Minn. Woman Helps Homeless Children In Zambia
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota woman gave up her life in the Twin Cities to help children on the other side of the world.
Carol McBrady is the founder of Action for Children-Zambia, an organization focused on improving the lives of homeless children in Zambia.
McBrady will return to Zambia after a six week stay with family in Maple Lake. However, packing for the trip isn't easy considering she has many to pack for.
"I'm the mother of hundreds of kids, they call me mama Carol," McBrady said.
McBrady made the life changing decision to move to Zambia during a series of mission trips.
"You can't look at a little boy sleeping in rubbish and think that's O.K.," McBrady said.
McBrady was a social worker in Minnesota for more than 30 years, but she thought her work could go further in Zambia.
"I was attracted to how much easier it was to help kids down there, than it is here," McBrady said.
She combines an in-home living program with therapy and classes. To date, she's helped 176 kids.
"I get to live in that miracle every day. I can look at them at breakfast and say, 'That one's alive because of me and the work I do,'" McBrady said.
There are people here in Minnesota who make that work possible, as well. Donated toys, jeans, and blankets mean everything to children in Zambia.
"It's the first thing a street child has that's theirs," McBrady said.
While Carol admits she has made personal sacrifices, leaving behind family and friends, but she believes the end result makes it all worthwhile.
"We've seen awesome changes in these kids," McBrady said.
McBrady said she's also been the victim of an attack because of her work in Zambia. In September, she said she was beaten and arrested for reporting human rights violations.
You can learn more about Action for Children-Zambia by clicking here.
