Mosquito netting helps protect the children against malaria and other diseases.
Sweet Sleep for Orphans
Posted February 18, 2010
JENNIFER GASH brings "sweet sleep" and hope to orphans around the world.
A FEW YEARS BACK, Jennifer Gash’s life was on a steady track. She was a typical single 20-something with a great job as an assistant to the mayor of Nashville. She loved organizing birthday bashes for her church singles group, and she was always up for a good shopping trip.
“My life was full of good things, but now it’s fulfilled, instead of just being filled,” Gash said.
Everything changed for her on a church mission trip to an orphanage in Moldova, a poor, tiny country in Eastern Europe where families frequently give up their children because they can’t afford to care for them. When Gash arrived, she found the children’s mattresses dated back to the 1950s, with an odor that was overwhelming. Gash was so affected by the plight of those youngsters that she quit her job – with its group health plan and paid holidays – and dedicated her life to helping children around the world sleep more soundly.
In her spare bedroom, with a $30 donation check from a co-worker, she founded a non-profit, faith-based organization called Sweet Sleep, which provides bed frames, mattresses, and bedding to orphanages around the world.
It all began with that one co-worker’s donation, but Gash said, “It was like a Jerry Lewis telethon.” She went on to raise $500, a feat she charted on a chalkboard. And that co-worker was one of a number of supporters who have adopted children from Moldova.
Six years later, Sweet Sleep has a small staff, a board of directors, and a track record of providing beds, bedding, Bibles, and mosquito netting, for more than 5,000 children in Moldova, Uganda, and Haiti.
In January alone, Gash organized an emergency fundraiser for Haiti, sending truckloads of bedding for 3,000 orphans. Last year, more than 200 orphanages in 11 countries applied for Sweet Sleep beds.
Gash teams up with faith-based groups around the world to select orphanages to receive beds. She raises money, organizes bed frame construction in each country, and then she leads mission teams overseas to distribute them.
“We don’t just give kids a bed,” Gash said. “It’s a tool we use to change lives. We gave our first beds with mosquito nets to children in Uganda last summer, and when we went back over Christmas, we found not one of those children has had malaria. The bed is not just a place to lie down and be comfortable. It’s a matter of protecting their health, and when children rest better at night, they learn better in school. When they aren’t sick, they can go to school. Less money is spent on medical costs, and there’s more money for food. ”
Oddly enough, Gash almost missed that first trip that transformed so many lives.
“My life was so busy and so full, I actually thought about cancelling,” Gash said. “It would have been easier not to go. It was inconvenient, and it was expensive. But I followed through. I didn’t know what I was doing at first. I was a scaredy-cat. I was scared to fly and scared to be there. But it’s not about me anymore.”
“Before that first trip to Moldova, my life largely was about what was going on in my life,” Gash said. “I never imagined I would be involved in someone else’s life in another part of the world, or that I would bring hope to anyone else’s life.”
After a number of visits back to Moldova, Gash was impacted by a teenage girl named Galina who, teaching herself English, became a translator on Gash’s trips. Gash then filed immigration papers to bring Galina to the United States, live with Gash, and finish high school – an unheard of opportunity in Moldova. “I knew it was something I had to do,” Gash said. “It’s hard to explain. Girls who become too old for the orphanages are easy prey for the mafia’s sex trade there. I couldn’t stand the thought of what could happen to her. ”
Life has changed profoundly for Gash since the days of organizing parties and shoe shopping. She is raising a teenager on her own and has become a mother to thousands of parentless children through Sweet Sleep. She meets ambassadors and dignitaries. And she finds herself in the midst of worlds she never dreamed of, such as when the Moldovan mafia tried to stop her from entering an orphanage where they recruit young members, or when a Ugandan man tried to buy her as his bride. “It’s been a lot of adventures,” Gash said.
Gash says she is living proof of the untapped potential of an individual. “I think the world can beat you down, and you think one person can’t make a difference,” she said. “But that’s just not true. If you slow down long enough to figure out what’s important, it can change the course of your life, and you can impact the lives of other people more than you could ever imagine.”
For more on Gash’s work, visit www.sweetsleep.org.
JENNIFER GASH is a Regions customer.
comments (59)
It is amazing what good one person can start. Thank you
Caitlin DeLoachThat was a very heartwarming story!
D. GravesAwesome story!
Jessica Manning, Atlanta, GAAwesome, inspiring, heart-warming!
DenaI was truly touched by your story it inspires me to reach out and help others. I can't believe a 20 something girl could have such maturity and compassion for others. It really is a beautiful thing you do and I think you are a wonderful human being. One person can make a difference and you should be so very proud of yourself for touching so many lives with your hope.
barbara shelbyWhat a wonderful story! I almost started crying... at work! This story inspired me to want to do more for my community, especially for children, any way I can. They are our future, after all.
