Mission

Aruna Project

Aruna’s mission is to create lifelong freedom for victims and survivors of sex trafficking through employment that’s supported by holistic care.  They do this by combining the best of the business and non-profit worlds; making, marketing and selling premium athleisure bags and accessories. 

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Maddie Bell 

11 years at P&G in Brand Management; Cincinnati, OH and Fayetteville, AR 

Other Alums: Tom Rockwood, Steve Simpson, Dan Price and Kathleen Glover 

Maddie joins a cadre of P&G Alum involved in the leadership and management of Aruna.  She has served on the Aruna Project Board since 2018 and is directing the brand management and on-line strategies that have helped increase sales of the goods made by the Mumbai-based and formerly trafficked women production workers.   

In her letter of support Maddie describes how Aruna’s practical approach provides sustainable employment coupled with holistic care to victims of sex trafficking; “Similar to P&G, Aruna operates within the backdrop of key values:  Focused on Her, Excellence, Integrity, Humility, Relentlessness, and People over Process.  I’ve become much more aware of the many great organizations out there, helping women who have been trafficked gain employment.  But I can confidently say that I don’t think that anyone involved in this type of work has the comprehensive, connected and long-term strategies that Aruna has crafted and is executing on and succeeding in.” 

Apprenticeship Project Phase 2

For young women freed from sex trafficking, Aruna offers a position in the Aruna Apprenticeship Program. The Aruna Apprenticeship Program is a paid 9-12 month program providing transitional housing, trauma counseling, life skill education, and skill & trade development in soft goods manufacturing leading to full time employment in Aruna’s Freedom Business. The primary purpose is to ensure lifelong freedom by equipping and empowering survivors with the personal tools to self-regulate trauma stimuli as well as thrive in a softgoods manufacturing employment opportunity (namely Aruna's Freedom Business).  

In Phase 2, the Apprenticeship Program will develop business partnerships in industries outside of softgoods manufacturing. The primary purpose of Phase 2 is to prove the scalability of the Aruna Freedom Process and ensure innumerable trafficking victims experience lifelong freedom through employment supported by holistic care.

2025 Grant

The $25,000 PGAF grant will help expand Phase 2 of the Apprenticeship program. Grant funds will be used for additional personnel and resources to ensure the women experience success upon first entering the program including an expanded training center location, 5 Juki sewing machines and 3-5 computers.

The expansion plan includes

1) Curriculum Refinement – Holistic care, Skills training Development and 4 Pillar Assessment;
2) Implementation refinements & Expanded job placement;
3) Research Study and Analysis - The organization has identified a new tool that has demonstrated strong impact in decreasing counseling meeting times from 3 hours to 45 minutes while developing survivor agency in their own healing journey, and
4) Review and Refine ongoing practices. As a result of this effort, at least 165 women will be provided skills training at the outreach centers while 25 will be employed by Aruna within their production operations. 

Success Story

Saachi's (pseudonym) story: 

Forced into marriage at the age of 13, Saachi’s naiveté to the grown-up world quickly passed. She became pregnant and gave birth to a girl. Shortly after, her husband tragically died, leaving her as an uneducated teenage mother of a young daughter. At the advice of someone in the village, she sought employment in Mumbai as a means to provide for her daughter, who she left with her mother in the village. Through a promising job lead, she was ultimately deceived and sold into the brothel system. Saachi longed for escape. After months and countless customers, Saachi lost all hope for her future. She lived vicariously through her daughter, knowing that her own suffering provided enough income to ensure her daughter was safe, secure and provided for back in the village. 

Members of Aruna’s Outreach Team met Saachi inside the brothel. Over a matter of time and through trust and strategic steps, Saachi was freed. Though freed, her journey was far from over, as past relationships and past trauma do not quickly let go.  Members of Aruna’s Training Center team worked to ensure Saachi was adjusting well in transitional housing. The Apprenticeship Program Team helped her begin the trauma counseling journey and, at the right time, began to layer in life skill training and soft goods manufacturing training.  

In a matter of months, Saachi had graduated and interviewed for a position in Aruna’s Freedom Business where, today, she is a full-time employee, creating Aruna’s premium athleisure products while earning a salary with benefits. This new reality also ensures her daughter has a bright future through a top education. Regarding her freedom, Saachi shared, “I get such satisfaction doing this job [because] I am making a way for many more women to join me in this freedom journey.”

Mission

Best Can Be Foundation

Best Can Be (BCB) Foundation’s mission is to empower children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential and embrace the journey of self-discovery, growth, and success.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Evanson Mwaniki 

14 Years in Brand Management & Product Supply in Dubai, South Africa and Kenya.

Evanson founded the BCB Autism Foundation 5 years ago after his son Leo’s diagnosis on the autism spectrum. While based in South Africa with P&G, he was fortunate to access quality autism care through insurance, an experience that deeply contrasted with the reality in his rural hometown of Murang’a, Kenya, where families have limited to or no access to the early diagnosis, therapy, or support which motivated him to act.  He is Chairman of the Board, a financial contributor and a fundraiser, helping raise over $40,000. 

In his endorsement letter, Evanson writes passionately about the project the grant will help fund: “This program’s model, pairing therapy days with practical financial and agribusiness training, gives these parents not just a window of respite, but a path to empowerment… The Autism Parents Economic Inclusion Program is grounded, well-designed, and scalable. More importantly, it reflects the kind of impact P&G Alumni aspire to, i.e. transforming lives with care, strategy, and sustainability.”

Autism Parents EIP Program

The objective of the Autism Parents Economic Inclusion Program (EIP) is to economically empower economically disadvantaged parents and primary caregivers of children with autism in rural Murang’a County, Kenya by equipping them with practical financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and livelihood support, enabling them to build sustainable incomes, improve household resilience, and provide long-term care for their children.  The majority of program beneficiaries are expected to be women caregivers managing farms less than 1.5 acres, and earning below the rural poverty line (KES 2,248/month per adult).

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant will help fund a new, 12 month program for as many as 40 primary caregivers in the Kirwara locality situated in Gatanga Sub-County. Scope includes: training community health promoters to identify early signs of autism/refer suspected cases to the Autism Center, enrolling those diagnosed into the therapy program, transporting participants to the autism center, and while children in neurodiverse-friendly play activities, providing parents/caregivers financial literacy and agribusiness training tailored to smallholder rural livelihoods. The program will cover topics such as basic recordkeeping and budgeting, crop selection , farm productivity practices, cooperative selling and Introduction to micro-savings and credit networks.  As PGAF will be providing 40% of the requested amount, the Grants Committee will ask the awardee if/to what extent the impact metrics might be affected, and manage accordingly.

