FOUNDER

Georgeann Lindberg

In loving memory 1944 – 2025

FOUNDER OF ST. JOSEPH’S WELLS

WATER WELL PROJECTS IN TANZANIA AFRICA

SINCE FEBRUARY 2018

Story of St. Joseph’s Wells

SWAHILI MAJI NI UHAI WATER IS LIFE

Georgeann Lindberg , founder of St. Joseph’s Wells was working on Interior Design projects in South Florida and attended St. Catherine of Siena Catholic church in Clearwater visiting with her son, Brian Hoffman in 2018. Georgeann quickly felt connected to the church and had some extra time to give a helping hand. She asked Rev. Jack Marino, May I volunteer? He replied, “Absolutely! Sister Rosamunda always needs help.”

INTERSECTION OF COMPASSION, LOVE AND FAITH

Georgeann started in the food pantry where sister Rosamunda was working. Georgeann was busy checking dates on the donated food with Sr. Rosamunda when sister’s phone rang. She took the call talking in Swahili. Quickly, the tone of her voice translated concern as she walked briskly to take the take call in another room.

she walked back into the room in silence. “What happened?” Georgeann, asked. Sister’s face filled with compassion turned away to put her mobile down. Georgeann touched they both waited in silence for her words.

“It was my sibling, Sister Octavia, who is principal of St. Joseph school.” She added, “They are running out of water again. They’ll suffer from this!”

Georgeann realized she must help but wondered how? She went to the chapel and prayed asking how she can help these children in Tanzania.

When she returned to her home in Charlevoix, Michigan, She began to research water solutions in draught regions. She talked with people and decided yes, drilling a water well would be a solution to this problem. But how to pay for it? How to gather funds?

She asked her priest if she can tell her story to the church community? Fr. Peter Wigton, pastor at St. Mary of the Assumption Charlevoix, Michigan agreed for Georgeann to share this challenge at St. Joseph School in Rombo, Tanzania with the parishioners.

Donations grew from St. Mary’s and Georgeann signed a contract in late 2018 with a Tanzanian engineer. Now the land would be surveyed to start drilling a water well. More funds continued to come in from clients, family and friends to finish each water well project.

In February, 2019 she traveled with the support of her sister, Suzanne Bruning. They arrived at St. Joseph elementary school in Rombo, Tanzania to oversee the progress. Suzanne would document the progress of the well (See original documentary in menu.)

Not a drop of water was produced while on location but Georgeann and Suzanne witnessed commitment on everyone’s part. St. Octavia, principal of the school, never lost hope. Prayers were abundant from students and teachers too.

Georgeann sent this email to Fr.Peter and family.

It’s confirmed we hit first water 💕March 14, 2019.

Mother General, Theresia Buretta, never doubted God’s Grace in this project. She arranged a meeting to share the mission with Fr. Deogratias, Vicar General of Moshi. His eyes signaled hope as he looked on at two American ladies on their first visit to Africa. 

By September 2019, the well in Rombo connected sustainable water to ST. Joseph’s school. When Georgeann and Suzanne returned in 2020, they observed dramatic change:

Children washed their hands regularly.

Children went to the water fountain to drink without restrictions.

Food was prepared without boiling the water first to prevent disease.

Bathrooms were clean, hygienic with flushing toilets.

Donors followed the progress. They were inspired by doctor’s reports of an 80% drop in water borne diseases where wells were active.

The whole school showed gratitude for water and all the donors.

St.Joseph’s Wells kept drilling. Everywhere, everything stopped during COVID, but not at the locations at the Sisters of Our Lady of Kilimanjaro facilities. Three new wells were completed and saved lives.

Children were in class studying not running with buckets on their heads to get water. Good sanitation was now possible.

2022

Bishop Ludovick Minde welcomed St. Joseph’s Wells directors, Georgeann and Suzanne with encouragement to continue St. Joseph’s Wells in Tanzania.

The water well projects reach urban and rural communities at facilities owned and operated by the sisters of Kilimanjaro. Who are the backbone and heart of Tanzanian society. An example of service and dedication at their schools, orphanages, and hospitals . Medical centers and rural centers serve all of society regardless of race, religion or tribe. They also support programs that empowering women who must care for their children. They integrate handicapped children in all their programs. Even surrounding neighbors are grateful for the availability of sustainable water. The sisters work and pray servicing all of humanity for the Glory of God and salvation of souls. Our water well projects are safe from destruction because they run from their enclosed facilities.

2023

ST. Joseph’s well became a 501(C)(3) non-profit registered in Michigan. Board members are volunteers without pay or perks. Visits to Tanzania included Doug Buday our treasurer too.

2025

2025

St.Joseph’s Wells is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit registered in Michigan. Board members volunteer their services without stipends or perks. The board runs the non profit to efficiently reach its goal of providing sustainable water. They achieve this by drilling water wells with energy efficient solar panels and water reserve tanks. Pumps and meters are installed to connect the water to the facility.

Eighteen wells are now supplying sustainable water in Tanzania, Africa.

People are singing praise, clapping and praying for this mission’s kind donors.

St. Joseph’s Wells embraces all tribes, religions and races.

We are a 501(C ) (3) non-profit registered in Michigan, USA Tax ID # 802733481 with 8 board directors. Your donation keeps us drilling.

changes and saves lives. Water is life.

All this is possible due to the generous donations from our donors. Thank you so much.

Mailisita medical health center for rural Moshi center

St. Francis high school ( Orphanage and local residents)Hai,Tanzania

Mabungo Charismatic Center in rural Moshi, Tanzania.

We are grateful because water is Life.

If you can’t join the fun and delicious food, please DONATE on the website page.