Jackie (Russell) Fender is a detail-oriented, hardworking marketer with a creative spirit. She has a degree in Business and Marketing and works in the real estate industry as a Graphic Designer. Jackie is the founder of ‘Art for a Cause’, a fundraising campaign for the foundation that promotes both the arts and literacy. Because of her love for the children, she organizes and manages special, fun, and energetic activities for the youth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Faith Barnes has a master’s degree in Education as well as Urban Studies and was passionately drawn to the mission of the Matthew E. Russell Foundation. Faith assists the organization with developing training programs for schools, gathering literacy resources for libraries, fundraising efforts, and overseeing Library Media Trainers for regional development. Her passion is to ensure all children have access to a quality education.

Mary Kay Kates is a retired Executive Assistant at Lutheran Services of GA. She assists each year with the collection of books, educational resources and supplies, for the establishment of the donated libraries in South Africa. She packs, labels, and sorts contents for oversea freight shipment. Mary Kay helps fundraise, as well as working to find new strategic partners for the Foundation.  She proudly participates in the annual mission trips to South Africa to set up the libraries and assist with training.

Christian A. Barnes has a degree in Journalism, a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Administration and an Educational Specialists Degree (Ed. S) in Educational Leadership. For nearly 21 years, he has served as teacher and school administrator. His passion for education has included Elementary, Middle, and High School. He is currently working as a principal at a Middle School. Christian has been a great support with the annual book drives. Collecting age appropriate resources for each school library, as well as providing teacher resources and training supplies for students for our regional trainings. He assists with packing and sorting of contents for library shipment.

Sarah LeFauve has a degree in Social Work and Master’s in Child and Family Social Work. She works as a child advocate with a strong passion for helping others. Sarah has been to South Africa many times, and has helped to train students and teachers how to use their new library along with the technology. She has organized the books and resources to put into the library. Sarah values the importance of education and believes that every child should have access to resources to better their life.