Success Story

When Victor Muturi’s mother heard about a special therapy day at Muriranjas Level 4 Hospital, she decided to attend, hoping to find help for her two-year-old son, who was experiencing delayed developmental milestones.

In Murang’a County, access to specialized therapy services is limited. Through the outreach program led by BCB Autism Foundation, Victor received occupational and speech therapy for the first time.

Therapists also coached his mother on simple activities she could use at home — play, communication routines, and structured interaction — to support Victor’s development.
Just as important, she left knowing she was not alone.
“Thank you to BCB and all the partners who made these therapies possible. I now feel hopeful that Victor can grow and learn with the right help.”

For Victor’s family, that day marked the first step toward hope.

Mission

Children’s HopeChest

The mission of Children’s HopeChest (CHC) is to empower vulnerable children and their families to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable, thriving communities, starting with the children. 

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Kenneth E. Sparks 

2 years in CBD in Arizona 

Ken is CEO/President of Children’s HopeChest, and he has led the organization for the past 11 years.

Describing his experience and the work of Children’s HopeChest, Ken writes, “During my 30 years of experience and leadership in the for-profit corporate world, I was often perplexed by the lack of progress in poverty alleviation efforts despite trillions of dollars of aid being thrown at the challenge over the last fifty years. What drew me to the mission of Children's HopeChest is their cutting-edge and innovative approaches to transforming not only individuals but households and entire communities from a mindset of donor dependency to thriving communities with hope restored and dignity & self-sufficiency abounding. While there are many worthwhile and effective organizations focused on specific aspects of employment, HopeChest is one of the few that employs a holistic approach to fund all three elements the Foundation aims to support: job development and vocational training, business-related education and training, and the establishment of entrepreneurial and business ventures tailored to the local community's economic and cultural realities.” 

Family Economic Empowerment

The proposed Family Economic Empowerment initiative (FEEI) aims to equip vulnerable families in the rural Duber Town and semi-urban Woliso CarePoints in Ethiopia with the skills, resources, and support necessary to launch and sustain income-generating activities (IGAs). By leveraging community-based Self-Help Groups (SHGs), targeted training, financial literacy education, seed funding, ongoing mentorship, and entrepreneurship development, the project fosters sustainable livelihoods, reduces dependency on external aid, and enhances the capacity of families to support their children and contribute to community development.

2025 Grant

Given that PGAF would be  funding only about half ($13,000) of what CHC has requested ($24,380), we are thus assuming that PGAF will be sponsoring only one of the two proposed FEEI Carepoint programs and that it delivers half the cited impact -- 80 will be trained, 50 small businesses formed, 120 jobs created and as many as 200 family/community members economically empowered. We will confirm that the reduced allocation of funds can adequately support the single initiative/site before signing off on any contract and/or providing funds.

Success Story

In a small, rural village in Uganda, Loyce's story began at Oditel CarePoint. This place not only ignited her dreams but also provided the vital support she needed during her childhood.

Growing up in a community where access to healthcare was a challenge, Loyce developed a deep determination to one day make a difference in the lives of those around her. Graduating in 2020 with a diploma in Clinical Medicine, Loyce didn't just see her career as a personal achievement - she saw it as an opportunity to transform lives and help her community thrive. Her passion for quality care, born from her own experiences, drove her every step of the way. 

In early 2023, Loyce used her savings and earnings from raising livestock initially provided to her through the CarePoint to open her very own clinic, a beacon of hope for those who needed essential care the most. "When I got the keys to my own business, it was amazing. This is my chance, this is my time, to serve the community," Loyce reflects with pride. "My passion is to ensure everyone receives quality care at any cost. 

When everyone is healthy and can access quality care, the community thrives." But Loyce's impact doesn't stop at her clinic doors. A firm believer in the power of education, she dedicates a portion of her income to supporting her siblings' education, ensuring they, too, have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. She has also gifted oxen to her mother, fostering sustainability and self-sufficiency for her family's future. "In many communities in Uganda, children are not given the opportunity to dream ... they live to receive. It takes someone to break the cycle and show them: you are capable, you have potential, and you can make a difference," Loyce asserts. 

Her story exemplifies the transformative power of empowerment and hope. Our Alum (Ken Sparks) urges readers to watch "Loyce's Story" (https://vimeo.com/1019171026) for a beautiful sharing of the power of the HopeChest approach and the tangible difference the P&G Alumni Foundation can achieve through fueling many more stories of success like Loyce.

Mission

El Hogar Ministries

El Hogar provides a quality education and a safe and nurturing home to children living in vulnerable conditions in Honduras.  Its goal is to break the cycle of poverty so that its students can fulfill their potential as productive and independent Honduran citizens. 

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum:  Richard Reycraft 

35 years at P&G in Engineering in Canada, Venezuela and the United States

Richard has been involved with El Hogar since 2001.  He is currently co-chair of the Canadian support entity, El Hogar Projects (Canada), a registered charity there.  

Richard writes: “Beginning with my first visit to El Hogar in Honduras in 2001, I continue to be impressed by the staff and the enthusiasm and happiness of the children.  I’ve visited tin shack homes, heard the sad background histories of the children, yet remain inspired by the hope for a better future in both the children and their families, based on the support of El Hogar.  I have seen many children in very poor circumstances enter the program at grade one, then progress through the years to grow into such fine young people, graduating with a good education, some even returning as teachers, volunteers and advocates.  I am delighted that P&G Alumni can help initiate this important step forward by pairing ongoing technical skill development with entrepreneurial skills to help make a better future for the youth and their families in Honduras.” 

Young Electricians Program

The target beneficiaries for this project are young people in a market where practical job ready skills are a must.  About 48% of people in urban areas and 60% in rural areas live in poverty; the youth unemployment rate is nearly 11%. Training in a technical trade, such as electricity, can open doors to reliable, in-demand work opportunities.  At El Hogar, 12th grade students earn a certificate in electricity, enabling them to offer services such as electrical installation, appliance repair and maintenance, providing a meaningful income. This program will add a full year of entrepreneurial training for 12th grade students studying electricity.  The tailored curriculum will cover budgeting, customer service, marketing, inventory management and business planning.  Training modules will include sessions led by local business leaders and entrepreneurial experts.  The goal is to enable students not only to be skilled job seekers but also job creators.  

