Our Work

FFOYV is committed to developing sustainable, community-led solutions that address York Village’s pressing needs—from healthcare and education to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. We invite donors, partners, and friends to join us as we work hand-in-hand with the community to create lasting positive change.

Together, we can turn compassion into practical and lasting opportunity.

A Message from Our Chair

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners, As a Native of Sierra Leone and concerned citizen of York village, I carry with me a deep love for the community of York village in Sierra Leone that helped shape my life. I know its strength, generosity, and potential. I also understand the challenges faced by many families who work hard each day but continue to experience limited access to educational resources, healthcare services, and sustainable economic opportunities. Friends and Families of York Village was created from a shared belief that meaningful progress is possible when people come together with purpose. Our work is centered on three areas that are essential to a thriving community: education, health, and entrepreneurship. Through these initiatives, we seek to equip children for learning, improve access to essential health resources, and help residents develop skills and livelihoods that promote long-term independence. We believe that the people of York Village should be active partners in shaping their future. For this reason, our initiatives are guided by identified community needs, responsible partnerships, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. We aim not only to respond to immediate needs, but also to create opportunities that can strengthen families for generations. Your contribution—whether financial, material, or professional—can help us provide school supplies, books, medical equipment, health resources, vocational training, agricultural support, and startup tools for aspiring entrepreneurs. Every gift becomes part of a larger effort to build hope, dignity, opportunity, and sustainable progress. On behalf of the Board and the residents we serve, thank you for learning about our work and considering a partnership with FFOYV. Together, we can help York Village build upon its strengths and create a healthier, more educated, and economically empowered community. With sincere appreciation, Dr. Dougan Chair, Friends and Families of York Village Native of Sierra Leone and concerned citizen of York Village

Health

Many residents of York Village have limited access to healthcare services, medications, medical supplies, clean water, and durable medical equipment. These challenges especially affect pregnant women, mothers, newborns, children, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals living with chronic illnesses.

FFOYV works with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and charitable organizations to identify priority needs and provide appropriate resources.

Our initiatives include community health education, disease prevention, maternal and infant health support, medical outreach, and the collection and distribution of medical supplies, medications, and equipment.

How donations can help

Medical supplies and basic clinic equipment
Durable medical equipment for residents with mobility and healthcare needs
Maternal and newborn health resources
Health education, prevention, and community wellness
Safe shipment, inventory, and distribution of donated resources

Your contribution can improve the health, safety, and dignity of underserved residents.

Education

Children and young people in York Village have the ability and determination to succeed, but many lack adequate books, school supplies, technology, and other essential learning resources. These limitations can prevent students from participating fully in school and reaching their educational potential.

FFOYV provides backpacks, school materials, and educational resources to local students and schools, including the Rural Education Committee Primary School at York Village. We are committed to supporting literacy, academic achievement, vocational development, and opportunities for students experiencing financial hardship.

How donations can help

Backpacks and essential school supplies
Books and classroom learning materials
Educational technology and equipment
Assistance for students experiencing financial hardship
Literacy, vocational, and skills-development opportunities

Your donation can give a student the tools, confidence, and opportunity to build a brighter future.

Entrepreneurship

York Village is home to hardworking farmers, artisans, and aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable skills and promising ideas. However, many residents lack access to business training, startup materials, equipment, financing, land, and dependable markets for their products.

FFOYV promotes economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, vocational development, agriculture, and small-business initiatives.

Our efforts include the Farm-to-Table initiative and proposed agricultural collaborations involving locally grown crops and products. Responsible partnerships will be documented clearly to protect the interests of residents and ensure meaningful community benefit.

How donations can help

Business and vocational training
Tools, equipment, and startup materials
Support for farmers and local producers
Connections between local products and sustainable markets
Employment opportunities and stronger household income

Your donation can help transform local talent and determination into sustainable economic opportunity.

Invest in the Future of York Village

When you support FFOYV, you help remove barriers to education, improve access to essential healthcare resources, and create opportunities for economic independence. Every contribution helps us continue working alongside the people of York Village to develop practical, sustainable, and community-led solutions.

Together, we can help individuals and families move from immediate need toward lasting opportunity, dignity, and self-sufficiency.

To learn more, partner with us, or make a donation, visit FFOYV.com.

Photo note: Images in this document were supplied by FFOYV and depict its community, beneficiaries, or program activities.