Primerica Duo Gives Back to Orphans in India

Not only do they help countless Main Street families with their financial needs, but one Michigan couple is taking the call to help to the world stage.

Ian and Jessica Prukner, of Auburn Hills, MI, had been looking for a meaningful way to give back ever since Ian left a full-time job as a minister at their local church 10 years ago to focus on growing their Primerica business full-time.* Only recently did the right opportunity present itself.

The pair decided to fund the construction of an orphanage through a friend’s non-profit organization, Angel House, which builds orphanages for homeless children across India. “There are so many people we are able to help by doing more,” she said.

The group home is being built in Kashyem, a farming region of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people that is located on a mountainside just south of the Tibetan and Chinese border. This is an area known to have an abundance of orphaned and abandoned children vulnerable to child trafficking and child labor exploitation and abuse.

The orphanage will rescue a total of 25 boys or girls from the streets and give them a safe home, complete with house parents who are affiliated with a local church.

The children will be able to attend school because they have a permanent address, and they will be provided with new shoes and school supplies. (In India, children aren’t allowed to attend public school unless they have an address.)

The orphans will stay in the orphanage until they reach the age of 18 when they will be transitioned out on a case-by-case base, depending on whether they are going to enter the work force or go to college. Once those orphans leave the home, other orphans will take their place.

“It’s unbelievable to see the dreams that are starting to live because of what we’re doing together,” said Jessica. “I grew up wanting to make an impact — to make a difference. This has become such an incredible avenue to be able to do that. And it’s just the start.”

*The part time opportunity may not be available in all provinces in Canada.

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