Today we’d like to introduce you to Nuka Solomon.
Nuka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was young, I desired to have a career that was meaningful, so I started my career in nonprofit work. I have a background and degree in art and have always been a creative person. For a short time, I worked as a professional artist and then found myself pulled back into nonprofit work. My experience was in grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit operations. Before being recruited to work at Free Wheelchair Mission, I was working at another humanitarian nonprofit called United Way. I didn’t expect to make the shift in my career, but when I heard about the 80 million people who need wheelchairs and learned more about Free Wheelchair Mission, I felt that this was my next step from God. What stood out the most to me about Free Wheelchair Mission was how clearly the impact was communicated. An added plus for me was that Free Wheelchair Mission provides wheelchairs in Haiti, which is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is where my family is from. It seemed like a natural fit, so seven years ago, I accepted the position and now serve as the CEO of Free Wheelchair Mission.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started at Free Wheelchair Mission about seven years ago, I knew that it was my job to identify growth strategies and implement more structure in the organization. At the time, our organization was operating as a glorified start-up. Free Wheelchair Mission was moving from a previously founder-led organization to one that would maintain the mission’s longevity. Change isn’t easy. Throughout the process, I faced challenges as I navigated the best way and timing to implement changes. But I am grateful for our founder, Don Schoendorfer, and our board of directors, who have been supportive through the process. Together, we have been able to maintain what was working for Free Wheelchair Mission while also embracing new ways that the organization can be more impactful. The goal is always to continue our mission of providing more wheelchairs to people who need them most.
We’ve been impressed with Free Wheelchair Mission, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Free Wheelchair Mission is a humanitarian, faith-based nonprofit that provides brand-new, durable wheelchairs to people with disabilities in developing countries. An estimated 80 million people worldwide need wheelchairs, and so far, we have given out more than 1.4 million wheelchairs in 95 developing countries. We are known for being the largest nonprofit provider of wheelchairs, giving out an average of about 176 per day. Our wheelchairs are designed here in the USA, then manufactured and shipped directly to the developing countries that we serve. There is such a great need for mobility around the world. Immobility is caused by many factors, including poverty, malnourishment, diabetes, and natural disasters, to name a few. When someone receives a wheelchair, their whole life is transformed. They can attend school, go to work, and engage with their communities. You can learn more about our mission at FreeWheelchairMission.org.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My parents were immigrants from Haiti, so I was raised with an appreciation for education and for the resources that were provided to me in the United States. Ever since I was a young child, I was always encouraged to be creative and to work hard, striving to be the best student I could be. I like to say that I was born with a crayon in my hand since creativity was something that was embedded in my culture and family. My childhood was full of many ups and downs. I grew up very quickly and learned to navigate the various challenges that can come with loss… As the oldest sibling, I took on many responsibilities that weren’t typical for a child my age. My experiences and the challenges I faced growing up have helped me to more easily identify with the people we serve who face difficulties in their daily lives and often attribute their survival to faith and resiliency. When I am in the field giving out wheelchairs, speaking to individuals with various medical challenges, I am reminded of my late parents, who were both doctors. I wonder what they would think about my work at Free Wheelchair Mission.
Pricing:
- $96 = 1 wheelchair, which provides renewed dignity, hope, independence, new opportunities, and life transformation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freewheelchairmission.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwmission/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freewheelchairmission
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-wheelchair-mission/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0UQ88W_tjpr9wuroKYYXQ
Image Credits
Free Wheelchair Mission
