The history of World Orphan Connection (WOC) is indeed a rich one. The founder, Betsy Meredith, had run a financial services business for seven years. She spent her time teaching families to become debt free and financially independent. While she enjoyed what she did, in 2002 she began to realize that her heart was to serve the world on a much broader scale. One of her friends had challenged her and said, “Betsy, making money for you is easy, but making a difference would be a greater challenge for you.” As she pondered this statement, her younger brother started a journey that would indeed prove to be life changing for their entire family.

   Carl Meredith, Betsy’s younger brother, had the opportunity to be part of Semester At Sea, which is a university sponsored study abroad program which utilized a cruise ship, turning it into a floating campus, for almost four months in the spring of 2002. During this time Carl visited 11 countries on four continents spanning from South America to Southeast Asia.  It was also during this adventure that Carl was privileged to meet Dr. Patch Adams. Patch and Carl became friends and in the winter of 2002, Patch invited Carl to go clowning with him in Russia. Patch allowed Carl to invite the other Meredith sibling, Weston, who was only 13 at the time. The Meredith boys spent two weeks in Moscow and St. Petersburg spreading love and joy in orphanages and in senior citizen homes. (Carl, Patch, and Weston pictured above) Upon returning home, they shared their experience with Betsy, and that is where the history of WOC began. 

    As mentioned earlier, Betsy had been searching for something that would allow her to combine her passion and leadership skills and make a difference on a global scale. After hearing the story as told by Weston in his essay, The Essence of Loneliness , Betsy knew that she could combine her business experience with her love of children and develop an organization which has become WOC.

    Betsy learned a strong work ethic from her parents, who are both successful entreprenuers, but had never finished her bachelors’ degree and knew that an education was essential. She received a full First Generation Scholarship at Colorado State University (CSU) and began her studies in political science, international development, history and business. Within a very short period of time, Betsy began receiving encouragement and support, concerning her vision to help orphans, from multiple professors at CSU. Within one semester, Dr. Steven Fassnacht agreed to supervise the project and students at the university began receiving credit for assisting with the research. Within seven months, the idea became a recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization.

    To date, WOC has continued to research the global orphan epidemic and develop a business plan to make a positive impact for these children.  In addition, WOC is planning their first fundraiser and are actively looking for the first organization to fund. Betsy and the Board of Directors would like to thank all of those who have influenced and supported this organization. We will make you proud!