Katie WimberleySweet Sleep is a wonderful cause. Several years ago one of my customers brought in pictures of three children he was sponsoring. He started telling me about the orphanages in Moldova and i was hooked. I went to a meeting at a local church and picked out my little boy that my husband and i sponsored. What a great feeling to be able to help a child that would otherwise have nothing. I encourage everyone to go to this website.
JuanitaGOD BE WITH YOU JENNIFER, AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO AND ALL THE HELP YOU HAVE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN IN NEED ALL OVER THE WORLD. THAT'S SOMETHING I WOULD LOVE TO DO ONE DAY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ORPHANS ESPECIALLY. THEY DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO LOVE THEM AND TO HOLD THEM AND TO KISS THEM GOODNITE. THAT JUST BREAKS MY HEART, AND I JUST WANT TO GIVE EVERY ONE OF THEM A BIG HUG. GOD BLESS THE ORPHANS AND GOD BLESS YOUR WORK.
YELENAWOW, what an amazing testimony of being faithful to God's calling on Jennifer's life. I love how she said her life is fulfilled, rather than being filled. Awesome!!
Lisa BThis is a truly amazing story, I was deeply touched. Thank you Jennifer Gash for listening to that small voice within.......
VickieJennifer Gash and her endeavor bring to mind the expression "Little is much when God is in it." Her initial funds of $30 from a co-worker sure did blossom and spread out to cover a lot more than I am sure she ever envisioned. Her heart found the place that she needed to be fulfilled. We could all take a moment and think about the things in this life that really matter and find all kinds of ways that we could help others. Sometimes it is the little things that matter the most when we face difficult situations. Sweet Sleep could not be a more appropriate name for her cause. Thanks and may God continue to bless you in your cause.
Judy BatesWonderful story. This is a clear and definite reminder to not take anything for granted. Thank you for such an inspiration!
CeceliaAWESOME story!
Kirsten Sheets, FLYou are a gift of God!!! Awesome. You inspire me to help more and more.
Patricia Da SilvaWhat an encouraging story. It does encourage me to know how one person can truly make a difference. Thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony! I love this website!
KimWhat a blessing you are..it is easy step out and do things when you have an abundant supply of money, but stepping out on faith is a different story. Thanks for sharing.. Blessings to you...His best...
Fran NolinAwesome story. May God continue to bless your Ministry.
SheliaI have a friend who wants to do missions work in Uganda. It's great to know that someone can be inspired to fill such a need! God can do such a wonderful thing through just ONE person, and that is evident here in Jennifer!
ChesleyThis is a great story and I wish Jennifer all of God's blessings. I liked to see that she gives Bibles as well. Nice to know people are still allowed to do that!
Beth WalkerWhat a difference one person can make! A missionary to Moldova comes to my church often and speaks on the efforts he and his team make to protect young girls from the sex trade that is happening over there. Keep on making a difference, what an amazing story!
LauraWOW!!! What a wonderful story.
IBrockThis is such an inspiring story. I love to hear of others who volunteer their time and hearts. I just lost my grandmother recently to cancer. You don't realize how important a simple thing like your own bed could mean so much, but I know it does. All my grandmother wanted was her bed even though she couldn't have it. I know it meant a lot. So we know that little things that we take for granted can mean so much to those who don't have those things. I wish you the best, Jennifer and May God bless you and everyone of us when we do something so great for others. It makes the world seem a little brighter every day.
RebeccaInspiring and Powerful!
MistyWhat a great testament to the power of compassion! There are so many things that we take for granted, and I know that for me, my bed is one of them. I don't think about it much, but if I was without one, the person to provide me with one would be a hero in my eyes. Jennifer, I'm sure you are seen as a hero and a friend to many children who have little to call their own. Thank you!
Kristen D.Praise God! It warms my heart to know that people like Jennifer are taking action to improve the lives of orphans. The thought of these little people discovering the world without parents is sad enough, and then you think of the conditions that many of them endure everyday. These acts of love make the world a better place!
CourtneyWhat a blessing to so many in need!
juliaWonderful story! It truly touched me. How can we donate to this charity?
Elayne MartinezNevermind, saw it on your website! Thanks!
Elayne MartinezThe Bible states it is always better to give than receive. You will reap exactly what you deserve, a life of great blessings.
Svonnie TrailerYour story is one that needs to be shared. Just as you, so many times we get so consumed with our own little problems or concerns that we tend to forget how blessed we really are. Now who would have thought that something as a simple idea of sharing bedding would have turned into your ministry. And now you've helped thousands. See what can happen if we all learn to stop focusing on ourselves so much and come out of the box and share and examine what we can do for someone else. When you can't seem to solve your own problems, it's always good to see if you can help solve someone else's. And most of the time when we take our eyes off of self, we then tend to see the light of help much quicker. Continue to go when and where you are called, continue to share a glimpse of hope to those that may not have it if it wasn't for you. And you will continually be Blessed. Because whether we like it or not, we are our brothers keepers, and we all are in this together.
