Floresta Usa Incorporated

Haiti- Amidst formidable challenges faced by the nation and people of Haiti, our commitment to innovation and resilience perseveres. Despite continued challenges of insecurity, inflation, and irregular rainfall, the locally-led program model has enabled uninterrupted progress at the regional level, working with 726 Purpose Groups, serving over 100 thousand people, collaborating with 141 church partners, and planting an impressive 1.1 million trees. This was achieved despite the safety concerns and reduced costs through implementation of creative measures like limiting travel and stockpiling fuel. Throughout these trials, the Haiti program team and partnering farmers remain vigilant and dedicated, demonstrating that resilience and innovation progress even in the most trying circumstances.

Burundi - A major highlight from Burundi was the significant progress achieved through our expanded partnership with HOPE International. In the initial phase, we integrated our agroecology curriculum, Seeds of Change, into 74 HOPE International savings groups. The results were compelling: participants using our curriculum experienced a 20% reduction in multidimensional poverty, while the control group faced a 19% increase. This remarkable 39% contrast underscores the transformative impact of the curriculum on savings groups. Building on this success, we aim to work with 250 HOPE International savings groups in Burundi for two years, concluding at the end of FY25, to achieve even more compelling impact. Additionally, the program planted 1,157,799 trees, established 137 new purpose groups, strengthened 777 existing purpose groups, and partnered with 202 churches, benefiting over 105 thousand people.

Tanzania - The Tanzania program celebrated 20 years of progressive work in community development, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. This year the program expanded into 2 villages, Lerai and Kilima Mbongo. The program identified 15 mature groups that are ready for graduation and continues to contribute to the organizational knowledge on graduation readiness. Boasting a 71% female participation rate, the program worked in 8 subwatersheds with 572 purpose groups and 332 churches. The Tanzania program planted 1,565,406 trees this year for a grand total of 19,168,070 trees planted since the program started in 2004.

Mexico - Shifting rain patterns and prolonged drought have become a continual environmental challenge in southern Mexico, where the Mexico program team works. However, the team's determination and participant efforts, in addition to irrigation initiatives, led them to exceed tree planting goals and reforest land with over 27,000 trees planted last year. The partnership with local farmers and communities is thriving with 373 Purpose Groups and 116 churches, serving over 21,000 people. The participants' dedication showcases the resilience of local communities and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, underscoring the program's commitment to sustainable solutions in the face of adversity.

Ethiopia - Despite Ethiopia's ongoing social and political challenges, the growth of Purpose Groups has been remarkable, with the addition of 75 new groups, bringing the total to 541. Partnering farmers planted over 1.1 million seedlings, including trees, grasses, and shrubs, contributing to land restoration and environmental revitalization. Female participation has also significantly increased, rising to 35%-a noteworthy improvement from the program's initial 14% in fiscal year 2018, reflecting greater inclusivity and empowerment.

Congo - The DRC has faced decades of conflict and instability, marked by the presence of multiple armed groups across various regions, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite these challenges, the DRC program achieved significant milestones, including working with 369 Purpose Groups, serving around 88 thousand people, collaborating with 127 church partners, and planting an impressive 1.6 million trees. In close partnership with the local government, there have been substantial efforts to unite communities in their fight against violence, extreme poverty, and environmental degradation.

Program Advocacy and Education - PROGRAM ADVOCACY & EDUCATION - Plant With Purpose has expanded its efforts across the U.S. to become a leading voice on how Christians are called to steward the environment, and the link between environmental degradation and poverty.

Thailand - Plant With Purpose partners with vulnerable ethnic minorities in the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, a region characterized by complex social and environmental challenges. This year, the region saw the worst flooding in a generation affecting tens of thousands of households. Plant With Purpose responded with immediate relief efforts; in the long term the households that partner with the program are more resilient in the face of environmental and economic shocks. Current work focuses on four watersheds comprising an area of over 1100 square kilometers.

Malawi - Officially launched in January of 2024, the Malawi program ended its first fiscal year in operation and successfully accomplished set output goals. Participants planted 23,189 trees, formed 21 new purpose groups and the organization partnered with 15 churches in the Lwafwa watershed.