Twenty-one years ago, dear friends from San Diego Hospice, Rotary and La Jolla began gathering in my home monthly to discuss something I heard clearly – “Start something that supports women like you, those whose voices are not being heard.” I was going through a major transition in my life – career, marriage, living space, travel routine – and desperately needed a community. I could not find one, so I said quietly and listened. I often say, “God had a good idea and I was blessed to hear it. The Foundation for Women was born.”
We made a commitment in 1996 to partner and fund a microfinance program in India that had 100 women at the time. We received our non-profit status – and in 1998 offered our first community program at the La Jolla Woman’s Club. Before social media and regular use of email and texting, almost 200 women came to that inaugural event on April 23rd. Hence April became our birthday month.
The program in India has grown to 1.2 million women. We have launched and funded a program in Zambia, South Africa, Niger – and in 2007 Liberia. For a decade we operated a microfinance program in San Diego, supporting more than 5000 women and their families. Together we have all accomplished a lot!
Now our focus is on individual women borrowers and low-fee independent school operators in Liberia. Our impact is tremendous and growing daily!
On April 14th we launched two fabulous new things: a brand new website and a Kickstarter campaign. The website you're seeing as you read this, but also please take a look at our Kickstarter campaign!
This month we have seven women standing by for funding for their businesses. We invite you to take a look at what your “sisters” are up to in Liberia – and consider joining with one of them by providing the capital they are needing. Your tax-deductible donation to the Foundation for Women will make this happen! We will match you with your sister in Liberia and let her know who stood up to help her.
The program in India has grown to 1.2 million women. We have launched and funded a program in Zambia, South Africa, Niger – and in 2007 Liberia. For a decade we operated a microfinance program in San Diego, supporting more than 5000 women and their families. Together we have all accomplished a lot!
Now our focus is on individual women borrowers and low-fee independent school operators in Liberia. Our impact is tremendous and growing daily!
On April 14th we launched two fabulous new things: a brand new website and a Kickstarter campaign. The website you're seeing as you read this, but also please take a look at our Kickstarter campaign!
This month we have seven women standing by for funding for their businesses. We invite you to take a look at what your “sisters” are up to in Liberia – and consider joining with one of them by providing the capital they are needing. Your tax-deductible donation to the Foundation for Women will make this happen! We will match you with your sister in Liberia and let her know who stood up to help her.
Click to read the stories of each Liberian business woman.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the conversation of 21 years ago would turn into all that has happened since the birth of the Foundation for Women. It is such a testimony to what can happen when many people come together, collective impact.
Thank you for believing in and supporting this amazing work. With great love and gratitude, Deborah
Thank you for believing in and supporting this amazing work. With great love and gratitude, Deborah
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