ABOUT US


Hunger and homelessness are two major blights of modern society. These two societal ills can be traced to a single source; poverty. Getting the basic needs of life, including shelter, food, education, and clothing, among other needs, is an arduous task for most people who are often defined in the demographics as people living below the poverty line. Millions of men women, and children are facing hunger and malnutrition in Ethiopia. This, among many other reasons, led to the establishment of IFOYTA. In Amharic, Ethiopia's official language, the word IFOYTA means “relief”. Bringing relief to as many people in need as possible is every intention of IFOYTA.


The organization was established by Leul Negussie and Lela Negussie, who were born and raised in Los Angeles, California by two Ethiopian migrant parents. Since a very young age, Leul Negussie and Lela Negussie have traveled to Ethiopia and were introduced to their roots. These travels and the exposures to life outside of the USA led them to grow awareness and consciousness of how much in desperate need most people are in Ethiopia. The founders also observed on each trip they took to Ethiopia, their parents' attempt to give back to those in need by taking pieces of luggage of donations. This observation instilled in them the importance of giving back to the less fortunate. Thus, Leul Negussie and Lela Negussie decided to get involved and mobilize like-minded people to make a difference in the lives of people in Ethiopia who are in devastating need. Consequently, with full devotion and passion, in September of 2022, they established IFOYTA, a nonprofit organization to help as many people in need as possible.

Mission


At IFOYTA, our mission is to provide food for the most vulnerable children, teens, and families in Ethiopia. Our goal is to fight hunger and enable people to be self-sufficient so that they will have a better future.

Vision


Our Vision is to become a well-recognized nonprofit organization in Ethiopia known for helping to end hunger in the nation through proper feeding schemes and support systems.

History


There are salient issues affecting people in Ethiopia that needs to be decisively addressed. Some of such issues are homelessness, hunger, and lack of education. Hunger exacts a severe toll on children in poverty. The effect it has on health, development, learning, and future productivity creates a barrier that helps keep generations mired in poverty. Meeting a child’s need for proper nutrition is a simple and powerful way to facilitate long-term wellness and help children grow into healthy, fulfilled adults capable of providing for themselves and their families.


IFOYTA is a Los Angeles, California-based, 501(c)3 certified Non-profit organization. The impact of not having enough or any food cannot be overemphasized in Ethiopia. Above every other need, food and shelter are the core elements that every human needs; commencing IFOYTA's operations with the provision of these basic needs for the needy comes above other services. In the hopes of bringing awareness and organizing people who are passionate about helping others, IFOYTA aims to minimize and tackle the lack of food in Ethiopia. This, among many other reasons, led to the establishment of IFOYTA in September 2022.


IFOYTA is established to provide Ethiopians who can't feed themselves and their families with food and eventually to enable them to provide for themselves. The organization is built as a solid structure that will allow it to bring in only the like-minded to work together. The board members and volunteers are not only competent but also they are aligned with the core values of an organization and are willing to work to ensure IFOYTA attains its goals and objectives. The organization's change-oriented and relationship-based service model intends to address the needs of hungry people currently affected in Ethiopia by inspiring, feeding, and empowering them to move beyond fate to lead a life of stability and be active community members. The organization’s board members and team are very passionate about meeting the beneficiaries' needs and are certified to be resourceful. IFOYTA's founders, Leul Negussie & Lela Negussie; are both devoted to seeing improved well-being of people back in their home country Ethiopia.


IFOYTA plans to create a community of volunteers and partners tasked with the sole aim of contributing their quota to eradicating hunger, among other social commitments of the company. The organization aims to work with entrepreneurs and other individuals who will be willing to donate to the organization. The core values of IFOYTA are centered on understanding the individual Ethiopians in the context of their situations, then proffering the necessary solutions to meet each of their needs. The organization recognizes that the best way to support people is to first provide for their basic human needs.

Team


Leul Negussie

Executive Director & Co- Founder

Lela Negussie

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Alemush Alene

Director of Operations

Yonannes Negussie

Director of Finance

Asmamaw Allenne

Director and Representative of Public Relations in Ethiopia

Board of Directors


Leul Negussie

Executive Director & Co- Founder

Lela Negussie

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Alemush Alene

Director of Operations

Yonannes Negussie

Director of Finance

Asmamaw Allenne

Director and Representative of Public Relations in Ethiopia