Organization, Manufacturing, University, an colleges, etc.
Currently working for Huston Community College -Accounting Specialist Married for over 18 years to Mr. Emmanuel Sapolucia Sr.
and a mother to three boys. Hobby and Passion: Love to be with my family and friend. Always willing to assist, with passion of helping other. Famous verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation will overtake you; God is faithful who
will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are not able to bear, but temptation also make a way to escape and make you stronger. Goal for CLCY: To contribute to the building of a great nation by empowering the youth
and underprivileged children of Liberia with quality educations and skills.