The One World Institute has been generating ripples of positive, healing energy across the Pacific
Ocean. Nowadays, if you know where to look, you can experience the magic and joy
wheelchairs are bringing to those who cannot afford it, “wheelchairs of mercy”
that can handle the urban and rural terrains of the Philippines, rain or shine.
It’s been a very quiet humanitarian contribution to the Philippines’ “poorest of
the poor.” Some of the visionaries just happen to be my friends: Dr. Tom Stern and Yolanda Stern. It’s time we share their
work to my world!
Tom and Yolanda Stern are a very interesting couple to spend time with,
whenever we get that rare chance. Dynamic conversations are a norm. Tom really
dances up a storm with Yolanda (with ease and grace!) during those ballroom-type
parties. That’s just the social part — and trust that it’s not often that we
even get to see them dance. I’ve personally been a part of strategic planning
activities as well as political and cultural events wherein I’ve witnessed the
couple’s foresight, dedication, accountability, and astute attention to details.
I really look forward to my volunteer work with them during collaborative
Filipino community efforts.
The stuff the Sterns are made of embody the qualities of loving-kindness and
compassion. That’s my opinion. I believe that the Sterns truly enjoy their
economic and cultural empowerment activities for the Filipinos in the
Philippines and overseas. They are definitely “hands-on” humanitarians.
Another personal item: I don’t even dare call “Manang Yo,”
Yolanda’s nickname, on her cellphone because she might answer her phone calls
from who-knows-where-in-the-mountains-of-Mindanao. In any case, I’m being
considerate about unnecessarily contacting this beautiful couple by phone unless
it is really urgent.
Here’s what Tom and Yolanda have been up to. I hope the One World Institute
gets more recognition, nationally or internationally, for its unheralded work
that empowers disabled, economically-impoverished persons — soon! # # #