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant funds of $25,000 will be used to hire a part time program coordinator &  an additional electricity instructor, to upgrade/supplement workshop tools, electrical parts and safety gear and to create a tailored curriculum. This dual focus on technical and business training will empower many as 132 students to navigate the complexities of Honduras’ labor market with greater confidence and opportunity, creating pathways out of poverty for themselves and their families. We expect that 24 entrepreneurial opportunities will be created, impacting 1000 family and community members. 

Success Story

On a chilly February morning in Tegucigalpa, Diego woke to the smell of beans cooking on the fogón in his one-room home. His mother had already left to deliver tortillas, and his grandmother prepared breakfast for him. Today was Diego’s first day of fifth grade at El Hogar. At his old public school, learning was a struggle.

Classes were overcrowded, teachers handled multiple grades, and his questions were met with discouragement. He had begun to feel school wasn’t for him.

Walking to the main street with his grandmother, Diego waited nervously for the white bus with the sun logo that he always saw pass by. This time, it was his turn to get on it. Upon arrival at El Hogar, Profesora Karla, his new teacher, led the fifth graders to their classroom. Diego sat quietly, gripping his pencil, eyes wide. She recognized the worry on his face: students from a public school often arrived at El Hogar feeling behind and unsure.

At El Hogar, students receive individualized, compassionate support. Smaller classes, tutoring, and teachers who recognize each child’s strengths help students catch up academically and build confidence. Two afternoons a week, students like Diego stay for extra support, learning through activities designed just for them.

Within weeks, Diego began to change. Letters became words, words became sentences. Nervous silence turned to eagerness; he raised his hand, smiled at correct answers, and leaned in to participate. He discovered a talent for math, a love of geography, and even enjoyed reading novels in Spanish class. Unexpectedly, he found joy in drawing, expressing stories and ideas from his imagination. Learning was no longer frightening, it was something he looked forward to.

At El Hogar, education goes beyond academics. Teachers nurture confidence, celebrate small victories, and walk alongside each child. Diego, once hesitant and unsure, is now a student who sees possibilities where he once saw none. Like sunlight slipping through the cracks in his home, El Hogar illuminates his future, opening doors to opportunities he never imagined.

"Before El Hogar, school felt impossible. Now I see that I can learn, I can create, and I can dream bigger than I ever imagined." - Diego, 5th grade

Mission

iDE

iDE believes that markets are the most powerful tool for creating prosperity, building resilience, and ultimately ending poverty, and that one entrepreneur can transform his/her community and millions can transform the world. iDE powers small businesses which bring families and communities out of poverty by creating solutions for food, security, nutrition, sanitation and water.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum:  Linda Porter-Cox 

16 years at P&G in CMK, Product Supply and CBD in the U.S. and Latin America 

Linda joined iDE’s Board in 2018, being drawn to its model for building resilient market ecosystems to help households pull themselves out of poverty. 

Linda writes: “I am passionate about creating sustainable solutions to improve peoples’ lives around the world, which is why I joined iDE’s board in 2018.  IDE is grounded in an inclusive, sustainable approach which leverages human-centered design to build solutions that power local entrepreneurs to launch profitable businesses that are impact multipliers in their communities.  The PGAF was one of the first partners for the project to enable farming families to build biofertilizer businesses in Nepal and it’s so meaningful to see the progress achieved since; to date over 400 people have benefitted from increased production, directly impacting their food security, nutrition and wellbeing.  Last year, in partnership with the PGAF, iDE made critical strides in creating an emerging market for this biofertilizer.” 

Biofertiliser Enterprise Phase III

The target beneficiaries for this project are populations in marginalized ethnic groups in the Kaski District in Central Nepal.  Many small-scale farmers do not have access to the agronomist knowledge and inputs necessary to improve their baseline productivity and combat new challenges related to climate change; quality fertilizer is a critical need. iDE developed an effective biofertilizer solution, resulting in less soil-borne disease and 15% greater crop yields. After a successful pilot program, iDE expanded this proven solution to 40 farmers in 2 farming cooperatives, improving farm productivity, increasing incomes and identifying the business opportunity for a new income stream.  In Phase II iDE further demonstrated the demand for this biofertilizer as emerging businesses sold US$7,000 in fertilizer where the annual income is often under US$ 1000.  iDE also identified 100 farmers across 2 new cooperatives with interest in production and sale of regenerative biofertilizer.  Phase III fully integrates the success of Phases I and II by continuing to train new farmers while also engaging collection centers/members in cementing business models and marketing plans to drive sales demand.  

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant funds of $12,500 will be used to continue to support farmers to produce, market, sell and distribute the biofertilizer product.
Specifically, funds will be applied in 3 key areas:
1. Supporting farmers in the technical aspects of biofertilizer production (including critical measurements of compost pit development and final product quality),
2. Support establishment of biofertilizer enterprises (training in business model development, operations and packaging) and
3. Stimulate sustainable demand of biofertilizer (marketing strategies, media campaigns/materials, supply chain networking and links with local government/other stakeholders) to raise awareness of biofertilizer.  With the successful training of these 100 farmers involved with the program, we expect that 2000 farming families will gain access to this essential good, growing their long-term production, income and resilience. (Note from author: this impact will likely change given award is half of what was requested and around which these metrics were built, and we will have to manage accordingly). 

Success Story

Though additional stories will be provided in the Marketing Request form, iDE did provide a story of a woman who participated in an earlier phase of the program: Bimala is a woman farmer who has grown vegetables on her farm for nearly a decade. She recalls times when money was so tight that her family would sometimes go three to four days before they could gather enough funds for food. “During tough times, I was often worried about how we would make ends meet. The uncertainty of not knowing where the next meal would come from was overwhelming,” she shared. “There were moments when I felt helpless, but I knew I had to keep pushing forward for my family.” A turning point came when she enrolled in iDE’s biofertilizer development program. In her first year, Bimala produced 1,000 kg of vermicompost, resulting in a great cucumber yield and earnings of 20,000 rupees. By the second year, she had expanded her vermicomposting setup, joined a local savings cooperative, and used her profits to support her household and children's education. Today, as a successful woman entrepreneur, Bimala financially supports her husband and shares her agricultural knowledge with her community, advocating for women’s financial independence through farming as a business. "This has truly transformed my life. Initially, I was unsure if it would work, but seeing the results firsthand filled me with pride and confidence,” she said. “It wasn’t just about earning money—it was about realizing my potential and knowing that I could make a real difference for my family.

