We live in a country where hope abounds. It is sold on giant 8 foot billboards that line our highways and in beautiful, shiny, multi-colored magazine ads. We see hope every time we turn on our televisions or go to the movies with our loved ones. With all of this hope around us, there still exits unseen pockets of hopelessness in unseen faces with unseen needs. For this reason alone, Operation Enduring Light exists. Our mission is to wipe out hopelessness, and bring light and warmth into the lives of the hopeless and fill their needs with love.

Operation Enduring Light (OEL) is a multi-faceted 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on serving others by fulfilling needs that other organizations do not. OEL has built meaningful partnerships with individuals, businesses, and service organizations to address the needs of those who are unable to receive assistance from institutions or other charitable organizations.

Operation Enduring Light’s existence came in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In trailblazer fashion, Operation Enduring Light addressed the War on Terror by creating one of the first websites [www.enduringlight.org] to educate the public about present and future terrorist threats. The website was so successful that over 49,000 people read it every month. The Department of Homeland Security and Congress praised OEL’s website for its content and organization. OEL was acknowledged and valued as one of the first people-to-people websites addressing terrorism. As other organizations began building powerful websites and increasing public awareness on terrorism, OEL expanded its website, programs, and interests to further help those in need. Not only does the website focus on the War on Terror, it also stresses personal and family contingency plans for natural disasters.

Today, OEL has developed programs geared to help the less fortunate. We strive to serve their needs, regardless of color, sex, race, nationality, or religion. In partnership with McLean Bible Church and its Access Ministry, we host a swim camp for severely disabled children. Through Operation Reach Out America, we are working to improve the quality of education of underprivileged Iraqi children by supplying donated school supplies. The House of Mercy is our newest program: a free clinic which services over 400 families within the greater Washington Metropolitan area, in providing medical care which they are unable receive, due to their economic status in society. The sale of our exclusively made sterling silver cameo Fairy Godmother broaches and Joselyn Handbags and Totes allows us to fund our assistance programs, which provide assistance devices, care-giving, and special education to children with special needs. The list of needs regularly increases, and OEL continues to develop its programs to bring light into the darkness of lives searching for hope.

Operation Enduring Light operates through a small paid staff, numerous volunteers, and professionals who are dedicated to creating personal relationships with others by finding the point of their greatest needs and filling them with our four tenants: Love, Hope, Help, and Heart. Operation Enduring Light’s network combines contributions of time, money, products, and services from students, housewives, politicians, businessmen, and religious organizations by reaching out to children with special needs, the poorest of the poor, the sickest of the sick, and those who society neglects.

The needs of others constantly confront us throughout our lives. By taking a moment to fill these needs, we can rejoice in the positive manner in which we live our lives.  Operation Enduring Light is committed to filling these needs and is extremely appreciative of those who wish to get involved, contribute, or serve. Please visit our website, or contact us to learn how you can help bring light into the darkness of lives searching for hope.

OEL’s founding president, former radio and television personality, Mary Nemec Doremus, is a remarkable woman.  Twenty-eight years ago, on a family trip to China, she contracted an unknown virus, and has been disabled ever since.  Instead of giving up, Mary dedicated her life to helping others who are much less fortunate. In 1968, Mary founded her first non-profit organization: Challenge International.  With the help of numerous interns and volunteers, Mary has constantly continued to expand her charitable outreach and touch the lives of more and more people each year.