By: Jessica Williams

In 2016, a simple act of kindness sparked a journey that would change the lives of thousands in marginalized communities. What began as a holiday outreach program to address education gaps and food insecurity has blossomed into an NGO that carries the torch of empowerment year-round. Grace To Grow Empowerment Foundation, founded by Grace Josiah, has transitioned from a small volunteer-driven initiative to a fully registered non-governmental organization (NGO), ready to scale its impact across communities that have long been overlooked.

A Humble Beginning: The Christmas Outreach

Grace To Grow Empowerment Foundation’s story began in 2016 with a Christmas outreach initiative to help underserved communities during the holiday season. Grace Josiah, driven by a desire to address education gaps and food insecurity, provided school supplies and food to children, widows, and economically vulnerable women. The goal was simple: to ensure that children had the materials they needed to return to school with dignity, and that families had enough food during the festive season.

This initiative, originally part of Auntie Grace Plug Ltd, soon revealed the deeper, systemic issues facing these communities. Josiah’s team began expanding their efforts, offering not just food and school supplies but empowering women-led households with essential goods, thus addressing more than just immediate needs.

The Challenges of Informal Efforts

As the foundation grew, the challenges of managing a volunteer-driven initiative became more apparent. Community leaders raised concerns about sustainability, and the high expectations of the people served overwhelmed the small volunteer team’s capacity. This became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a temporary suspension of activities and highlighted the need for a more structured approach.

The pandemic served as a wake-up call, prompting the foundation to consider how it could create lasting change. Josiah recognized that to truly serve these communities, GTGEF needed a solid framework with accountability and sustainability. It was time for the foundation to formalize its efforts.

Formal Registration as an NGO

In 2025, Grace To Grow Empowerment Foundation was officially registered as a non-governmental organization. This milestone allowed the foundation to expand its mission from short-term relief efforts to long-term community development. Programs now include skills training, women’s development, mentorship, and initiatives on emotional well-being for young people. The foundation also advocates for inclusion and equal opportunity, working to break down the barriers that prevent certain groups from reaching their full potential.

Photo Courtesy: Grace Josiah Foundation / The Nation Newspaper

Josiah sees formal registration not just as a way to increase legitimacy, but as a means to strengthen the foundation’s ability to make a real, lasting impact. “True empowerment is continuous,” she says, emphasizing the need to address both immediate needs and the deeper issues that limit opportunities.

Year-Round Engagement and Long-Term Impact

While GTGEF continues its annual Christmas outreach, the organization’s expanded programs now span the entire year. The foundation’s new NGO status provides a framework for addressing long-term solutions in education, mental health, economic empowerment, and skills development. By creating a more self-sustaining community, the foundation is laying the foundation for lasting empowerment.

Josiah’s vision is clear: “We’re not just providing short-term relief; we’re laying the groundwork for long-term success by giving people the tools they need to thrive.”

Collaborating for Greater Change

One of the key components of GTGEF’s transformation is its commitment to collaboration. Recognizing that no single organization can achieve lasting change alone, the foundation is actively seeking partnerships with public institutions, private-sector organizations, and other development bodies. Through these collaborations, the foundation hopes to increase its reach and impact, ensuring that even more marginalized communities receive the support they need.

Looking to the Future

The formal launch of the foundation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With a focus on long-term empowerment, GTGEF is poised to create lasting change for future generations. Through its programs and partnerships, the foundation will continue to grow alongside the communities it serves, creating a brighter future for all.

For Grace Josiah, this transformation is not just about organizational growth; it’s about honoring the communities that believed in her team when it was just a group of volunteers. As GTGEF embarks on its next phase, it remains deeply committed to its core mission: empowering marginalized communities and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.