Mission

Circles NWA

Circles NWA :The mission of Innovative Poverty Solutions (IPS) is to develop and implement community-driven, innovative solutions to ending poverty in Northwest Arkansas (NWA).

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Sarah “Sally” Schoen 

24 years in CBD in US (Philadelphia, Rochester, Fayetteville, Cincinnati, Los Angeles) and Europe (Geneva, Switzerland)

Additional Alums involved: Henry Ho and Mike Russell 

Sarah "Sally" Schoen is on the IPS Board (since 2024) and has served as a Volunteer Ally within the Circles Program for the past three years. During her time with Circles, Sally met with her Circle Leader weekly, advocated alongside her for improved housing conditions, and leveraged her business acumen for her Circle Leader’s career advancement. Over the 18-month program, her Circle Leader achieved stable housing, secured a job promotion, doubled her support network, and grew significantly in confidence and leadership. Sally has returned as an Ally in cohort 4 and is working with a new Circle Leader to support and grow the Circle Leader’s small business.

In her endorsement letter, Sally writes, “Circles NWA gives Circle Leaders the confidence, critical business skills training and a new network of community support to overcome real barriers. Circles NWA is exactly the type of organization I sought to support in retirement because it is set up for success and making a major impact.”

Circles Northwest Arkansas

Circles NWA, IPS’s flagship program, supports upward mobility for low-income households. Built on a “flipped” mentorship model, Circles centers the leadership of those in poverty by matching participants, known as Circle Leaders, with 2–3 middle- or upper-income volunteers called Allies. Over 18 months, Allies walk alongside their Circle Leader to support economic growth, job readiness, and community connection.
The program includes
1) Circle Leaders completing a 10-week course on financial literacy and career skills while Allies complete an 8-week “poverty IQ” training to better understand systemic poverty, 

2) weekly cohort meetings, focused on budgeting, expense tracking, and long-term goal-setting, and
3) career development that Includes resumes, networking support, skills assessments, and professional headshots, and
4) other program elements. In 2024, 88% of Circle Leaders increased their income and doubled their social capital (number of people they can reach out for connections or support.) 

2025 Grant

PGAF’s $25,000 grant will support 12 new Circle Leaders and 30 new Volunteer Allies as part of Cohort 5 of the Circles NWA program.  It will begin in Fall 2025 and continue through Spring 2027.  Grant funds will support the successful launch and implementation of this 18-month cohort which include: 1) Professional coaching services focused on financial literacy, career development, and navigating systems like public benefits, 2) Training for participants (Circle Leaders) and volunteer Allies, and 3) Essential program materials and participant supports, including meals, transportation assistance, and childcare during weekly meetings.

Success Story

“This journey has shown me what’s possible when I dare to dream big and believe in myself. It’s taught me the power of leaning in, trusting the process, and surrounding myself with people who truly care.”

— Sarah Bryan

For a long time, I felt lonely and disconnected. It was hard to get consistent feedback or guidance, which made it difficult to know where to start improving my situation. Challenges with Medicaid affected both my mental health and my ability to keep steady employment. It often felt like I was stuck in a domino effect—one setback leading to another—creating a perfect storm that seemed impossible to escape.

When I joined Circles NWA, I began to gain perspective on what I could do to change my life. My Allies, Gwynne and Sally, were incredible partners along the way. Gwynne encouraged me to embrace my authenticity and stand firm in my values, while Sally helped me grow in confidence and connect more openly with others. Their support, and the community I found through Circles, reminded me that I wasn’t alone in navigating life’s challenges. Together, we have shared experiences, learned new skills, and encouraged one another to keep moving forward.

Today, I’m proud of the life I’ve built. I found a job that truly fits my needs. It has hours that let me spend quality time with my kids, better pay that’s helped me pay down debt, and the stability to start improving my home. I’ve been able to replace old wood, paint the front, and make my space feel reliable and safe - something that’s more than enough for me!

More importantly, I’ve gained confidence in myself and in what I’m capable of achieving.

With the help of community I’ve built a stronger, more stable life for myself and my family—proving that with the right support, change starts from within.

Mission

Lighthouse Project Youth Development Association of Guangzhou

Lighthouse Project Youth Development Association of Guangzhou (LP) is dedicated to supporting the development of left-behind rural children and migrant youth. The organization additionally cultivates a spirit of volunteerism among Chinese youth by training them to become mentors and coaches for the vulnerable group. Its core belief is “Guidance that shapes a lifetime”.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Virginia Lu  

6 Years in Brand Management in Guangzhou, China 

In 2001, Virginia co-founded LP and, since its founding, has played a central leadership role.  She is currently Vice Chair.

Her involvement spans across all aspects of organizational development, including program design, leadership training, operational systems, and fundraising.  She also served as chief trainer, adapting P&G’s team-building methods to help transform groups of unfamiliar college students into highly effective volunteer teams. Virginia said in her endorsement letter, “What I’m proudest of is the volunteer training system. Using tools and frameworks I learned at P&G, I developed more than 10 modules on leadership, communication, classroom management, and empathy. These allowed us to quickly turn university students into confident, capable volunteers who could deliver high-quality education in rural areas. I personally served as the chief trainer for over 10 years. Today, our volunteer development remains one of our strongest assets.” 

The Lighthouse Shimmer Program Camp

In moving, many migrant teenagers are caught between two systems.  Having left their hometowns, they are excluded from the rural development policies.  Lacking urban residency, they are also ignored by city-based social support. Living in the shadows of urban life, they face limited access to quality education, guidance, or social integration and fall into cycles of low-wage, unstable work, lacking skills and direction to improve their livelihoods – often remaining at the bottom of the society.

Lighthouse aims to break this cycle through tailored career exploration, vocational training, and mentorship. The Shimmer program helps participants discover their interests, build practical job skills, and make informed decisions about their future life. The 3 part program includes a) a Career Exploration Camp, an 8-day immersive camp with career interest profiling, occupational site visits, self-awareness development, financial literacy, and an introduction to AI tools for future career readiness, b) career development in-school courses that strengthen migrant youths’ understanding of academic pathways, basic vocational skills, and encourages parental engagement, and c) six online career planning modules.  

