 She is beautiful on the inside and out, and there are no better words to describe her other than selfless and humble…at least in my opinion.
In my profession, I get the opportunity to meet many people, and Santa Clarita resident Racquel Turner, otherwise known as Rocky, is one whose path I’m glad I crossed. After a brief conversation with her, there’s no doubt that her passion for helping others goes beyond the expected. With a supportive husband and six children (four sons and two daughters) being busy is more than likely an understatement, but nearly a decade ago, Rocky wanted to do something more. “Something was just missing,” states Rocky.
It all started in 2006 with a simple Google search on volunteering in Africa. Less than a year later, she was off to Kenya, volunteering with Global Volunteer Network, and assigned to a girl’s orphanage outside of Nairobi. Little did Rocky know that her entire world was about to change. She was assigned to an all girls orphanage, Saint Monica’s Children’s Home for Girls, where she met 25 girls between the ages of four to 14. It was at the orphanage where Rocky met Winnie, a nine year old who was about to finish the fourth grade. “All I knew was the moment that this little girl grabbed my hand and jumped into my arms, I had found what I had been missing all along. It was her. People like to say their husbands or wives, boyfriends or girlfriends are their soul mates. Mine is Winnie.”
Of the millions of girls who do not have the opportunity to receive an education, Rocky did not want Winnie or any of the other girls to be part of that statistic. Upon her return home, Rocky formed Mothers Fighting For Others (MFFO). “MFFO is all volunteer based,” states Rocky. “Our goal is to educate, empower, love and protect the children in our care. Currently, there are 44 children living at Saint Monica’s Children’s Home. These are our kids, so like any other family, we have the responsibility to take care of them, feed, clothe, educate and make sure they stay healthy.”
Throughout the years, MFFO has helped many girls. “We will have our first university graduate in December,” states Rocky. “I’ve known Mary since she was in high school, and to see her prepare herself for graduation is simply amazing to me. We currently have three more going to college now, and six more girls just graduated high school.” Rocky continues, “These girls have grown to be such strong young women, and they are growing every day to be more confident and keep their head up. They are learning to have a voice, and use it. It’s inspiring.”
Rocky makes her way to Saint Monica’s two to three times a year, and continues to support these girls through her organization. On Monday, June 9, Mothers Fighting For Others will be hosting the documentary, Girl Rising at 7:30 p.m. at Edwards in Valencia. “It’s a documentary about why girls’ education matters, and what happens when you are given the opportunity to be educated.”
On August 16, MFFO will also be hosting the 2nd Annual Calendar Luau to help raise money to support a year’s worth of costs for Saint Monica’s Children Home for Girls. The luau themed event will be at the home of Mike and Anne-Marie Bjorkman. “The goal is to raise enough money to operate the current home in Kenya for a year. We are also in the process of building a new home as well.” For details about the event, you can email Rocky at Rocky@mffo.org.
“I get so much more back than I give,” states Racquel. There are 44 kids to care for. Just imagine getting that kind of love back. To be called ‘Mum’ by them is a gift.”
To learn more about Mothers Fighting For Others or how you can help out, visit www.mffo.org or email Racquel at Rocky@mffo.org.
Photos Courtesy Julie Salvante and Racquel Turner |
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