Who We Are
Our MissioN:
HUMANITARIAN AID AND
DISASTER RESPONSE
At WAM, we are dedicated to delivering humanitarian aid to individuals impacted by war, poverty, natural disasters, and oppression. Our mission is to alleviate suffering in communities battling profound injustices. We work tirelessly to address the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of those enduring crisis, providing support where it is needed most.
Through our comprehensive humanitarian aid and disaster response programs, we aim to offer relief, hope, and healing to those suffering severe hardships. Join us in our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of the oppressed and afflicted.
Responding to Crisis: Our Journey from Aid to Empowerment
Our History
The outbreak of war in Syria in 2011 called us to action. With a foundation in non-profit work and determination to help people, we established WAM to address the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon.
As we witnessed the dramatic surge of refugees, we saw firsthand how local groups, non-profits, churches, and NGOs were overwhelmed by escalating demands. Determined to make a difference, we started by coordinating the shipment of essential supplies—multiple 40-foot containers filled with medical items and clothing—to Lebanon and organizing their distribution on the ground.
What began as logistical support soon expanded into a broader mission. We quickly adapted to include distributing food, clothing, and shelter. By 2015, the strain on our local partners was undeniable, highlighting the critical need for psychological support. Collaborating with a prominent traumatologist, we initiated training for local workers to better serve the psychological needs of refugees. In 2017, we extended our support to include one-day, overnight, and trauma-healing camps for refugee children.
In recent years, WAM has made the shift from supplying emergency aid only to implementing sustainable solutions for intractable problems. Our multi-layered approach rushes urgent relief to impacted populations, followed by a sustained response that delivers people out of crisis and into self-determined futures.
Our commitment is ongoing. We continuously engage with our partners to identify and respond to the most urgent needs. We are grateful to everyone who has joined us in this mission to transform the lives of children and families enduring crisis.
OUR LEADERSHIP
President & CEO
Patrick Bouchebel has worked for various non-profit organizations during the past 30 years in the United States, Africa and the Middle East, including contract work for the US State Department in Iraq and Kuwait. His successes in the NGO world include executive troubleshooting, project/program management, and senior management roles.
He has held roles within various sectors: disaster response, development, refugee camp management (120,000+people), child protection, education, water sanitation, gender violence, advocacy and fundraising.
While with World Vision International he was based in Niger for two years managing the country’s Eastern Zonal office, which encompassed 120,000 beneficiaries affected by the cyclical Niger/Sahel drought and famine and extreme poverty. While in Iraq, Patrick worked as a US State Department Contractor directing operations for a $240 million dollar contract, and later as a General Manager for one of the largest logistics companies in the Middle East. He oversaw startups and commercial operations to compliment U.S. government contracts for reconstruction projects. This work was solely in the government and private sectors, with primary emphasis on operational logistics, security and the full supply chain cycle. These varied experiences in difficult and harsh international contexts have led to Patrick’s expertise in fieldwork and overall operations management.
Growing up in a country torn apart by civil war, Patrick’s experiences equipped him to understand the plight of countries, communities and people affected by such protracted circumstances. He has seen the devastation of war and the depths of poverty, but also the progress and hope that can endure. His father’s work as a Humanitarian Professional in such an environment also provided unique exposure that lead to his passion in relief and development operations.
Patrick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Biola University. He is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, and conversant in Spanish.
President Emeritus
As President, Dr. Jean Bouchebel brought strategic vision and guidance to the firm after a management career of more than 30 years in the Middle East and North America. His focus on advising and expanding the network of clientele. were integral to WAM’s success. Jean’s strength was found in identifying areas of need and matching them with the appropriate resource opportunities.
His extensive experience in the Middle East dates to 1965, which includes relationships with heads of states, high-profile organizations, and various governmental bodies. He possesses a deep understanding of justice and advocacy issues and the relief and development industry. His long and celebrated career in management began in the Hotel industry and included an executive appointment in 1970.
A native of Lebanon, Jean returned to Beirut in the midst of civil war in the early 1980’s, working to provide assistance to those displaced and otherwise affected by the war. When he became Country Director of World Vision Lebanon in 1984, he initiated and supervised 80 emergency relief, reconstruction, reconciliation, and community development projects and oversaw a staff of 185. His extensive understanding of the Middle East region – its sociopolitical, cultural and economic history, and present realities – positioned WAM for growth.
This unique background of living and working across continents produced a keen understanding of effective approaches within the humanitarian industry. Jean spent 28 years with World Vision International, most recently as Director of Resource Development, matching high net-worth individuals and foundations to specific projects, fostering meaningful connections between beneficiaries and donors. His retirement from this role and World Vision International made for a seamless transfer of focus to Bouchebel Consultants.
An able communicator, fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Jean cut through differences and devised solutions. In 1988 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters by Warner Pacific College for his humanitarian work in Lebanon and the Middle East. His greatest desire is to see peace and justice come to the Middle East.
Jean is currently enjoying a well-earned and restful retirement.