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant will mainly help empower 120 migrant youth through the Career Exploration Camp and fund the program costs for venue, volunteer training materials, in-school course supplies, tutor fees, staff costs,modest scholarships and on-line course development. As PGAF will be providing 70% of the requested amount, the impact metrics might be affected, and we will have to manage expectations accordingly.

Success Story

Chen Xiao Mei, a migrant youth from a rural village, relocated to Guangzhou with her parents. After facing academic struggles, family instability, and emotional distress, she joined the Lighthouse Shimmer Camp in 2022. With guidance from mentors and exposure to vocational options. Slowly, Chen Xiao Mei regained confidence, identified her interest in visual media, and successfully enrolled in a relevant vocational program. Her engagement in the camp helped stabilize her behavior, re-align family support, and redirect her academic path. 

Mei is just one of thousands of our success stories. Our motto, “Direction Shapes a Lifetime,” lives on through them. And the change isn’t limited to the children—we’ve also transformed the lives of the 3,700 university students who served as volunteers. They left with stronger life skills, a broader sense of purpose, and many returned to build careers in education and public service.
Some now lead Lighthouse into its next generation.
Additional stories will be provided within the Marketing Request form. 

Mission

Restavek Freedom

Restavek Freedom : End Child Slavery in Haiti in Our Lifetime

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum:  Charles L. Kellam 

36 years at P&G:  CBD, Customer Relations, PS in Cincinnati and other US geographies

Charles’ involvement with Restavek Freedom (RF) began in 2008 when his visit to Haiti showed him both a shocking lack of infrastructure (electricity, sanitation systems, roads) AND an amazing resilience among the Haitian people, inspiring him to get involved. 

Charles writes: “I have been involved with Restavek Freedom Foundation since the fall of 2008, serving on the Board from 2011 to 2021 and sponsoring children in the Child Advocacy Program. Our staff, our partners and above all the children demonstrate the tremendous potential for change on a daily basis. The Computer Skills training program at our Port Salut Learning Center continues to be in high demand.  Teachers, pastors and community leaders have come to request a course, resulting in many job opportunities and positively impacting many families.  I expect the same positive results from the computer skills training that will take place in our new Learning Center at St. Michel with help from the P&G Alumni Foundation.”

Computer Training

The target beneficiaries for this project are youths in the St. Michel de l’Atalye county of Haiti.  An estimated half of the St. Michel county’s population of 150,000 is under 25 years old and of prime age to learn career skills essential in a 21st century economy; the youth unemployment rate in Haiti is 63%.   St. Michel is within reasonable transport of 2 of Haiti’s 5 largest cities and so can support businesses who need computerized data skill sets (i.e. there is a market.) Students for this project will have had some education and will be literate; most will be high school students or young adults. Students will be trained in basic computer usage and in common applications such as Windows, Word, Excel and Power Point.  Students will follow a 5 module, 14-month course that meets twice each week for 2 hours. Testing for each module will ensure that students have mastered course content. Initially we will support 2 cohorts of 15 students, As with our Computer Training center in Port Salut, we expect to increase each cohort to our 20- person capacity and also gradually expand the number of cohorts to serve the St. Michel population. 

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant funds of $15,000 will support computer skills training for 30 young people in the St. Michel de l’Atalye county of Haiti to create a sustainable income for the students and their families.  Specifically, funds will be used to purchase computer equipment, hire a course coordinator and to replicate the Port Salut training curriculum for the St. Michel site.  In the initial phase about 30 jobs will be created, impacting 170 people.  As with our startup at Port Salut, we expect the impact to grow with each passing year.

Success Story

Though additional stories will be provided in the Marketing Request form, Charles provides in his sponsoring letter a story that illustrates the importance/relevance of the computer centers like that which PGAF will be supporting next year --  

When Restavek Freedom started offering computer classes at Port Salut, it was shocking just how in-demand the courses were. Teachers, pastors, and community leaders all came in to ask that Restavek Freedom run a course for them and those they knew who would benefit from it. The courses helped graduates enter the job markets, sometimes in surprising ways! In one example, a graduate named Oze was able to leverage his newfound skills to open a cybercafe where he makes copies, prepares resumes, types exams for schools, and prepares homework and gradebooks, among other things. He filled an essential gap in the community that has enabled schools to operate more efficiently, reduced barriers for people applying for jobs, and enhanced connectivity. It also serves as a steady source of income for him and his family, allowing him to build a house and to avoid the kind of poverty that compels families to send away their children into restavek. Another graduate, Beaudrun, obtained a job teaching computer classes at a school thanks to the skills she gained during computer courses. She said, "As the world is evolving, it is very important to have computer skills. I wish there were more opportunities for more people to participate in this course." Restavek Freedom aims to make that possible. 

Mission

Seniores Italia Lazio

Seniores Italia Lazio promotes intergenerational connections between skilled senior volunteers and the organizations involved in youth development, cultural/social integration and sustainable community development.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Paolo Cerullo 

27 years in Product Supply in Italy, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland and Ukraine 

Additional Alumni involvement from: Antonio Malvestio - 36 Years in Product Supply; Riccardo Vitale - 35 years in Sales, IT, Global Business Service; Valentino D’Antonio – 26 years in Product Supply and HR; Cinzia Gaeta – 34 years in Legal. 

Paolo writes in his letter of sponsorship, “The project we are proposing in 2025 represents Step 3 of the projects successfully concluded in 2022 and 2024, both funded by the P&G Alumni Foundation. Each of these projects are part of a larger project started in 2015 to improve the income of poor families in the village of Ambalanjanakomby (Madagascar) through the creation of income generating and female empowerment activities in agriculture and livestock breeding.  I personally visited the Ambalanjanakomby village in 2014 and I have actively participated in the previous two steps of the project. This project goes well beyond farming.  It brings dignity, cooperation, and real opportunity to women who once had none.  It is an honor to be part of their journey. 

