Numan Children's Home
Our Commitment to Numan's Children
Our Vision
A thriving, compassionate community where every child grows in a safe and nurturing environment, women are empowered to reach their full potential, and families remain strong and united.
Our Mission
Numan Children’s Home is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, women, and families in rural Ethiopia. We provide holistic care, education, and emotional support to orphans and at-risk children.
Our Story
Numan Children’s Home was founded in 2018 to bridge the gap left when international adoptions ended in Ethiopia. What began as a heartfelt mission by Lora Bowden to support children has grown into a thriving community dedicated to holistic care and family support. After meeting the orphanage's founder, Endale, Lora felt called to act when closures threatened the stability of vulnerable children. Today, our vision encompasses not only orphan care but also the empowerment of women and the strengthening of local families. Through education and vocational training, we aim to provide lasting opportunities for generations to come. This is our story, and we are just getting started.
Dedicated Hearts
Lora Bowden
President
Lora Bowden was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington. She graduated from Bellingham High School and later earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Bellingham Technical College.
Lora and her husband, Matthew, have built a large and loving family together. They are parents to ten children and grandparents to five. Their journey has included adopting six of their youngest children—two from Ethiopia, one from Colombia, and three through the United States foster care system.
In 2019, their family experienced a profound loss when their youngest son, Troy, passed away just before his fifth birthday due to a genetic disorder. His life continues to inspire Lora’s compassion and dedication to helping children in need.
In 2018, Lora founded Numan Children’s Home, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to support children living at Numan Orphanage in Assela, Ethiopia. Through her work, she remains committed to providing love, stability, and opportunity to vulnerable children.
Endale
In Country Executive Director
Numan Children’s Home was founded on February 6, 2006, to care for children who have been abandoned or relinquished due to difficult social and economic circumstances. It was started by Endale and his friend Israel, who first served as director. After Israel’s passing, Endale stepped in to lead—just 25 years old at the time—with a deep commitment to the children in their care.
Over the years, more than 200 children have been placed with loving families through adoption. Numan became highly respected for its integrity, strong partnerships with government agencies, and unwavering focus on the best interest of each child.
When Ethiopia ended intercountry adoption, Numan lost its primary source of funding. Despite this, Endale remained steadfast, continuing to care for the children and reaching out to supporters to help sustain the home.
For Endale, Numan is more than a mission—it is his life. Though he has no children of his own, he considers every child at Numan his family and is devoted to giving them love, stability, and hope for the future.
Mesa
Mesa is our most senior nanny. She joined Numan 13 years ago at just 16 years old. On her very first day, she broke down in tears and said, “I want to spend my lifetime with children who have lost their families.” She has stayed true to that promise every single day since. Mesa continues to faithfully serve without pay. Her heart and dedication are truly remarkable and we are blessed to have her.
Mesa has a deep, natural love for children. She cares for each child with compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment. She loves them as her own, tending to their individual needs and providing the stability and comfort they so desperately need. For children who have lost their parents, Mesa is a constant source of love and security.
Mesa grew up in the countryside. Her family comes from very humble means. Today, her younger sister Genet lives with her at Numan and helps with daily chores. Her brother lives nearby and visits often, keeping her connected to her family while she continues to pour her life into the children at Numan.
We are beyond grateful for Mesa and the love she gives so selflessly.
Nanny Extraordinaire