Fifteen years ago, we started Camp Heartland to provide one common place where children impacted by HIV/AIDS could experience fun, acceptance and normalcy. Little did we know that we were planting the seed for so much more.

What we initially thought would be fun turned into a reason to live.

What we saw as a week of acceptance transformed our campers into self-confident, empowered young adults.

What we viewed as experiences of normalcy inspired our campers to work toward productive and successful lives.

As we came to recognize the value of our programs, we worked to maximize their potential. By adding leadership and life skills training, psychosocial resources and life enhancement services, we have truly improved the lives of our campers in very real and meaningful ways. While we may use marshmallows and piggy back rides as a vehicle for our services, our impact on the quality of life of thousands of children each year is quite serious.

You and I can be proud of Camp Heartland's leadership role over the last decade in promoting the awareness and education efforts that have contributed to a greatly diminished incidence of pediatric AIDS in the U.S. Still, the need for our services remains strong among children, young adults and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Our growing partnerships with hundreds of like-minded organizations who turn to us each year for training and expertise, is proof that children living in the U.S. with HIV/AIDS are not the only ones for whom Camp Heartland is life-changing. Sadly, we know there are many more children affected by social and medical issues who feel isolated, stigmatized and alienated and who need our help. Therefore, while continuing to serve children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS, Camp Heartland is expanding to serve those across the world who can benefit from our tried and tested programs for children in need.

You can be assured that our commitment to our campers with HIV/AIDS has never been stronger. I know you will agree that it is our responsibility to use our strengths to make a difference by more effectively meeting the needs of children facing isolating circumstances. And so, after years of research and planning, I am thrilled to announce our new name and expanded mission:

One Heartland is a non-profit organization dedicated to greatly improving the lives of children, youth and their families facing HIV/AIDS and other significant life challenges worldwide.

One Heartland will be the umbrella non-profit organization that operates a growing number of programs and services that already include: Camp Heartland, Birch Family Camp, Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Programs, Global Heartland, Heartland Shares, Heartland Camp and Retreat Center and Heartland Partners.

Our dedicated Board of Directors, staff and volunteer corps have developed a strategic four-year plan to reach thousands of additional children and families worldwide. We will accomplish this by meeting the following goals for our core programs:

• Camp Heartland and Birch Family Camp:  Increase the quality and number of programs and services to U.S. children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS

• Heartland Partners:  Create and implement new programs and services for other at-risk and marginalized children, youth and families in the United States

• Global Heartland:  Continue the growth of our Global Heartland initiatives including our sponsorship of the Living India orphanage and other endeavors in order to make a difference in the lives of over 15 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS worldwide

• One Heartland Institute: Lay the groundwork for the creation of an Institute that will facilitate the vast replication of our programs and services throughout the world

Our expansion from Camp Heartland to One Heartland illustrates something that has been true for many years: we are far more than just an average summer camp. For years, our programs and services have dramatically impacted thousands of lives annually. Now under the One Heartland umbrella these programs and services will reach thousands more.

Even with our evolution, some things will never change.  As One Heartland, we remain committed to utilizing donor funds in an ethical and efficient manner; we remain committed to honoring the memory of the 70 campers who have died from AIDS complications; we remain committed to being ahead of the curve in creating and offering new program initiatives; and we remain committed to being a vibrant, vital organization for many decades to come.

On behalf of the entire One Heartland family, thank you for all that you already do to improve the lives of children in need. With your continued support, you can join us in realizing our dream of creating One Heartland where children and families from all over the United States and beyond can find comfort, warmth, unconditional love and acceptance. Please feel free to contact me personally at 1-800-724-HOPE if you have any questions about One Heartland.

All best wishes,

Neil Willenson

Founder and CEO

P.S. When Camp Heartland was founded in 1993, I never could have envisioned the tremendous growth that we have experienced.  Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity over the past 15 years and your continued support of One Heartland into the future!