Keep a Family Together: Support Ambrose Kamaya

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Souls,

On May 5th, 2021, Ambrose arrived in the United States with only $15 in his pocket, full of hope for a brighter future. With determination, he navigated downtown Chicago to reach Notre Dame and begin his ESTEEM Master’s program. Ambrose always finds a way, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem.

But for Ambrose and his family, the road has been unimaginably hard.

He left his pregnant wife in Uganda, and just a few months after being born, their young son was the victim of a horrific incident of abuse, suffering severe burns that require ongoing, specialized medical care. Since arriving in the U.S., Ambrose has taken his son to children’s hospitals across the region, including Dayton Children’s Hospital and the Fort Wayne Lutheran Burn Center to get him the treatment he desperately needs. This has placed an immense emotional and financial strain on their family.

Through it all, the family persevered. Ambrose currently serves as an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elkhart, where he has thrived. His sons, now 3 and 2, are at a critical age for development. The family was well on its way to thriving in the Northern Indiana region and many are now devestated to hear he is leaving out of necessity.

But now, in late 2024, news has come that might force this family apart for an extended period.

Ambrose received word from his attorney that he couldn’t proceed with a change of status application for a green card without first applying for a J-1 waiver. The waiver process could take up to two years and cost $18,000. Simultaneously, his OPT work authorization is set to end on May 15th, leaving no choice but to return to Uganda unless other solutions could be found. To protect his professional future, residency, and his family’s stability, Ambrose made the difficult decision to return to school, a step he had planned for the long term.

Within weeks, Ambrose had an offer from Georgetown’s top-ranked McDonough School of Business and had secured the prestigious Dean’s Fellowship, the program’s top honor. However, this decision has created additional challenges. As soon as his I-20 is transferred from Notre Dame to Georgetown in March, his work authorization will be canceled, leaving the family without an income during the transition from March to July—a financial dilemma they are struggling to overcome.

Now, as Ambrose prepares to start his MBA program at Georgetown University, his family faces a heartbreaking choice: Should his wife and children return to Uganda during his studies, as the financial burden becomes too much to bear? If this happens, there is no guarantee when—or if—they would be able to reunite.

A family should not have to endure separation because of circumstances beyond their control.

Adding to these challenges is the fact that, as a non-citizen, Ambrose does not have access to the same student loans available to American students. While he has already taken out private loans to fund his education, these loans come with enormous repayment challenges, especially for someone on an F-1 visa. The burden of these financial constraints makes it nearly impossible for Ambrose to support his family while pursuing his dreams.

Ambrose is not one to ask for help. In fact, he has always focused on helping others. As the founder of Kinga, a company empowering women through wearable safety devices, and through his work supporting local businesses in South Bend and Elkhart, Ambrose has dedicated his life to lifting others up.

Now, it’s our turn to lift up Ambrose and his family.

We are rallying to raise $50,000 to support them through this difficult transition. These funds will cover:

Medical Care: Giving Ambrose’s son the best path for a thriving future.

Housing Costs: Ensuring a stable home for his family.

Moving Expenses: Helping them relocate from Indiana to Washington, D.C.

Living Expenses: Covering short-term essentials like food, utilities, and transportation.

Ambrose’s journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community. Let’s ensure he doesn’t have to walk this path alone. Let’s keep this family together.

With gratitude,

Friends of Ambrose