Phase 3 Female Empowerment

The beneficiaries for this project are the ~2000 people who live in the village of Ambalanjanakomby, a remote village in northern Madagascar.  Almost all of them - together with an additional 10,000 people in the entire rural municipality - live in poverty, practicing very low-income agriculture and irrational farming. The “Cooperative 4 Female Empowerment” project has established a ‘social cooperative’ that creates income producing businesses and empowers women.  Following two successful phases (including a chicken farming project and crop diversification program), Phase 3 expands the agricultural cooperative by increasing the number of members and cultivated land, adding new crops, and improving basic infrastructure (e.g., toilets, water well, photovoltaic system). The program emphasizes training in sustainable agriculture, teamwork, and cooperative values, with support from the local Ministry of Agriculture. 

 

2025 Grant

The $25,000 PGAF grant will fund the program’s expansion to 50/55 cooperative members, cultivation of 18-20 hectares of diversified crops, technical training and tutoring by agriculture experts and sociologist, construction of a toilet, water well, and solar power system, and purchase of agricultural inputs and a mobile irrigation tank. The project will train 45 individuals and employ 55 (full-time and part-time) women and impact 500 community members. The average income for cooperative members is projected to increase from $100 to $160+ per year. 

Success Story

Traditional curriculum content does not always manage to effectively cover all new issues and it is often difficult to get students actively involved. Seniores Italia Lazio offers knowledge that completes school content, creating networks of people, experiences and energies to put them at the service of our young people and the society of tomorrow. Seniores Italia Lazio deeply believes in young people and their potential, which is why it supports them during their school years, guiding them in the realization of their professional future and personal growth based on their aspirations.

Mission

Sherbro Foundation

Sherbro Foundation : To help rural Sierra Leone move from poverty to self-reliance through education and economic empowerment.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum:  Arlene Golembiewski 

30 years at P&G in Product Supply, Cincinnati, OH USA and Brussels, Belgium 

Arlene is the Founder and the volunteer Executive Director of Sherbro. 

Arlene writes: “I founded Sherbro in in 2013, forming a joint vision with Bumpeh Chiefdom’s Pwaramount Chief Charles Caulker; our goals were to send girls to school & grow fruit trees to self-fund chiefdom education programs.  From our very first grant of $600 to today, the first of 4500 coconut trees planted over 5 years are beginning to fruit, producing steady income for ongoing funding of the community education programs.  We initially sent 59 girls to 7th & 8th grades, with the goals of advancing to junior high, keeping them in school & avoiding early marriage.  Over 6 years, 800 girls attended secondary school, many advancing to senior high with scholarships for 2-4 years totaling over 2000 scholarships.  I could not be prouder of this accomplishment.  Further, the first year of the Let Them Earn project exceeded my expectations.  There had never been a project in this part of the country with individual $220 loans for subsistence farmers – and interest free. They’re seen as bad credit risks and too hard to reach in isolated villages.  We accept and mitigate the risk with capacity building training and close supervision over 12 months. We’re proud that 90% of money loaned out in 2024 was repaid in the project’s first year. It was immediately reloaned to start to start the second group of trainees for 2025.” 

 

Let Them Earn

The Rural Bumpeh Chiefdom is agriculture based; most people either farm or trade in farm produce. Generations have been trapped in subsistence lifestyles, barely feeding and caring for their families. Farmers grow what they eat and barter for other life basics, leaving them with little cash to expand a business; 80% are illiterate. This project targets village women and young people who need working capital and skills to develop small, sustainable agriculture businesses that can continue to grow and employ more people, specifically active women farmers and traders.  As Let Them Earn enters its third year, village farmers and small traders will be screened for 50 project positions.  Interviews and farm visits will confirm that trainees have demonstrated growing or trading experience and that their businesses are large enough to reliably repay loans.  Interest free loans are available up to $210; payback is based on crop growing schedules with full repayment within 12 months. Participants will be trained on crop growing and marketing and managing small businesses, geared to participant level of literacy and the village environment.

Practical hands-on training will occur in trainee farms where farmers apply what they learn step by step.  A computerized records system will be added this year to
1) help farmers keep expenditure and income records,
2) analyze farmer issues and trends, and
3) assess overall program results and identify improvements.

2025 Grant

Our $24,500 grant will support the Year 3 expansion of the project and impact nearly 1200 family and community members, train 55 people and lead to 5 new business ventures.
Funds will be used to
1) provide small ($210) interest free loans focused on growing and marketing fruit and vegetables for urban customers (the most profitable agriculture sector),
2) provide training on growing, marketing and small business management geared to trainee level of literacy and the village environment,
3) expand a tree nursery to grow seedlings for public sale (income will fund project admin when the grant ends), and
4) serve as a model for change in village cultural practices (women can manage their own businesses, children can be students instead of farm laborers, project loans can jump start hiring labor to operate and expand small farms).

Success Story

In her sponsoring letter, Arleen provides some wonderful perspective regarding the outstanding success of the first two years of the LTE project….”Let Them Earn (LTE) is one of the most significant projects Sherbro Foundation has undertaken in its twelve years, and one with the greatest potential to impact the lives of those at a subsistence level. In its first year and a half, LTE is truly making a difference in villages inaccessible to other NGO’s. Lives of hundreds of family members have been changed as farmers quickly earn more money. They invested in their futures using project loans to enlarge their farms and grow new cash crops. Farmers with no education who’ve been in the financial dark ages are learning practical skills to run a small business, like budgeting and figuring profit/loss.  

The project is also initiating significant social change in a traditionally male dominated society. Women are at the forefront of the project learning new skills. As loan recipients, they’re increasing their decision-making authority for family farms. They’re helping their families earn more, and with that comes respect. Their self-esteem has visibly grown. They now assert themselves and speak up in village meetings. Children are in school and not used as day farm labor. With loan money, parents can hire labor. These economic and social changes in small hard-to-reach villages in less than two years are impressive. The effect on villages is becoming transformative.”

Mission

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The mission of St. Vincent de Paul is to service people in need.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Chris Williams 

34 years in U.S. Product Supply  

P&G Alum Chris Williams has been actively and meaningfully involved with SVDP Cincinnati for more than two decades, serving in a wide range of leadership, advisory, and philanthropic roles that have significantly advanced the organization’s mission.  He has served on its Board (’06-‘12), its Advisory Council (’14-’24), and is currently Board President. 

