15 Years of Growth

To celebrate our past 15 years of growth, we chose to reflect on the ways that HALO has changed and expanded since its founding. In 2004, Rebecca Welsh founded HALO after a volunteer trip to Honduras. Rebecca was inspired by Daisy, a little girl living on the streets with big green eyes, no shoes, and chicken lice. Daisy remains a driving force for HALO. Later, a small class of young kids came to a stark realization: "If there are homeless kids who need our help, we should do whatever we can to help them." Their first fundraiser, a Board Break-a-thon, brought in $5,000. Their second raised $40,000. Having seen the efforts and effect a handful of kids could have first hand, HALO's Founder saw the opportunity to create an organization to help one child spend one less day alone. Continue reading to see the ways that HALO has grown to fulfill this mission.

2005-2007

• HALO received its 501c3 status
• Started team of more than 50 volunteers
• Supported 45 youth in India affected by the tsunami and 65 youth in Mexico
• Began supporting two Kenyan orphanages
• Started local satellite programs in Kansas City at reStart Inc. and Niles Home for Children
• Held the 1st Annual ArtReach Auction raising $40,000
• Opened first HALO Learning Center in Nicaragua
• Created an International Ambassador volunteer program
• General funds raised $123,419 in 2007
• Began School Sponsorship Program in Uganda

2008-2010

• Total raised to date at Board Break-a-thon is $250,000 with over 3,000 attendees
• Club HALO formed for kids to help other kids
• In 2008, HALO started outreach programming in Jefferson City, Mo. and later opened its Learning Center
• In 2009, opened the HALO Learning Center in Denver, Colo.
• Began supporting the HALO Gulu Girls, Makarere, Mengo, Lungujja and Bukesa homes in Uganda
• In 2010, opened the HALO Learning Center in Kansas City, Mo.
• General funds raised $265,000 in 2010, largely run by over 200 volunteers

2011-2013

• In 2011, HALO began outreach programming at USC
• Profiled on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
• HALO Denver Learning Center transitions to the Heart and Hand Center
• Held the 1st Independent Swag youth fashion show to benefit the HALO Kansas City Learning Center
• General funds raised $514,000 in 2013; Became 47% sustainable with monthly donor support
• HALO was profiled in PEOPLE Magazine
• Featured on the front page of the Kansas City Star in 2013
• Grew Kansas City programs to serve 350 youth

2014-2016

• Moroccanoil featured HALO Founder Rebecca Welsh in the "InspiredByWomen" campaign in 2014
• The Today Show featured Welsh in 2014
• Welsh received the "Inspiration to Action" Award at Variety Magazine's Power of Women Luncheon in 2015
• Opened new HALO Uganda Learning Center and began supporting the Gulu Boys Home
• HALO Jefferson City Home opens for girls ages 16-21
• General funds raised $1,413,051 in 2016
• Held HALO BLOOM Art Show in Brooklyn, NY
• Began Kansas City pilot housing program for girls ages 16-21

2017-2020

• In 2019, the HALO Learning Center served 590 children and provided 164 workshops with over 100 volunteers
• Endowment established with 50% funded in 2018; General funds raised $2.16 million in 2019
• Hosted first HALO INSPIRE Event in New York
• Opened HALO Jefferson City Boy's Program
• Held first INSPIRE Conference in Jefferson City
• Housed 88 children in the HALO Jefferson City Home since opening
• Kenya partnership formed with Simama Project; Eligible youth homes transition to international school sponsorship
• Launched the HALO Makers work and savings program
• 37 acres of land purchased for KC Boys and Girls Home and Learning Center