Empowering Women and Children: The Mission of Stephanie’s Sanctuary
Stephanie’s Sanctuary is a Christian Charity founded to honor the legacy of Stephanie Malas, a mother whose compassion and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. As a devoted mother of three, Stephanie’s life was a reflection of kindness and sacrifice, always putting others before herself. When Stephanie tragically passed away at 54, her family felt an overwhelming desire to create something meaningful in her memory—something that would carry forward her extraordinary spirit.
And so, Stephanie’s Sanctuary was born: a place not just of refuge, but a transformative and supportive Christian community where safety, education, and empowerment come together to create lasting change for women and children. Keep reading to learn more about how the Stephanie’s Sanctuary Christian charity aims to make positive, sustainable change for the women and children of Uganda.
A Vision Realized: Stephanie’s Sanctuary in Uganda
The journey to launching Stephanie’s Sanctuary in Uganda unfolded naturally. Stephanie’s family had already been involved in sponsoring clean water wells in Uganda, motivated by the hardships local women endured as they walked miles each day to collect water. Access to clean water is life-changing—reducing violence and offering more time for families to be together. Inspired by these stories, the family felt called to do even more.
During a meeting with Pastor Steven of Hope for Every Heart, who had connected with the family through their clean water charity initiative, it became clear that Stephanie’s sister Christina and Pastor Steven shared a common vision: to create a safe haven for women and children in need. Soon after, Pastor Steven revealed an ideal ten-acre plot of land in Uganda, priced at $54,054.54—the exact number matching Stephanie’s age at the time of her passing. This remarkable alignment, coupled with other meaningful coincidences—including a powerful conversation with Stephanie’s sister Melissa and a sermon on Psalm 23—convinced the family to move forward with building Stephanie’s Sanctuary. What began as a tribute to Stephanie’s legacy has since become a beacon of hope and support for those who need it most.
Our Mission: More Than Just Survival
At Stephanie’s Sanctuary, we believe in more than just survival. Our mission is about transformation and long-term sustainability. Our Christian charity envisions a 100-home community where every woman and child not only survives but thrives. By breaking the cycles of poverty and vulnerability, we aim to provide the tools, support, and opportunities that empower individuals to build brighter futures.
We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where the most vulnerable women and children are not just cared for, but empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Through holistic solutions that go beyond shelter, we offer hope, education, healthcare, faith and the opportunity for personal growth.
Key Projects & Initiatives
We have taken significant steps toward transforming our Christian values and vision into reality—securing and clearing the land, installing perimeter fencing, and drilling a well to provide a reliable, clean water source. Now, we are moving into the most critical phase: developing a thriving, self-sustaining community with 100 homes, a church, a medical center, a sports court, and an education and vocational training facility. In many areas, access to basic necessities is a daily struggle, and our mission is to break that cycle by providing women and children with the stability and support they need to build brighter futures. Read on to learn more about the primary initiatives of our Christian charity.
Safe & Stable Housing
At Stephanie’s Sanctuary, we believe that a safe home is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation for empowerment, growth, and self-sufficiency. Our plan is to construct 100 single-family, safe homes for women, each designed to provide security, comfort, and a sense of belonging. These homes are more than another women’s shelter; they will serve as a refuge for the women and children of Uganda who have faced extreme hardship and trauma, offering them a fresh start in a nurturing and supportive environment inspired by core Christian values. By providing stable housing, we are not only ensuring physical safety but also fostering emotional and financial stability that allows families to rebuild their lives and strengthen their futures.
Education & Vocational Training
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Our Community Training Center will offer vocational programs to empower women to develop marketable skills and achieve financial independence. Additionally, we will provide literacy courses, life skills workshops, and leadership training to empower women with the confidence and knowledge needed to shape their own futures. Children within the community will have access to quality education, ensuring they receive the foundational learning necessary to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Healthcare & Essential Resources
Giving these Ugandan women and children access to quality healthcare can mean the difference between survival and struggle. Our medical center will provide critical services such as maternal care, child immunizations, and wellness checkups. We are committed to ensuring that women and children receive the healthcare they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. In addition, our well borehole and sanitation initiatives will supply clean, safe drinking water, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and improving overall community well-being. By prioritizing healthcare and hygiene, we are creating an environment where families can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Join Us on Our Journey
At Stephanie’s Sanctuary, we are not just building structures; we are building futures. Every day, we strive to provide the resources and community that women and children need to unlock their full potential. But we cannot do it alone.
We urge you to join our life-changing journey. Your support—through donations, partnerships, or advocacy—helps us expand our impact and continue our work. Together, we can create a brighter future for women and children in Uganda, fostering lasting change that will impact generations to come.
Contact us today to learn more about Stephanie’s Sanctuary or to request any further information.
