From a Small Office to a Big Impact
When we hear the term "non-profit," it’s easy to envision large organizations with sprawling offices, bustling teams, and countless boxes of donations waiting to be sent out to those in need. We imagine grandiose ideas being discussed in open spaces, with everyone working together to change the world. However, the reality of running a non-profit often looks much different—and that's okay. In fact, it often means that you can create a significant impact, even with limited resources and a small but dedicated team. The success of small initiatives can prove that change doesn't always come from large offices or endless budgets, but from passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Take WTN, for example. Founded in 2008 by a passionate social worker, WTN started from humble beginnings. The founder realized that many children were hesitant to open up about their struggles during therapy sessions in her office. She discovered that when she took them outside for walks amidst nature, they were more willing to talk. Inspired by this breakthrough, she began researching wilderness therapy and decided to incorporate it into her practice. The first hike was done with borrowed equipment, a couple of volunteers, and a group of children. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable—the children began to open up more than they had before, and the results were profound.
Seeing the impact of the first hike, the founder decided to continue with it as a project under the Benevolence Board of the DR Church. The church’s support was instrumental, contributing toward her salary, which allowed her to focus on the program full-time. With this backing, the program began to grow. She expanded the concept to include weekly mentoring sessions after each hike, and soon, the initiative was reaching more children in need of support. For the first 11 years, the program was funded by congregations and supporters and was single-handedly run by the founder, who poured her heart into the mission.
During these years, the program evolved, adjusting to meet the changing needs of the participants and expanding its reach. In 2019, the current Project Manager joined WTN, initially part-time, and later took on a full-time role. This marked a pivotal moment in the organization’s growth. With the help of the Project Manager, WTN was able to secure its first major funding, making it possible for the program to become more sustainable and expand its services. By this time, WTN had already touched the lives of 440 young people, helping to change the course of their futures.
In 2023, the founder of WTN decided it was time to retire. She entrusted the future of the program to a young couple from South Africa with expertise in adventure tourism and therapy. In 2024, a social worker was also appointed, further expanding the team. This marked a significant milestone, as the staff at WTN reached its largest size in the organization’s history. Today, four dedicated staff members are impacting the lives of 40 teenagers every year from underprivileged areas such as Katatura and Rehoboth.
While the growth of WTN is impressive, it doesn’t mean that the journey has been without its challenges. Managing the program can be overwhelming, particularly given the emotional toll it takes on those involved. The staff members develop close bonds with the young participants, learning about their personal struggles and helping them navigate life’s challenges. The weight of this emotional investment can sometimes feel heavy, but it is part of the commitment to creating real, lasting change.
Despite the growth, WTN still faces limitations. Funding remains a constant challenge, and the resources available are far from abundant. The saying "With every new level comes a new devil" rings true in the non-profit world, where new challenges arise as the organization grows. But none of this has deterred WTN. The dedication of the staff, our unwavering belief that God will provide, the support from the community, and the transformative impact on the participants drive the mission forward. It’s proof that with passion, determination, faith, and a willingness to adapt, great things can be accomplished—even with limited resources.
In 2024, WTN conducted a tracer study to assess the long-term impact of the program on participants from 16-17 years ago. Though the data is still being processed, one thing is already clear: WTN made a meaningful difference in the lives of its participants, shaping their futures in ways that continue to resonate to this day. The feedback so far has been a powerful reminder that small programs with big hearts can have an outsized impact on the lives they touch.
WTN’s journey proves that, regardless of the size of your office or the amount of funding you have, making a big impact is entirely possible. It’s not about the resources at your disposal; it’s about how you use them. With passion, innovation, and perseverance, even a small non-profit can create lasting, meaningful change in the world.
