Global Partners: Running Waters was founded in 2003 by Sister Jan Gregorcich, SSND and Dianne Henke, SSND Associate. Today, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Milwaukee, WI and an affiliated ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND).
Our board meets monthly and consists of twelve members from a variety of backgrounds. We are grateful to work with a number of volunteers who assist with social media, engineering, grant writing and more.
Mission
Our mission is to build and maintain intercultural relationships and collaborative partnerships with rural and urban communities in Latin America.
We accomplish this by:
- Working with community members and our partner organizations to complete water, food, education, and healthcare projects.
- Sharing financial, cultural, and spiritual resources.
- Empowering Latin American women to use their gifts to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
- Fostering dialogue about the importance of helping all people meet their basic needs.
- Providing opportunities to experience the realities faced by those living in rural Latin America.
History
Global Partners: Running Waters began with the dream of clean water.
For 12 years, Sister Jan Gregorcich, SSND, lived and worked in Guatemala and Honduras. She often spoke about her experiences at local Latin American gatherings. Here, Sister Jan met Dianne Henke,* a SSND Associate and beekeeper. One time, Dianne approached Sister Jan with a question. What would she do in Guatemala if gifted some of Dianne’s father-in-law’s inheritance?
After the trip, Dianne chose to use her gift to provide clean water for the village of Xeabaj II. This changed the lives of 108 families.Her act of generosity inspired others to experience the reality of clean water in Guatemala and share their gifts too. In 2003, she and Sister Jan founded Global Partners: Running Waters as a way to continue this important work.
*Dianne passed away on April 2, 2021 after a battle with ALS. You can read a beautiful tribute of her life here.