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Photo courtesy of Heifer International

Rev. Leo Tautfest has lived a life in service to others.  In addition to being a retired Presbyterian minister, Rev. Tautfest is a longtime volunteer for Heifer International.

Heifer believes in giving a hand-up rather than a hand-out.  The organization was started in 1944 by a Church of the Brethren layman who began a tradition of giving animals to needy families.  The very first shipment of animals contained 14 cows bound for Puerto Rico.  Recipient families agree to give the first female offspring to another needy family, thus passing on and paying forward the original gift.

When Heifer goes into a village, volunteers work to form a group of locals that decides who will receive a gifted animal.  80% of the participants are female, and the program empowers women who may not have owned anything before.   In developing countries worldwide, women make up 43% of the agricultural workforce.  Group decision-making promotes trust and gives a voice to people who were previously silenced.   Recipients have to develop shelter and a food source for animals they will receive, and Heifer assists them during a 12- to 18-month training period.

Contrary to what one might think, more people in the world drink milk from sheep than any other kind of animal.  Many who cannot tolerate cow’s milk can enjoy sheep’s or goat’s milk.  The Heifer ark also includes camels, pigs, ducks, and bees.  These animals can give life-sustaining products such as milk, cheese, eggs, honey, and wool.  Products in excess of what is needed to sustain the family can be bartered for other supples or sold.

Over the past several decades, Rev. Tautfest volunteered in Mexico, Haiti, and Tanzania –to name a few.   He related the story of a Tanzanian man, his wife, and their nine children.  In the year 2000, the family received a nanny goat from Heifer.  The goat soon gave four babies of which two were passed on to other families.  In four years the goat birthed 18 kids.  The man was able to help other villagers, expand his herd and, consequently, the prosperity of his family.

Heifer International uses 24% of the funds it raises for education, administration, and fund raising.  This cost might seem high, but Heifer is committed to educating Americans about the root causes of poverty and hunger.  Although Heifer does not encourage or maintain connections between donors and recipients, the organization tracks projects for four to five years from inception.  Heifer works with other NGO’s, such as the Peace Corps, to follow-up on projects in far-flung locations.