WHO WE ARE

A Community On Mission

CHILDREN LIBERATED.
LIVES RESTORED.

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Since RiverCross began working in Zambia in 2014, we’ve been chasing one goal: set vulnerable children free from trauma.

The problem is huge: One billion children around the world experience a traumatic event every year. Trauma multiplies in their lives, and relief, though vital, does not fix the problem.

But we know how to solve the problem:

Equip and mobilize local leaders!

In partnership with organizations, churches, schools, and with the help of generous investors, we are making progress every day.

River Cross Annual Report 2023 logo with abstract design.
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MISSION

No child should be trapped in trauma. That’s why we are on mission to equip the people in their lives to build for them a BRIDGE so they can cross from lives defined by trauma to freedom.

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HOW WE DO IT

We equip local organizations, churches, and schools with the core essentials of trauma-informed care and resiliency strengthening so they are mobilized to protect, rescue, and restore the children in their communities from trauma.

1,900+

people trained

organizations, schools, churches engaged

300+

children served

14,000+

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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, United States, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
South Sudan, and Burundi

Because Engage Groups are held online, anyone, anywhere, can begin to build a BRIDGE to freedom. Click to register.

WE ARE COLLABORATIVE
Our mission can only be accomplished through collaborative work. Partnerships with organizations, schools, and churches are how a BRIDGE to freedom is built.

WE ARE EVIDENCE-BASED
We lean into the research of well-respected experts as well as local partners to develop our programs. We measure outcomes and partner with outside agencies for objective evaluation.

WE ARE TRANSPARENT
We achieved Candid’s platinume transparency seal of approval in 2024 and consistently invest more than 86% of donations into programming.

Board of Directors

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    Chris Hodges

    BOARD CHAIRMAN

    Redeeming Development Group, Managing Principal

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    Mary Vandel Young, M.Div.

    VICE CHAIRMAN

    JourneyMates, Executive Director

  • Smiling woman with long hair wearing a pink shirt standing outdoors with trees in the background on a sunny day.

    Marilyn Young, M.S., LCSW

    SECRETARY

    Psycho Therapist, Trauma Specialty

  • Smiling man in a blue plaid shirt against a neutral background.

    Rob Morris, M.S.

    TREASURER

    Hope International, Senior Innovation Manager

  • Smiling woman with long wavy hair, wearing a dark top and a necklace, in front of a gray background.

    Caroline Beaird, M.S.

    DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR

    International Relations, Johns Hopkins

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    Cindy Finley M.S.

    MEMBER

    RiverCross, Executive Director

Our Team

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Cindy Finley, M.S.

Executive Director

Brenda Farrand, B.S.

Administrative Manager

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A woman in a pink dress stands outdoors with two children. One child is wearing a grey shirt, and the other is in a t-shirt with the words "Refuse to Lose" printed on it. They are near trees and an old cart.
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Tino Rusike, B.A.

Zimbabwe Country Director

Devon Tarr, M.A.

Training Director &
Trauma Specialist

Allison Hodges, B.S.

Gratitude Coordinator

Micah Lwiindi

Rivercross Trainer

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Mary Kathryn Bumgarner, PA-C

RiverCross Trainer

Advisory Council

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    Ade Alowu

    Christian Alliance for Orphans - Global Network, Africa Coach

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    Todd Busteed

    Gap Digital.,, CEO and Production Manager

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    Bryan Gouge, PhD LPC

    Compassion International, Sr. Mental Health Program Specialist

  • Portrait of a smiling person wearing a pink blazer and floral blouse against a light blue background.

    Beryl Murgor

    Church World Services, Associate Director of integration Services

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    Michelle Suffridge

    Refugee Hope Partners, Founder and Executive Director