Team Members – Bridge For Hope Organization

Serving with compassion for others

Rehema Mangaza – Founder & Jerome Kakule - Co-founder

Mr. Vagheni Jerome Kakule and Ms. Rehema Paola G. Mangaza are husband and wife. Both are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2017, they returned to the Congo and live in Beni in North Kivu where they found that there were many orphans, widows, and the needy left to suffer because of insecurity, wars, and rape. Having completely changed their lifestyle, this couple has a love of helping those who have lived for decades without care. These orphaned and abandoned infants live without shelter and care, their lives become a nightmare and die without any assistance. To change their way of life, this couple decided to live there to take care of these orphans, children abandoned by their parents or their family, and these young and raped women. This couple wants to give these children the chance to grow up and become tomorrow’s leaders with potential dreams. Having lived for several years in Europe and the United States of America, they were able to compare the life and the evolution of survival of the children of these countries to the children living in Congo, they decided to return to their country of origin to help these children flourish like other children in the world. Mangaza has had this dream for a very long time that she would one day bring change for her people who desperately need help. Having experience in this area, she started to help in many areas, as you can read from what is written above. She started since 2000 helping others.

Thierry Osungu: Director of Finance and Controller

Thierry D. Osungu was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He grew up in a Christian family and continues to practice his faith, prioritizing God and Jesus Christ. He is a husband, father, brother, and son. As a United States Navy veteran, Thierry served ten years with multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. After completing his active duty service, Thierry attended the California Institute of Arts and Technology, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems, Networking Concentration. He also obtained a bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics from ECPI University, and a graduate degree in MBA, majoring in Global Leadership from High Point University.

Sheila Libali: Events Planner/ Administration

Sheila Libali was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the age of 13, during a civil war in Congo, she and her mother fled to Maryland, USA, where she grew up. She’s fluent in French and English and understands Swahili and Lingala. After high school graduation, Sheila moved to Charlotte, NC, working odd jobs and working as a volunteer with a ministry that helped the inner-city youth who were involved in gangs and whose families had lost hope and didn’t have the means to support their children. This is a Christ-centered ministry (One 7 Ministry) that brought hope, taught these children (Catholics, Muslims, Christians, Hispanics, Americans, Africans) that they can all live and work and accomplish their goals, that God loves them, and brought resources to the family. Sheila later moved to Vermont and began to work as a caregiver and later received her nursing assistant license and worked as an LNA for UVN Medical Center in the Cardiac unit. In 2017, Sheila moved to Dallas, Texas, and she holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in Event Planning; while working at her local church as a translator, and administrator, she also works as an administrator for NCH. Sheila's faith is what gives her strength to keep going no matter what may come her way, and she also believes in going above and beyond for others even when no one is looking.

Constance D. Hemphill: Executive Director

Constance has provided spiritual leadership, direction, and mentorship to many women in ministry, the marketplace, the city of Charlotte, and the surrounding areas through prophetic prayer and counseling. In addition, Constance started a local Fort Mill Aglow Lighthouse over which she presides. Over seven years ago, Constance started a business to share her passion for the Gospel in a non-threatening way through fashionable accessories and apparel. Through this business and other exposure, she has ministered and encouraged persons of all ages, “different tongues, tribes, and nations.” The Lord has equipped her with great influence in multi-generations. He uses her to build others through helping them to recognize their God-given purpose/ and or destiny. Her business model has a “giving back” mandate. A portion of the proceeds from the business is applied to a featured non-profit organization. As a marketplace minister, Constance states, one of the most rewarding experiences is ministering to others who may not happen to stumble upon a church and see their lives impacted. She needs to spread the Gospel largely as a living example of Christ Jesus (The Anointed One).

Prudence Cohen: Outreach/Public Relations Advisor

Ms. Kabila Cohen serves as a trusted Advisor, offering wisdom, guidance, and heartfelt counsel to the team, drawing from years of experience and a deep well of compassion. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she studied nursing in Lubumbashi before relocating to the United States with her husband following his term of service. Together, they now reside in Maryland, where they enjoy the blessings of three children and five grandchildren. Throughout her life, Ms. Cohen has been devoted to service—both in formal organizations and in personal acts of care. She was a member of Mothers for Peace (for DRC) and Vision for the Hopeless, now known as Bridge for Hope Org. Her nurturing spirit extended into her community, where she lovingly cared for a chronically ill neighbor and provided support to a woman who could not afford a caregiver. Ms. Cohen is known for her generous heart, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those in need. Her presence is a continual source of encouragement and inspiration to the Bridge for Hope family.

Safi Kavugho Vagheni: Supervisor in Kalemie

Safi Vagheni Kavugho serves as the dedicated Supervisor of the Bridge for Hope Organization Orphanage, where she oversees the day-to-day operations with excellence and care. She is responsible for managing the overall well-being of the children, coordinating daily activities, and ensuring that food supplies and essential needs are consistently met. With a heart for service and a deep sense of responsibility, Safi plays a vital role in creating a nurturing, safe, and structured environment for the children. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment help lay a strong foundation for the future of each child entrusted to the care of Bridge for Hope.

Membres de l'équipe