Arms of the Starfish

How Branches of WASH Are Connected By A Common Mission

The Starfish Origin Story

Throughout most of our recent blog posts, as well as on social media, WASH for Life is linked to several other organizations that carry out efforts towards the same goal – clean water for Malawi. These names you may recognize – GRO, Starfish MUHS, the Starfish Family, etc. – are all appendages reaching out from the center body. Each in their own location and by their own inspiration and direction, these ‘branches’ of WASH for Life help bring new people into the cause, spread awareness about the water crisis, and fundraise to build borehole wells. Working both independently and in tandem, we consider these branches to be the arms of a starfish, reaching out in all directions and still connected in their actions. So where, exactly, does this specific analogy come from, and why do we use it? The truth is, WASH for Life was started because of a story – the “Starfish Story”. 

It reads like this:

Patrick Tembwe addressing a community of learners in Kaluwero who now have access to clean water, fundraised by the Starfish Family. 

Making a Difference to One

This short but impactful tale reminds us of two things in particular. First, it acknowledges that in an effort like ours, which tackles a major global issue, there may never be a way to help every single person, location, or situation in need. It provides a bit of self-awareness that we are facing an obstacle which is intimidating and steadfast; however, the second reminder is quick to add that despite this reality, no effort to help fails to leave behind an impact. Every action we take is a positive change, one that may very well lead to a future where we are able to resolve an issue completely with the right amount of time and people involved. The Starfish Story assures us that each individual attempt to make a difference need not be the same size as the problem, so as to fix it wholly, but instead that our efforts make a difference no matter what. If we have only provided water to one child in one village, it will still have been a success – because one less child in the world is without clean water. 

First image: Girls at Kaluluma gathering water from their borehole, fundraised by St. John’s Starfish Foundation.

Second image: A student helps Emily Treffert of the Starfish Family balance a bucket of water on her head. 

Inspiration to Action

When Steve Hamer heard the Starfish Story for the first time, he was deeply inspired by its message. Wanting to tangibly apply the notion to something meaningful, Steve developed WASH for Life with the mission of continuing to bring clean water to Malawi with renewed, enlightened vigor. Prior to starting WASH, Steve was connected with GRO because he is the grandfather of Bridget Bullard, one of the original GRO girls. He was also able to meet the teachers from Malawi who studied at Lakeland and developed a passion for providing resources for sanitation, hygiene, and better health and learning through clean water. When Lakeland was no longer able to graciously provide GRO with a 501(c)(3) (needed for tax-deductible donations) as they had for so many years, there was concern the campaign to construct boreholes around Malawi would not be able to continue. Steve, however, simply could not throw his passion to the side and decided to create WASH for Life as its own non-profit, obtaining a personal 501(c)(3) status. It is because of this status that we can have arms on our starfish; it allows new groups to operate fundraising events and function as a non-profit. 

Carrying on the mission: the original sign on the very first well GRO built in 2017 (first image);

Bridget Bullard standing beside the updated sign on the very first well in 2024 (second image). 

Continuing the Mission of Connection

While our primary mission at WASH is to combat the clean water crisis with borehole wells, it is also our mission to foster connections between people. We know that good relationships stem from strong friendships, shared passions, and good communication – so we’ve highlighted those values in all our interactions – across continents, age groups, and experience. The reason the ‘branches’ of WASH/the arms of our Starfish exist is because people have heard what GRO started and then saw how WASH has carried that torch. The people who create new branches or join one of them have found interest in their hearts for the mission and want to make a difference. Especially considering our history at GRO in particular, where the mission began with a group of five middle school girls, we know that having young people involved is very valuable. Not only do they become actively involved in the real world, but they also can develop people skills, public speaking experience, and other unique knowledge and credentials they may not otherwise access. As they carry on the WASH mission, they learn more about themselves and the world, which they can transform into new perspectives and abilities to help those around them. 

First image: Steve Hamer laughing with friends in Kamwala, relationships he built through WASH for Life.

Second image: The whole Malawi travel group from 2024, who together represent several branches of WASH. 

In our new blog series, we will be highlighting each current branch of WASH for Life and both GRO groups to gain insight on why different people have joined the cause and how each branch operates a little differently. As the ‘body’ of the Starfish, WASH often consults with these branches, but they are primarily organized by their own circumstances. Some are smaller or on the younger side or far away, which others are larger or contain primarily adults or are very close. We will be conducting interviews with members from each branch, providing pictures and links, and offering a little window into that particular branch. We will begin with Colin Hamer and the Marquette University High School Starfish Foundation in our next blog, coming soon! 

A gorgeous Malawian vista. 

To read more about the starfish story and how it connects to our mission, please visit our homepage https://www.washforlifeinc.org/