October 10, 2007

Dear [member_name_first],

Happy Autumn!

It's harvest time throughout the world, which means children of all ages are back in school, the weather has turned cooler and the upcoming holiday season is fast approaching. In Vietnam, we just celebrated the Mid-Autumn Moon festival, a delightful time for children to parade through the streets with colorful paper lanterns and eat mooncakes and other traditional foods.

At East Meets West, we also have a lot to celebrate and I'd like to share with you some recent news in this edition of our e-newsletter.

First, our Support Network for People With Disabilities just received two additional grants to expand. The SN-PWD is a comprehensive care program that is giving people with disabilities better life opportunities through job training, medical treatment and special education for disabled children. The Ford Foundation just awarded EMW an additional $375,000 to launch the program in a second province, Thai Binh, in northern Vietnam. Read more about the expansion here. Secondly, Arcanum, a Swiss foundation, awarded EMW $105,000 to support the development of private businesses in Thai Binh that employ disabled people. Both of these additional grants will help EMW make a huge difference in the lives of disabled people suffering from dioxin contamination. Read all about the program here.

Next, I'd like to announce the creation of our new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, designed to help bring to fruition innovative business ideas. If you have an idea for a creative, low-cost solution that is designed to reach people who are in the most need, please submit it to East Meets West. We are now accepting proposals and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in early 2008. Read more about the CIE here.

We have many more exciting things to share which you can read about on our website. We hope you forward our e-newsletter widely to those you think would be interested in our programs of learning, healing and health in Vietnam.

As always, thank you for your continued support and interest in the work of the East Meets West Foundation.

Best regards,

John Anner
Executive Director

EMW Seeking to Fill New Positions We are seeking experienced, mission-driven individuals - work for the largest NGO in Vietnam. Current positions include a Liaison Officer in Hanoi and a Program Officer for the SPELL program in DaNang. Job Details here.	Lotus Bleu Selling paintings by children from EMW's Village of Hope Lotus Bleu, an art and home decor company in San Francisco owned by EMW donor Jeannie Fraise, is selling paintings by children from the Village of Hope all through the month of October. Stop by the store or visit the Lotus Bleu website to buy these special paintings and greeting cards. All proceeds benefit the Village of Hope. Visit Lotus Bleu website.	If you shop online, EMW can earn money. If you shop at online retailers such as Amazon, Macy's, Target, Gap, or about 100 other retailers, consider using GoodShop, a feature of GoodSearch.com. Every purchase you make benefits EMW when you choose EMW as your preferred charity. Learn more about GoodSearch.com.