Citizen of the Week: Mark Lee

Congratulations to Citizen of the Week: Mark Lee!

Mark Lee of Newnan has spent the last two decades quietly transforming the way orphanages in under-resourced countries care for children—by helping them build long-term sustainability from the ground up.

A retired corporate executive, Lee’s journey began during a business trip to the Philippines. After visiting a local orphanage, he returned again and again—first as a “party dad,” taking kids to the beach or out to dinner. But over time, he saw the deeper needs: unpredictable donations, strict government requirements, and no safety net if funding ran dry.

“It broke my heart to learn that if an orphanage runs out of money, the kids are kicked out. They’re sent right back into the environment they were trying to escape,” said Lee.

In response, Lee founded Safe Haven International, a nonprofit focused on reducing the operational costs of orphanages through creative, self-sustaining solutions. Working alongside local partners, he’s implemented systems like solar energy, aquaponics, and livestock programs that help generate food and income on-site. Over time, Lee and his team have reduced the per-child annual cost at one pilot orphanage by more than 70%—from $5,100 to $1,300.

What started as a personal project funded by Lee and four friends has now expanded to train 15 orphanages on their techniques. He’s also launched training conferences in the Philippines to help other caregivers adopt the same strategies.

“The people running these homes are incredible at raising children—but they’ve never been taught how to run sustainable operations,” said Lee. “They don’t need charity. They need tools and training to stabilize what they’re already doing well.”

Lee is now advocating for systemic change by meeting with government officials in the Philippines, urging them to fund the requirements they impose. He believes sustainability should come with support, not just regulation.

Whether he’s walking orphanage leaders through energy-saving strategies or networking with Rotary Clubs to fund new capital projects, Lee’s focus remains the same: giving every child a better chance at a stable future.

Do you know a Citizen like Mark? We’d love for you to nominate them for a future Citizen of the Week.

Anyone in Fayette or Coweta County can nominate a local resident to be featured. Submissions must include between 100 and 500 words explaining why your nominee deserves the spotlight and a photo of them. (Submissions without a photo cannot be accepted.) Fill out the nomination form here:

👉 https://thecitizen.com/nominate-a-citizen-of-the-week/

Each week, one honoree is celebrated in The Citizen, giving us all a chance to recognize the people who enrich our community with their character and care.

The Citizen of the Week is proudly sponsored by City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, a national leader in cancer research and treatment. With expertise across all cancer types and a commitment to whole-person care, City of Hope honors those who strengthen our communities through service, compassion, and resilience.

Learn more at https://cityofhope.org/atlanta.