3100 Ingersoll Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50312

(319) 352-4040

www.selfhelpinternational.org

 

Our Impact

2x-3x

Increase in farmers’ yields after training & input loans from Self-Help.

950+

women received loans to start-up or expand their businesses in 2023.

135,000+

people have gained access to clean water since 2012.

 

Mission

Self-Help International’s (SHI) mission is to alleviatehunger by helping people help themselves.

Key Services Provided

Ensuring access to knowledge as well as the resources to put their knowledge into action through:

  • Empowering women and girls: micro-loans, business

  • trainings, and after school literacy support

  • Teaching rural farmers: agricultural trainings to

  • increase yields and income

  • Improving health and nutrition: clean water and sanitation, school feeding, and maternal-child

  • nutrition support

Key Audiences Served

Self-Help International is proud to be an Iowa-based international development organization founded in Waverly, IA and dedicated to alleviating hunger since 1959. SHl’s locally hired team of skilled professionals serve rural communities in Ghana, West Africa and Nicaragua, Central America, to improve the population’s quality of life with dignity.

Ways to Give

  • Donate: Go to www.selfhelpinternational.org/donate or call 319-352-4040

  • Attend: Lunch to Empower Global Women on Dec 4th at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center

  • Volunteer: Join our dedicated group of volunteers

  • Follow us: @SelfHelpIntl


What are the most immediate needs to support your organization?

Our team is witnessing the profound impact of climate change, inflation and rising food costs on the communities we serve in Ghana and Nicaragua. To sustain our efforts and continue making a meaningful impact, we rely on the support of our donors to raise awareness and secure essential funding for our programs in these partner communities. We invite individuals and businesses who are passionate about making a difference to join us by sponsoring an event, making a donation or volunteering their time. Together, we can create lasting change.

 
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • President - Keith Swanson

  • Vice President - Richard Neal, Ph. D

  • Treasurer - Deb Giarusso

  • Secretary - Barbara Hatinger

  • William Edwards, Ph.D.

  • Will Erken

  • Patricia Martin

  • Dorothy Masinde, Ph.D.

  • Doris Montgomery

  • Mary Jane Oakland, Ph.D.

  • Julie Pennington

  • Jerry Perkins

  • Carol Richardson Smith

  • Nick Taiber