In his endorsement letter, Chris writes, “The Re-Entry program at its core is more than workforce development – it’s about removing the barriers that often keep our neighbors from rebuilding their lives after incarceration. It is designed with intentionality and compassion, walking alongside individuals as they navigate the complex path back into society. The program reflects the best of what P&G instilled in all of us – an unwavering belief in human potential, the importance of innovation and systems that work, and the power of meaningful investment in people.”

The Re-Entry Mentorship Program

SVDP’s Re-Entry Mentorship Program serves returning (formerly incarcerated) citizens who have already achieved basic stability through the organization’s established Re-Entry services. The Program empowers individuals who have already overcome initial barriers – such as housing, employment, and transportation – to pursue higher-level goals including workforce advancement, vocational certification, and leadership development. Participants are paired with trained mentors for 6–12 months.

2025 Grant

PGAF’s $10,000 grant will help cover vocational and career advancement expenses for 10-20 individuals associated with the program including tuition for certification programs, reinstatement fees (e.g., driver’s licenses), business registration, transportation, access to technology, professional attire, notebooks, binders, and printed resources for both mentors and mentees, along with the training, recruitment, and coordination of volunteer mentors. As PGAF will be providing 40% of the requested amount, the impact metrics might be affected, and we will have to manage expectations accordingly.  In this case, our contribution would have been low anyway (9%) even had we awarded them what they requested, so the effect of the reduced award should be minimal. [this is why we chose to provide a reduced award.] 

Success Story

Christopher Holley entered the Re-Entry Mentorship Program after facing significant challenges reentering the workforce. Having spent 36 years incarcerated, he found that rebuilding his life required not only practical resources but also support in strengthening his confidence, professional skills, and daily stability. Despite these barriers, Chris approached the program with determination and a clear desire to grow.

Through regular mentorship sessions, Chris began developing essential workforce skills, including communication, networking, and stress-management strategies. His mentor helped him explore vocational and certification programs that aligned with his long-term goals, and Chris has been preparing to take this next step toward meaningful employment. With guidance from the program, he also started working toward reinstating his driver’s license and securing his own apartment. Two major milestones on the road to independence.

Earlier this summer, Chris faced an unexpected and difficult setback: a battle with cancer. During treatment, the program surrounded him with comprehensive support, providing help with his phone bill, bus passes so he could continue getting to medical appointments, clothing vouchers, and employment resources to keep him moving forward even during recovery. This wraparound support ensured he could maintain stability at a time when everything felt uncertain.

Chris continues to make steady progress. He is gaining professional experience, actively building his network, and preparing for vocational training that will expand his employment opportunities. His confidence has grown significantly, and he is closer than ever to securing independent housing and reliable transportation. Chris frequently shares how much the Re-Entry Mentorship Program has meant to him, not only for the practical assistance it provided, but for restoring his sense of hope, health, and possibility as builds a new chapter of his life.

Mission

Spotlight on Africa

Spotlight on Africa (SoA) empowers some of Africa’s poorest communities to become self-reliant and sustainable through a holistic, integrated approach. Its UK volunteers collaborate closely with local partners to deliver clean water, dignified sanitation, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. By providing training, skills development, and access to income generation, SoA helps break the cycle of poverty and build lasting change.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Will Treasure

3 years in Manufacturing/PSO, Manchester, UK

Will has served on the Spotlight on Africa Board for the past four years, personally raising $50,000 through sponsored cycling events, speaking at fundraising dinners and generally raising the profile of its work.

In his letter of support, Will tells us what drives his interest in Spotlight; “I believe deeply that we have a moral responsibility to help those in greatest need, wherever they may be. What drew me to Spotlight on Africa is its unique model—highly efficient, community-led, and deeply impactful. In the UK, we operate entirely through volunteers. We have no paid or fundraising staff, which allows us to direct 95% of the funds we raise straight to Uganda. Our UK team provides strategic direction and governance, while the day-to-day work is led by an eight-member local management team in Uganda, overseen by a Ugandan supervisory board. Together, they manage a school, a health clinic, a maternity center, and a jobs and skills training program that collectively employ over 60 local staff. Spotlight on Africa is delivering real, tangible change in a community that is often overlooked.”

The SoA Vocational Training Program

Mbale is a remote town of over 100,000 people in eastern Uganda, near the Kenyan border—more than five hours from Kampala. Despite its size, it remains one of the most underserved regions in the country, with limited support from aid agencies. The population is extremely poor, even by national standards, and includes many refugees, former child soldiers, and displaced families who fled decades of conflict in Northern Uganda and South Sudan. Over half the population is under the age of 16. The objective of the program is to provide skills development for a period of 10 months of training followed by a graduation when each graduate is given a start-up pack to enable them to start their own businesses or become employed. In this way SoA is transforming lives through economic empowerment—one of SoA’s four core pillars—by equipping individuals with practical, income-generating skills. Our vocational training programs in carpentry, tailoring, and farming are helping men, women, and in particular our Community Health Promoters (CHPs) move from dependency to self-sufficiency.

2025 Grant

The $25,000 PGAF grant will fund the training costs of the carpentry, tailoring, farming and hairdressing apprentices for calendar 2026. Costs range from wood materials for the carpenters to fabrics for the tailors to planting media/seeds for the farmers as well as staff/trainer expenses. There are no set-up costs or timeline as the program has run in prior years, the training team is in place, and locations are ready to go. Twenty-five apprentices in carpentry, 42 in tailoring, 44 in farming and 12 in hairdressing will create 60 employment opportunities.

Success Story

Story provided by Grant Champion, Will Treasure: 

When I visited Mbale, Uganda in 2022 I followed up with a number of graduates to see for myself the effectiveness of our training. The first carpentry graduate I visited was an older man, in his early fifties. He proudly showed me the house that he had built, using the skills he had learned. It was a single story, 200 sq. ft. floorspace, which is large by the standards of his local community, and it was enough for his family. Next door he had built a second house of similar size which he let out to another family, producing a small income for him. He had a number of goats tethered nearby and was clearly relatively prosperous. 

The second graduate I met was only 22, but he already had a small workshop in his house and employed 3 other graduates and 2 unskilled men making household furniture which he sold locally. These unskilled men were hoping to be one of the next intake of apprentices. I was amazed at his business ability, to be employing other local men at such a young age. 

I also visited one single mother who after our sewing training had gotten a job at the local industrial park, making furniture covers. On her wages of $2 per day, she was able to support herself, her four-year old son and her parents who looked after her son while she worked. She was ill, emaciated, and destitute after her husband left her and when she started her training. Now she looked well. Her life was hard, she had to work 7 days per week, 10 hours per day and had an hour walk each way to get to the factory, but it was so much better than the life she had before our training.” 

