Eliminating Poverty Through Microcredit
The Foundation for Women is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and registered non-government organization working to end poverty through microcredit programs.
MicrofinanceFor over 20 years, the Foundation for Women (FFW) has lifted families out of poverty through microcredit globally. Modeled on the Grameen-style micro-lending concept, FFW spearheaded the launch of microfinance in Liberia, bringing a new level of economic empowerment and independence to over 35,000 women since the program’s inception in 2006.
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EducationFFW works in partnership with Edify to provide loans to schools in Liberia. Since 2013, the program has helped over 250 schools and is growing steadily as a model of improving the quality of education. In the program’s first 5 years, we provided over $275,000 in loan capital to partner schools, reaching over 18,000 students with an improved educational experience.
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HealthcareLiberia’s healthcare system has been ravaged by decades of war and economic fragility. In a country of over 4.5 million people, with over 68% living below the poverty line, very few have access to health services. Responding to the urgent need, FFW launched a 3-pronged initiative in 2018 in an effort to build capacity in the private sector, where over 70% of Liberians seek care.
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News
Happy Birthday Amelia!
Thanksgiving Day Letters from Liberia
11/28/19 - Monrovia, Liberia - An ordinary day in Liberia, as Thanksgiving here is celebrated on the first Thursday in November. Liberia copied much from America, including this holiday, and then chose their way.
I awoke today to a huge sea, big waves and tide outside my home - and prayed that all the sadness and division in the world might be washed away and healed by Mother Earth, that we may one day realize we are indeed one human family and join hands with each other in love, compassion, and peace for the benefit of all beings and this planet. And in addition to my prayer and meditation and intention time, I shared my thanks for my treasured human family wherever I went today. Thanks to founding FFW member Loie Morris, her phrase "I love you more than tongue can tell" is used here now so often, just as I brought the word "FABULOUS!" to this totally wrecked country so many years ago. People here are FABULOUS and I love them more than tongue can tell!
Today I brought a special cake to our office in celebration of Amelia's birthday - she is not only a treasured member of our team for years, but is also mother of my namesake Deborah and her adopted sister Florence. JOY! Read more.
11/28/19 - Monrovia, Liberia - An ordinary day in Liberia, as Thanksgiving here is celebrated on the first Thursday in November. Liberia copied much from America, including this holiday, and then chose their way.
I awoke today to a huge sea, big waves and tide outside my home - and prayed that all the sadness and division in the world might be washed away and healed by Mother Earth, that we may one day realize we are indeed one human family and join hands with each other in love, compassion, and peace for the benefit of all beings and this planet. And in addition to my prayer and meditation and intention time, I shared my thanks for my treasured human family wherever I went today. Thanks to founding FFW member Loie Morris, her phrase "I love you more than tongue can tell" is used here now so often, just as I brought the word "FABULOUS!" to this totally wrecked country so many years ago. People here are FABULOUS and I love them more than tongue can tell!
Today I brought a special cake to our office in celebration of Amelia's birthday - she is not only a treasured member of our team for years, but is also mother of my namesake Deborah and her adopted sister Florence. JOY! Read more.
Letters from Liberia - Meet Raw and Rogers
11/19/19 Monrovia, Liberia - It is not just women - it is all members of our treasured human family that we serve. I read this quote today from a treasured teacher;
"Individuals who choose to love can and do alter our lives in ways that honor the primacy of a love ethic. We do this by choosing to work with individuals we admire and respect; by committing to give our all to relationships; by embracing a global vision wherein we see our lives and our fate as intimately connected to those of everyone else on the planet. Commitment to a love ethic transforms our lives by offering us a different set of values to live by. In large and small ways, we make choices based on a belief that honesty, openness, and personal integrity need to be expressed in public and private decisions." ~ Bell Hooks.
Love is the only way. And yes, we are indeed one human family, as I have Known my entire life. Read more.
11/19/19 Monrovia, Liberia - It is not just women - it is all members of our treasured human family that we serve. I read this quote today from a treasured teacher;
"Individuals who choose to love can and do alter our lives in ways that honor the primacy of a love ethic. We do this by choosing to work with individuals we admire and respect; by committing to give our all to relationships; by embracing a global vision wherein we see our lives and our fate as intimately connected to those of everyone else on the planet. Commitment to a love ethic transforms our lives by offering us a different set of values to live by. In large and small ways, we make choices based on a belief that honesty, openness, and personal integrity need to be expressed in public and private decisions." ~ Bell Hooks.
Love is the only way. And yes, we are indeed one human family, as I have Known my entire life. Read more.