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Forward Edge International (FEI), Vancouver, Wash.
Founded in 1983, Forward Edge Internationalis a faith-based non-profit humanitarian aid organization. The International Headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington, with field offices in New Orleans, Louisiana; Nicaragua and Mexico.

Mission
Forward Edge International exists to share Christ’s love with those affected by poverty, disaster and sickness in the U.S. and around the world. ''Ordinary People. Extraordinary Purpose.''

Aid recipients are not asked to participate in faith-based activities in order to receive medical care or supplies. Volunteers of various faiths are welcome as long as they can support the mission of Forward Edge International.

Volunteers
Forward Edge specializes in mobilizing and equipping ordinary people to help afflicted people worldwide. By the end of 2008 more than 10,000 people will have served on FEI teams in the US and around the world. Volunteer teams form through businesses, churches, campus fellowships and groups of individuals.

All that is needed is a desire to serve. Ordinary people from all walks of life and with a range of skills and abilities volunteer on teams that address needs ranging from teaching Vacation Bible School on the Crow Reservation in Montana, to providing mobile medical clinics in remote villages in Nicaragua or rebuilding homes for disaster survivors. All volunteers are welcome because everyone deserves an opportunity to change a life.

Programs
Forward Edge operates in three areas of core competency:

Disaster Response
Following Hurricane Katrina, FEI has maintained a consistent presence in the Gulf Coast where hundreds of volunteers from around the U.S. continue to help the poor and uninsured to rebuild. Volunteers also responded to responded Hurricane Felix and Hurricane Gustav and the China earthquakes in 2008. And of course, FEI volunteers responded to the devastating terror attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001

Programs for Vulnerable Children
Children's Villages: In 2007 FEI founded Villa Esperanza a home for girls escaping life in La Chureca, the landfill in Managua, Nicaragua. Planning is underway for a second village in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Children live in family groups of eight children and a professionally trained foster mother.

Feeding Programs: Kijabe, Kenya FEI helps a local woman feed more than 60 orphans and vulnerable children, and provides micro-business opportunities to local women, helping the improve the lives of their families.

Health-Care Projects
Clean Water: Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services, coupled with poor hygiene practices leads to unnecessary disease in Puerto Cabezas on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. In 2008 Forward Edge began well drilling in the villages surrounding Puerto Cabezas.

Medical Clinics: Volunteer teams of doctors and nurses travel to cities and remote areas of Nicaragua, Mexico and Africa providing badly needed surgeries and medical supplies and supporting local physicians. Volunteers also provide HIV and AIDS education and training.

Finances
Forward Edge International is non-profit, supported by the donations of individuals, corporations, foundations and churches.

Financial accountability
Rated as a Charity Navigator "Four-Star" charity.
 * Charity Navigator