Building an Orphanage | Amanda's Story
March 8th marks International Women’s Day—a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere. At FurPetVo, we’re proud to have so many incredible and caring women in our community. This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the inspiring work of members like Amanda—who, through compassion, commitment, and action, are helping build a better world for people and animals alike.
A Life Changed in Ghana
Amanda, a FurPetVo member originally from Denver, CO, had her life transformed during a trip to Ghana—a journey that began with a simple promise and grew into a lifelong mission.
“I have always loved to travel,” she shares, “and when I found FurPetVo in January 2018, I joined immediately because it combined my two favorite things: connection and adventure. There’s no better way to connect than to live in someone else’s shoes—and no better way to feel truly connected than to share the love of their pets.”
In August 2018—while completing her Master’s in Public Health—Amanda traveled to Ghana as a Community Health Ambassador. While teaching handwashing to children, she visited a local orphanage. Unlike others she’d seen in developing countries, this one stood out: the children were joyful, well-cared-for, fully clothed, and surrounded by warmth and attention.
“These kids stayed on my mind,” she says. “A few days later, I went back to meet the woman who ran the home. I wanted to help—but instead of assuming what they needed, I asked.”
The Promise That Started It All
“You’re doing a wonderful job here with the kids, and I want to help you,” Amanda told her. “Tell me what you really need.”
“We need a new home,” came the quiet, sober reply.
Amanda was stunned. The building—originally constructed in 1842—was crumbling, its walls cracked and its roof leaking. “I was SO not okay with this,” she recalls. “The thought of these children—rescued from unimaginable hardship, finally finding safety and love—risking it all because their home was falling apart… that changed everything.”
That moment became her inflection point: Was she truly committed—not just to feeling good about helping, but to doing exactly what was needed? For Amanda, the answer was clear. She said the biggest “yes” of her life—even though, at the time, she was an unemployed graduate student living on savings, without permanent housing or steady income.
From Promise to Purpose
After returning to London, Amanda spent weeks reflecting—often on long runs along the Thames, accompanied by Lilah, one of her favorite dog-walking companions through FurPetVo. What started as a single conversation blossomed into a full-time calling.
Fast forward two and a half years—through fundraising, pandemic delays, countless learning curves, collaboration with local builders and professionals, and multiple trips between the UK and Ghana—Amanda is now based full-time in Dodowa, Ghana, running her own nonprofit.
Her mission? To complete the Belief Home—the name inspired by the sheer amount of faith it took to begin the project—and to expand support for the entire community.
What’s Next for Belief Home?
The first floor of Belief Home is now complete. But the vision continues to grow:
- A fully equipped library with computers for education and digital access
- Dedicated clinic space staffed by local nurses
- Additional safe, nurturing living quarters for children
- The Belief Home Youth Center—a community hub developed in partnership with the local health directorate and social welfare office, designed to empower all youth in Dodowa to learn, grow, and thrive
Amanda’s story is more than about building walls and roofs—it’s about building trust, dignity, and opportunity. It’s a reminder that meaningful change often begins with listening, showing up, and saying “yes” when it matters most.
Many thanks to Amanda for sharing her journey. To learn more about Belief Home and how you can support their mission, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