 

Mission

The Four Seven

The Four Seven is dedicated to empowering individuals returning from incarceration by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities to successfully reintegrate into its community, reducing recidivism and promoting a safer society.

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Sharon Bergman 

27 years in MSD in Cincinnati and Newcastle, UK. 

Sharon is currently a ReEntry Employment Team Leader, leading a team of 5 career coordinators and, in this most recent fiscal year (‘24-’25), managing the exit/successful employment of 30 clients.  She’s been a Board member/secretary as well for the past 3 years.  

There are 3 additional P&G Alums involved with The Four Seven:
Vivian Bechtold - Dayton Correctional Institution Site Leader
Matt Murphy - Current Board Member, and Geri Geisland - Family Support Volunteer
Sharon writes, “When you support the 47s; you are transforming lives.  When people learn of the resources available; they envision their second chance.   When someone is holding them accountable for taking their next step; they realize they can do it.”

The Re-Entry Employment Program

The purpose of the program is to assist a returning citizen with obtaining his/ her initial job after years of incarceration. The ReEntry Employment: Getting a Job! program is a subset of the Reentry Service that is available to clients when re-entering society. The ReEntry Employment team helps with resumes, interview practice and job seeking while holding individuals accountable to make a new life. This budget provides funds for the basic starting needs (driver license, housing, working clothes, etc.) as well as a gift card for every 30 days of work. Last year, 47 partnered with 30 employers to place 97% of its clients within 6 months. Today, none of those clients have returned to prison.

2025 Grant

Specifically PGAF funds will provide:

1) Transportation to interviews; work until the first paycheck and higher education,
2) Work clothes and necessary tools of the trade,
3) Gift cards for every 30 days worked with congratulatory note,
4) Fund the renewal of certifications that expired while in prison,
5) Pay for application fees to apply for continuing education, and
6) Pay for computers, textbooks if attending higher education. The deliverable: the 2026 goal is to place 30 more clients in jobs with a sustainable household income, and for those clients to maintain their jobs for at least 12 months.

Success Story

“Here is one client story to show how constant communication is the key to success. One client came to the 47s when he was living in a sober living house. If he did not find employment he had to leave. Leaving for him meant on the streets. He applied to many jobs but his record was preventing him. We worked on his resume and analyzed the bus routes around his sober living house and understood his skills. Knowing that Bilstein was a second chance employer with one bus route from the sober living house - we suggested this opportunity. We paid for his work clothes; his bus card and UBER for his interview and he is now 210 days employed and in our employment incentive program. He continues to work and provide the sober living house 20% of his income. Soon he is ready to launch from the group house to his own apartment. We paid for the first rent. He has furniture from our New Life Furniture contract. Now he is working on his driver's license fees. Next he will attend night school at Miami University to complete his Business degree while working. It is a journey!”

Mission

Trust to Achieve

Trust to Achieve’s (TtA) mission is to empower visually or sensory impaired individuals and equip them for the workplace through a comprehensive program tailored to their needs and career goals. This holistic approach encompasses career guidance, professional coaching, skill development, job application assistance, and networking opportunities. 

Sponsoring P&G Alumni

Sponsoring Alum: Amaury Marchandise 

20 years in CBD; Belgium, Malta, Geneva 

Additional Alum: Aurore Diakanua 

Since 2019, Amaury has served as the President of the association, overseeing strategic development and partnership initiatives.  Amaury's startup has successfully hired three Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) for sales positions, serving as a tangible example for companies interested in recruiting VIPs.  He has as well secured partnerships with 10 companies (including P&G) and 2 foundations, providing crucial support for our programs. 

In supporting his work, Amaury explains in his letter; “Trust to Achieve began as a passion project following my encounter with ThibaultTrancart (Blind) in 2017 during my tenure as Commercial Associate Director in Global Development Markets at P&G, based in Geneva. Since our founding in 2019, we’ve worked to close the employment gap for people with disabilities (PWD), helping companies recognize the strategic value of inclusion and supporting candidates in their integration into the workforce. Our commitment lies in further developing the association to advise more companies on successful inclusion strategies and support more PWDs in joining the primary workforce.” 

The Empowering Talent Project

Facilitating Networking: Creating platforms for both organizations and VIPs to connect and collaborate. 

In 2024, 55% of the individuals TtA supported secured employment, and 70% of their partner companies renewed their collaboration with TtA.

Unlike many European countries, Switzerland still faces significant barriers to providing employment opportunities for PWDs. While other countries have made strides in inclusive employment, PWDs in Switzerland continue to experience systemic challenges. Expanding the Empowering Talent Project will address this gap, growing its impact beyond visually impaired individuals to include all people with physical and sensory disabilities.  Additionally the program will expand across the entire French-speaking region of Switzerland (Suisse romande).  There are two priorities: 1) Empowering the PWD community through expanded mentorship, immersive Duo Day experiences (initially launched successfully last year), and peer-learning sessions, and 2) strengthening corporate engagement via cross-company events, inclusive management training, and scaling the Duo Day model. 

The goal of this program is to reach 35 PWDs via personalized development programs, support 105 workplace immersion experiences (DuoDay), provide 50 hours of coaching, 10 hours of mentoring and 5 hours of peer to peer contact.  Each successful placement becomes a powerful story of resilience that inspires families and reshapes perceptions among employers—proving that physical or sensory limitations do not define potential.  

2025 Grant

The PGAF grant of $25,000 will expand the TtA mentor network and support 35 beneficiaries with stronger, profession-specific guidance; strengthen corporate engagement with cross-company events to maximize networking; offer practical training modules on practices for companies ready to advance their PWD engagement; and identify/recruit companies to pilot DuoDays.

Success Story

• After losing his sight, José feared he could no longer work. Through the TtA program, he joined a support network and met a manager during a networking event who offered him an interview, then a job. Now fully integrated into the team, José not only performs well but also inspires his colleagues, challenging perceptions about disability in the workplace. 
• Vincent, with an academic background in water and energy, was repeatedly overlooked due to his disability. Through TtA mentoring, his talent for fundraising was identified as a valuable skill for NGOs. He is now on a short-term fundraising mission, building momentum for a long-term role