About Us

The St. Kizito Foundation's roots trace to the end of the Ugandan civil war, helping young children assimilate back into society and have a future.

Fr. Don Dunson and Our Story

In 2001, Fr. Don Dunson traveled to Uganda on an academic sabbatical to visit a fellow priest from seminary. Although the pair had to cut their visit short, the struggles of the children-soldiers swept up into the militia to fight in the civil war moved Fr. Dunson. Additionally, many of these boys' parents perished, leaving nowhere to return home.

Fr. Dunson started the St. Kizito Foundation to help a few boys assimilate and return to society. Since then, this small endeavor has flourished into the St. Kizito Foundation, which has supported thousands of boys and girls in Uganda. Fr. Dunson chose St. Kizito as the patron saint and name for our organization because he was one of a group of Ugandan martyrs who suffered death rather than renounce his Catholic faith. At the time of his death, he was only 14 years old. St. Kizito symbolizes the struggles and unending faith of many students in Uganda.

The St. Kizito Foundation's humble beginnings helping child soldiers at the turn of the 21st century have blossomed into a transatlantic scholarship foundation that supports approximately 300 students annually. Our primary focus is to provide students with appropriate and sufficient education to help them earn a living and attain success in life. Our students enroll in schools of their choice based on school and government standards of acceptance. St. Kizito's counselors and staff assist students to determine the best placement.

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Our Board of Directors

The St. Kizito Foundation Board of Directors is a dedicated, all-volunteer group of extraordinary individuals who give their gifts and talents to further our foundation's impact.

The Board is responsible for creating strategic goals and policies based on our foundation's mission, state laws, and other regulations. Led by our President and Chairman, the Board oversees all of the foundation's work and meets once per quarter.

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Ernie Farabaugh

President

dylan zsigray

Dylan Zsigray

Chairman of the Board

John Tobey

Treasurer

Scott Hodan

Debbie Patton

Roseann Vandevender

Directors Emeritus

Periodically, the St. Kizito Foundation designates a past member of its Board of Directors as a Director Emeritus in recognition of their dedication and service to the foundation's mission during their tenure. To date, the foundation has recognized three of its original Directors with this honor.

Paula Conrad

Rose Corrigan

Regan Fay

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Events

Join us at our events throughout the year to learn about the St. Kizito Foundation's scholars and mission.
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Support our scholars in Uganda through your generosity. $365 educates one student for an entire year.
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Volunteer

If local to Northeast Ohio, learn about our new volunteer opportunities to get involved directly with our work.
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