Mary Jane (Janie) Westlund

Born in 1945 to a minister and his wife, Janie grew up in a home where service to God and His children around us was paramount. Locally, the late night emergency calls, the Christmas day interruptions, humanity’s need for assistance, were normal life expectations for people called to be in service to others. Globally, missionaries making their “reports” when home, instilled in Janie the vast disparity between her life in the U.S. and that of others around the world.

Subsequent to obtaining her degree and teaching credential, Janie taught primary and Jr. High-aged children in California. Once again, dealing with the Hispanic sub-culture and working with her Special Education endorsement, the awareness acute struggles others faced was daily made poignant.

In 1974, wanting to raise their four children in a less consumer-oriented environment, Janie and husband, Gene, moved to rural north central Washington State. Here they joined several other families who shared the desire to integrate within their community to be a positive influence and to offer assistance as parents and neighbors tried to raise their children to be responsible and contributing members of our society. This led to several years of hands-on participation with children of all ages, to sponsorship and counseling of youth programs in church and the public school system, to private mentoring, foster care, the establishing of a private school. At the same time, support of endeavors in Africa, in India, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, in Mexico have allowed us to share beyond our borders.

Early on in life, both Gene and Janie developed a concern for those, near or far, who were hurting. While help can easily be given to those nearby and contributions can be made to the projects of organizations assisting around the world, they and family members have contemplated establishing a non-profit organization through which they and others could give aid to people who otherwise may fall through the cracks.

Several years of friendship with Jim Haverlock have shown us to have a kindred spirit regarding reaching beyond ourselves and it is with excitement and anticipation that Janie joins him in the vision for Compassion-Care. Many joined hands can multiply the effects of all our efforts as we attempt to make the world a healthier, happier, safer and fairer place for all.

Start building a better world today. Because .. Truly we are ONE people.

Support Compassion-Care .. and help .. Heal the World - One Person at a Time

with ... poverty education - charitable sponsorship.