Over the next two years, working hand-in-hand with local community, the dream of building a safe, clean, stable home became a reality. Maggie and her co-founder Top Malla purchased land in Surkhet, Nepal, with her life savings of $5,000. The home’s foundation was soon poured thanks to the deep commitment of the local Nepalese community, along with an emerging group of supporters from Maggie’s hometown of Mendham, New Jersey and around the world. Brick by brick, walls began to rise. The roof went up. And in 2008, the front door of Kopila Valley Children’s Home opened.
Kopila, which means “flower bud,” is now home to a family of over 40 beautiful, happy, thriving children. Top heads up our dedicated team of caregivers, cooks, “aunties,” and “uncles” who make sure all the kids are getting the kind of care and individualized support they deserve.
