Our Story
Ssatu means "three."
In Luganda, the language spoken across central Uganda, ssatu simply means three. For us, it represents three mothers in Arkansas who could not look away — three generations working together to help those who cannot help themselves. Inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, “to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me,” Ssatu Hearts Foundation exists to serve orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda with food, compassion, and faithful love.
How it began
What started as a simple desire to help children in need quickly became a calling that changed our lives. As we learned more about the challenges faced by orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda, we realized that even small acts of kindness could make a meaningful difference. Through building relationships with local caregivers, teachers, and children, our passion grew into a mission to provide hope, nourishment, education, and support to those who need it most. From that mission, Ssatu Hearts Foundation was born.
The three of us
Sherri Patterson
Co-Founder & President
I first became aware of the need after my mom, Kathie, saw pictures and spoke with a woman who had visited the orphanages in Uganda. We both felt strongly that we had to help in some way. At first, that simply meant sending money for food and medicine. Then, in January 2025, we were able to travel there ourselves and spend time with the children, teachers, and staff. The poverty was overwhelming, but so was the gratitude. One little girl, about four years old, held my hand the entire time we were at her orphanage and cried when we had to leave. In that moment, I wished I could bring them all home with me.
Julia Horton
CO-FOUNDER & TREASURER
I have been aware of the needs of orphaned children in Uganda for over a year through the work my mother and grandmother have been doing to support them. I donated when I could, but otherwise continued with my everyday life, believing there was little more I could do. As time went on, I found myself comparing their circumstances to the life my own two children enjoy, and I felt increasingly convicted to do more. Through prayer, both individually and as a family, we made the decision to launch Ssatu Hearts Foundation. Our hope is to help provide these children with stability, opportunity, and the support they need to build successful and fulfilling lives.
Kathie McDaniel
CO-FOUNDER & SECRETARY
My name is Kathie McDaniel, and I am 73 years old. The children in Uganda call me Grandma, and the love they share is something I will cherish forever. Visiting the orphanages was both inspiring and heartbreaking. These children have joyful hearts but often lack basic necessities like food, clean water, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and toys. Seeing their gratitude for something as simple as a jump rope or soccer ball was humbling. My heart aches for children like Jane, Precious, Samuel, and John who do not always have enough to eat. Thank you for any support you can give to help these amazing children.
Additional Staff
Justin Horton
OUTREACH/MARKETING DIRECTOR
I am a husband, father of two boys, and a marketing and design professional with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations communicate their message and connect with their audiences. When I learned about the challenges faced by orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda, I was deeply moved by their needs and resilience. As a father, I could not help but think about the opportunities my own children have and how different life can be for children born into difficult circumstances. I realized I had the skills and experience to help make a difference, and that realization inspired me to become actively involved. Through Ssatu Hearts Foundation, I am committed to raising awareness, building partnerships, and connecting supporters with opportunities to provide hope and opportunity for children who need it most.
What we believe
- Every child by name. No anonymous beneficiaries. No mass-marketed sob stories. We work child by child, family by family.
- Local hands, local wisdom. We partner with caregivers, teachers, and clinic staff who live where our kids live.
- Slow, faithful, generational. We're not chasing scale. We're showing up — for the long haul.