Enjoy this clip about new skateboarding programs at three schools in conjunction with the YMCA and the nonprofit SaveMoreKids.org.

November 2018 - To My Treasured Foundation for Women Community,
After 12 continuous years working on the ground in Liberia, in spite of a post-conflict environment where infrastructure remains limited, the devastating outbreak of Ebola in 2014-2015, and a recent fire in our partnering medical hospital, the Foundation for Women can report we’re stronger than ever! When I step back, it is truly amazing to acknowledge that FFW Liberia has become a respected humanitarian hub within this country.  We are endorsed by the World Bank, by the country’s Ministers of Finance and Commerce, and by the former Vice President Boakai who has been our Chief Patron since the inception of our work here.  Our hub has begun attracting smart risk-taking partners who are coming to us with proven methodologies that have worked in other poverty-stricken countries.  They want a link to what we have: a vibrant web comprised of market women, small business enterprises, independent schools and community health clinics who are recreating their nation from the ground up.

Monrovia, Liberia - On October 11, 2018, ProPublica and TIME Magazine published a report about the sexual assault and rape of girls in the care of an NGO based in West Point, Monrovia, Liberia. Since then I have been present with the news – no sharing on social media, a few conversations with trusted colleagues and FFW board members, sitting with the heart-breaking reality that an American NGO founded by a woman could have allowed this to happen to desperately poor and innocent girls striving to create a better future for themselves in this country.  I have heard from many of you in the US, questioning how it could have happened and wondering if I’ll stay in Liberia and continue my work in a place I have called home for 12 years.

Good news from Liberia!! From this to this!

Fire disaster in July - Hospital rebuilt by October.  Thank you Foundation for Women friends and supporters! Your contributions and support help make this possible. We're so grateful for our FFW community!

Check out this article from the Daily Observer in Liberia about Benson Hospital and FFW partnering for community clinics and the fire :  
https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/ffw-partnering-with-benson-hospital-to-open-community-clinic/

The Founder and CEO of the Foundation for Women, Ms. Deborah Lindholm, upon learning of the fire that destroyed the top floor of the Benson Hospital, made a commitment to raise fund for the restoration work at the hospital. Today, she wants to make good on her commitment by presenting a check of Thirteen Thousands United States Dollars (US$13,000.00). In fact, this is the second donation towards this renovation exercise. Earlier this month, while the Benson's were in the United States, Deborah made an initial donation of US$7,000.00.
 
With this presentation of $13,000.00 today, the Foundation for Women is pleased to announce that US$20,000.00 in total has been raised and turned over to the Benson Hospital to be used for the renovation work at the Hospital.

One week ago, I was preparing to leave Liberia after being there for nearly four months to launch our third product, FFW Community Health Clinics.  We are assembling a Network of Excellence of health clinics surrounding a hub, Benson Hospital.  And we are launching our first clinic in one of our partner schools.  The Foundation for Women is now supporting microfinance for individuals, low fee independent schools, and now health clinics - creating a model of support for income generation for families, enhancing education, and raising the quality of healthcare. That morning a week ago, I received a call from one of our staff people saying, "Ma Deborah, I have terrible news - Benson Hospital is burning down!"  Complete disbelief and horror!

Monrovia, Liberia - Yesterday I was astonished to read a recent report listing the 10 worst countries on the planet for women and girls – some places of course yes, one big surprise!
 
After spending much of our Foundation for Women service in India beginning in the middle 1990’s, it is heart-breaking to see that India is the #1 worst place for women and girls.  Then come expected countries – Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Nigeria.  Then #10 completely astonished me – the United States of America!
 
I wonder how to explain this to the women and girls of Liberia, where 75% of the women in this country are raped; a statistic that began during the decades of war and has not diminished since peace came in 2003.  And where 80% of the population are living in dire poverty, particularly women and girls.
 
And what is happening in America that the US is in the company of these other countries on this list?
 
When are we going to realize that we are One Human Family and treat each other with dignity and respect and love?  We must hold that light, regardless of how challenging this current time is for women and girls.  And we must do something in whatever way we can to change this reality.
 
My gratefulness quote yesterday:  ​

Please see the report at http://poll2018.trust.org. ~ Deborah