About Us

Purpose
The purpose of Friends of Shirati is to provide medical, educational and developmental assistance to East Africa, primarily in Tanzania.

History
Friends of Shirati began as an informal group of individuals committed to benefiting members of the Shirati community by contributing monetarily to the material healthcare needs of Shirati Hospital. The first fundraiser for Shirati Hospital occurred in 1978 when employees of Lancaster General Hospital (Lancaster, PA) donated money for medical supplies. A decade later in 1989, a Friends of Shirati committee was formed under Eastern Mennonite Mission (Salunga, PA) to begin efforts toward raising larger funds. In 2004 Shirati Hospital and the Tanzania Mennonite Church began requesting increased financial support to help with the renovation and modernization of Shirati Hospital, in addition to other programs. In response to this request, Friends of Shirati separated from Eastern Mennonite Mission and registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Since 1934 many doctors, nurses, nurse educators, hospital administrators, church leaders, and support personnel have lived and worked at Shirati Hospital and with the Tanzania Mennonite Church. At least 100 of these persons are the basis of our financial support, and our current board of directors has more than 100 cumulative years working at Shirati Hospital.

Tax Exempt Status
Friends of Shirati is a Pennsylvania nonprofit Corporation and is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Contributions to Friends of Shirati are tax deductible.

Board of Directors

Ken Stauffer, Chairman Dale Ressler, Executive Director Nevin Kraybill, Secretary Treasurer Stanley Godshall, M.D. Tom Ruth, M.D. Fred Beyer, M.D. Glen Brubaker, M.D. Tom Smucker Shade Magare Emmanuael Muganda