In two weeks, twenty-five orphaned and vulnerable girls—ages six to eighteen—are set to begin Artful Mind, an eight-week summer program at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). But their summer of healing and growth depends on us. Led by AUIS librarian Halbast Khan and a team of faculty, staff, and student volunteers, Artful Mind transforms empty classrooms into a refuge of English lessons, art therapy, yoga, and life-skills workshops. For children who have known abandonment, displacement, or violence, these eight weeks can be life-changing—if we act now.

Here’s the urgent truth:
U.S. foreign aid for critical programs like this has been frozen. The ripple effect of political decisions has left a gaping hole in support for vulnerable communities. Yet while governments falter, we can act.

That’s why EPIC and our long-time partner, the Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), are launching a $20k-in-20-days challenge. Every dollar we raise provides these girls with safe transport, nourishing meals, art supplies, and welcoming AUIS classrooms where they can heal, learn, and dream beyond orphanage walls.

Here’s how you can be part of their story:

• Donate Now: Make a tax-deductible contribution through our SpotFund page. We chose SpotFund so EPIC and ICF can share one trusted, secure campaign page, keep fees low, and make sharing easy. Your receipt will show EPIC’s EIN 52-2223500.

• Spread the Word: Share our SpotFund campaign by email, WhatsApp, Facebook, or LinkedIn—so we reach goal-setters, mentors, and dream-builders everywhere.

Your support has always filled the gaps when politics fall short. Let’s do it again—so Rojin can keep pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, Leila can keep sketching her visions of a better future, and every girl in Artful Mind can spend the summer discovering how far her talent can take her.

Every share, every dollar, and every voice amplifies our impact. Let’s show these girls the power of a global community that refuses to look away.

Prefer to give by check or via a donor-advised fund? Please mail to EPIC, 1140 Third Street NE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20002 USA and note “Summer of Hope” in the memo. We’ll add your gift to the campaign total and send a prompt receipt.