LuckyWe take for granted where we are going to lay our head down at night, let alone if it is actually going to be on a mattress or bed covers. Thanks to people like Jennifer these children have at least a few luxuries. It does my heart good to see young UNSELFISH people in this world.
Lisa WhittingtonNothing in my life gives me the same wonderful feeling that comes from helping someone in need. As a single woman, at times the economic crunch can be almost crushing, but God always provides whatever I need to keep on giving and volunteering. Bless you, Jennifer!
CYNDIThis is a wonderful thing to do! It has touched my heart, and I want to thank whoever was responsible for sharing this with our Regions family. I am sharing with our VBS coordinator at our church in hopes that we can become involved in some way to help in these efforts. One person can make a difference!!
Judy SherbertGreat story. I have an adopted child from Romania, and I have a special place in my heart for all of these children. They are all so innocent and deserve a chance. I will pray for the continued work of your organization.
Gina SquiresToday is 03/04. To start my day, I really needed something inspiring to read. Jennifer the LOVE you have for God's children truly comes from the heart - be blessed.
Sylvia BonnerI was once a foster child and lucky enough I was adopted. Someone special gave me an opportunity. Jennifer, it's people like you that make us strong individuals with a chance at life.
Susana GarciaAs I read this story, then read the comments I was terribly convicted of my own selfishness. Had a bad day yesterday, and as I think about my bad days in comparison to the bad days of a child who has no one to love or care for them and who struggles with just the basic necessities like a clean, comfortable bed to lie down on at night, I was ashamed. I am blessed beyond measure. I am extremely involved in my community and church, but this story is forcing me to reevaluate the things that I am involved in to make sure that I truly pursue things that can make a significant difference in the lives of people. I think we all need to be careful not to fill our lives with things of little or no value to the point we have nothing to give to things that can truly change lives. Best story I have read on "See the Good". Thank you Regions for sharing these stories - I think we will all be better human beings as a result.
Debbie VaughnGreat story, what a blessing to know how one person can dedicate so much to others in need.
Bobbie BrownWonderful story, I enjoyed very much! You are a very special person!
JulieIt is a very inspiring thing you are doing. I hope I am as fortunate as you have been to come up with something to impact the lives of so many others. Keep up the great work!
Jennifer DavisBeautiful! I admire her courage and compassion for others! We should all strive to love others like she does! BRAVO!
RobinWhat a wonderful story. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many orphans and especially in the life of your daughter.
Susan MaitlandReading this story was like hearing a modern day "feeding of the thousands with 5 loaves and 3 fishes! The number of lives touched by your dream and a $30.00 contribution is probably unfathomable!. Thank you Jennifer for showing us the priceless and awesome reward of true sacrifice.
JuliaVery, Very Inspiring. Thank You
Marsha BaskettWhat a wonderful story, it was truly inspiring to know that one event would change a person's personal fulfillment.
Tammy TSuch a sweet, inspiring story. Thanks for posting it!
BetsyWhat a wonderful article about my sweet friend, Jen. I am so proud to know her. Her Christ-like love for orphans is an inspiration to us all!
Andrea B.What an awesome story. This woman should be an inspiration to everyone who reads this that how small something may seem that we are doing that have a great impact on those who we help and those around us.
Shelli HumphriesEyeopening and Inspiring.
Peerli ReynoldsYou are truly amazing! It takes a really caring and thoughtful person to put their own wants and needs aside and focus on others. I commend you for your selfless acts, and I hope others will read your story and be inspired as I am.
Traci J. Sanders Birmingham, AlabamaHow horrible it would be to not have somewhere to sleep! Thank you so much for this story, it truly touches me to know you can give so selflessly!
Derek StarrI know this website is called see the good, but im only seeing the GREAT! This story has motivated me to find what i can do to help in and around my community. You rock my face off!
Jenny WebbI appreciate your giving and loving spirit! I am going on a missions trip this summer and your story is very encouraging.
Scotti AlkireAs a Regions account holder, I'm very glad to see you supporting "Sweet Sleep." I've been on several mission trips to Moldova with this organization, and am so impressed with Jen Gash and all she's been able to accomplish with God's help. My heart is with these precious orphaned children and those whose parents are unable to care for them who've been left at the orphanages. Thank you for supporting them and sharing their story.
Gloria K. Jones, Franklin, TNWhat a wonderful blessing you are to all of the children. May God continue to bless your ministry.
BridgettThat is cool that people can take the loans and it opens up completely new possibilities.
BishopAngela34That is so special...
narfWhat a great story!! what a difference one person can make , love it.
maggie pirozziMay God bless you and keep you safe in your journeys. Thank you for helping and mentoring to those young souls. We definitely take for granted what GOD has given us and I will share this with my children. We give through the church, but you do so much more.
Wanda