Lena Wikner & Kathleen Pruitt: African SHADE Founders
Lena and Kathleen met while counseling at a drug and alcohol treatment center in Santa Cruz, CA. They realized they had the same passion for people suffering from abuse and addiction. Using their extensive training and international experience as addiction counselors they decided to focus their attention on Zambia, Africa.
After visiting Zambia for about 10 years to build relationships with local churches, aid organizations, and the community of Livingstone, they decided to move and live there full time.
Over the last 20+ years the vision of African SHADE has grown in multiple ways.
In the last decade Lena and Kathleen have been able to train local Zambians to lead the ministries they began. Now they travel there regularly to train, teach and oversee the continued success and growth of African SHADE.
Tom & Heath Havlick
Advisory Board
Tom & Heath Havlick
Heath has cared for the poor in a variety of ways since childhood, currently serving as an adult literacy tutor and distributing food to the needy with her church. She came to the board with a desire to see lives transformed by God’s love. “People’s deep emotional needs are often overlooked, which can then perpetuate generational cycles of poverty and powerlessness. African SHADE aims to change that!” She can’t remember not knowing these two awesome ladies.
Tom has known Lena and Kathleen over two decades, and he appreciates their hearts for the broken and their desire to see people restored and whole. He said yes to being a board member because “it seemed like a tangible way to support their efforts to be a great influence and help to the people of sub-Saharan Africa.” He has been part of several short-term support trips to nations in need.
Tom has known Lena and Kathleen over two decades, and he appreciates their hearts for the broken and their desire to see people restored and whole. He said yes to being a board member because “it seemed like a tangible way to support their efforts to be a great influence and help to the people of sub-Saharan Africa.” He has been part of several short-term support trips to nations in need.
Mark & Terri Toback
The Tobacks first met Kathleen and Lena in 1995 when they arrived at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship where Mark was the pastor. “It is a privilege to serve on this board supporting two great women. By living and serving the people of Zambia they are the hands and feet of Jesus. They know firsthand the effects of poverty and addiction on individuals and families. We know that they are making a lasting difference as they bring a message of hope and love.” They bring compassion, practical business sense, fundraising ability and prayer support to the board.
Lynn Wagner
Lynn has been close friends with both Lena and Kathleen for many years and has received healing and growth from their process group ministry. “I know the hurting people and the illnesses of the African people will be lessened by my two friends and the God they serve.” Lynn opens her home for board meetings and is willing to help African SHADE in whatever way she can.
Andrew Rovegno
Andrew met Kathleen and Lena while working at New Life Treatment Center and has followed their progress over the years. Andrew has over 40 years experience working in the field of chemical dependency treatment. For the past 25 years he operated multiple sober living homes. He has worked in all phases of their daily operation so is well acquainted with all the issues surrounding this type of facility. When he found out African SHADE wanted to open a Sober Living House in Africa, he enthusiastically lent his support and is eager to share his experience, support and prayers.