Who We Are

IMEMF is a Thai foundation dedicated to empowering vulnerable tribal children, families, and communities in Thailand to develop holistic well-being for a sustainable future. The programs we support have collectively made an impact for over 30 years through love, education, and hope.

Mission

To empower vulnerable Hilltribe children, families, and communities in Thailand to develop in holistic well-being for a sustainable future.

Vision

We envision a future where children, families, and communities live with hope, confidence, and peace, safely able to take care of themselves and each other.

Our Values

Faith

Guided by compassion and faith, we believe our actions reflect a commitment to the wellbeing of all humanity.

People

We believe every person is worthy of love and we provide services without discrimination of race, faith, gender, sexual orientation, or financial status.

Education

We believe that education equips individuals with knowledge and skills, fostering societal progress and economic development.

Empowerment

We believe that empowering people with tools, resources, and opportunities leads to greater long-term well being.

Personalization

We believe in offering a diverse range of services to better serve the unique circumstances of vulnerable people.

Family

We believe that many challenges children face are family issues,requiring solutions which focus on the well-being of the entire whole family unit. We consider “family” to be the building block of society and the church.

Hope

We believe that hope significantly influences resilience, overall well-being, and clarity of thought in individuals and families.

Collaboration

We believe that by working together with individuals and organizations both locally and internationally makes all of us stronger. We share stories, experiences, and knowledge with each other so that we can all learn, grow, and be inspired.

Our History

Our story is one of adapting to urgent needs, learning from communities, and a steadfast commitment to the Hilltribe people.

1991-2000
Early Years & Genesis

The seed of IMEMF was planted in 1991, amidst the devastating HIV crisis in Hilltribe communities. American missionary nurse Kim Brown stepped in, beginning the House of Love program as a hospice care project for tribal women. In 1992 she started the Health Project for Tribal People (HPTP) program which educated remote communities about HIV and how to prevent the spread of the disease.

2001-2020
Growth and Expansion

By 2001, the House of Love expanded to support children in unsafe situations by taking in children who were orphaned, abused, or at-risk to trafficking. Along with the expansion in purpose came a new facility. 2001 Also marked the establishment of the House of Blessing preschool as a response to community needs in Chiang Mai.

2021-2024
Evolution to Family-First

A pivotal shift occurred between 2021 and 2023, reflecting our deepening commitment to family preservation. When a child from the House of Love successfully reunified with extended family, the profound positive impact was undeniable. This spurred a strategic re-evaluation, leading to 12 children transitioning back to family care. In 2024, this culminated in the formal emergence of The Family of Love program, building on the House of Love's work to proactively support families in poverty, educate them, and foster self-sufficiency, ensuring children remain safely within their families whenever possible.

Meet the Teams

Meet our amazing teams who are doing the essential work of identifying and working with vulnerable people, families, and communities. Our teams are primarily led by Thai and tribal people who best understand the culture and context of the children, families, and communities we work with.

The House of Blessing Preschool Team

Wilai Chanthanulert

Nutritionist

Nawaporn (Porn) Janpeng

Year 3 Teacher

Renoka (Rae) Kapo

Lead/Year 2 Teacher

Nirada (Daa) Pratepsanroen

Year 1 Teacher

Family of Love Coaching Team

Surachai Khirisantisakun

Lahu Tribe Family Coach

Chadaporn (Kay) Maulae

Karen Tribe Family Coach

Kanjana (Jay) Saengkhan

Social Worker/Lahu Tribe Family Coach

The House of Love Team

Areerat (Boom) Damrongpornsathit

Child Guardian

Surachai Khirisantisakun

Child Guardian

Ratchanee (Kung) Petpichitchai

Child Guardian

IMEMF Support Staff

Preechai Chomngandee

Facilities Maintenance

Patcharaporn (Amy) Jantarayut

Accounting/College Care

Alise Juanes

Senior Advisor/College Care

Mark Juanes

Senior Executive/Co-Director

Oranat (Yuleybeh) Katue

CEO/Co-Director

IMEMF Board of Directors

Pastor Sunny Danpongpee

Board Chairman

Pastor Sanan Wutthi

Voice Chairman

Pastor Singkha Raksakulmai

Treasurer

Kansinee Jirakun

Secretary

Prof. Dr. Penninah Oberdofer

Board Member