At the heart of The Helen Project International, Inc. is a commitment to dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Dale L. Johnson, our mission is to stand in solidarity with African Grandmothers who are raising orphan children infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic across Ghana and Kenya.

We are proudly named in honor of my grandmother Helen S. Thomas, a woman from a close-knit rural community in Virginia who embodied compassion and the spirit of sharing resources—a philosophy that continues to guide every aspect of our work today.

A Philosophy of Learning and Partnership

The foundation of our approach is simple: we must first be learners. Instead, we work side-by-side with local communities, observing and honoring the wisdom and resilience of the Grandmothers. This dedication to partnership ensures that every program—from entrepreneurial training to permanent structures—is sustainable and truly helpful, leading to lasting change. We do not just see need; we see potential.

Transforming Lives in Ghana: The Power of Capital

Our most notable growth is seen in the Micro-Lending Program in Winneba, Ghana. Since 2013, this initiative has exploded in scope, growing from just five Grandmothers to currently supporting 56 dynamic women. These wonderful contributors receive working capital to launch and grow their own sustainable businesses, ranging from selling fresh fish and roasted plantain to managing local charcoal sales. The program boasts tremendously improved repayment rates, demonstrating the Grandmothers’ commitment. By providing this initial investment, we help secure not only their future, but also the academic success of the grandchildren in their care.

Building Foundations of Hope in Kenya

In Kenya, we are building tangible foundations for the future. The vision for the Women’s Center and Hostel in Kipsitet is rapidly moving toward completion. This center is becoming a dedicated hub for life-changing training in skills like tailoring, hairdressing, and computer literacy, ensuring 150 Grandmothers have new pathways to self-sufficiency.

More immediately, your support translates to personal security: this year, we were thrilled to build a new, sustainable home for Grandmother Jane Langat, who is raising six children. This entire structure was completed for just $700 in resources, demonstrating the incredible magnitude of impact achieved through efficient administration and focused commitment.

Join the Movement

We are sustained by the gifts and commitment of individuals like you and kept going daily by the Lord’s faithful hand. Your generosity is the fuel that ensures our dedicated project managers, Ernestina Yawson and Rev. Florence Cheruiyot, have the operational support and transportation they need to reach every Grandmother in the field and successfully carry out our mission. We believe that goodness, kindness, and commitment are the key filters in all our decisions, and we invite you to join us in continuing this momentum.

Together, we are building hope, one life at a time.

Contact The Helen Project International, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306 Keene, Virginia 22946 USA

Founder/Executive Director: Dr. Dale L. Johnson Please visit our “Donate” page for information on how to donate online