In the heart of Chicago, a vision born of compassion has blossomed into a beacon of hope for countless lives across Africa. Help the Needy Inc. celebrates a remarkable milestone this year – a decade of unwavering commitment to uplifting communities in need. From its humble beginnings in 2015 to its impactful presence today, this organization has demonstrated that dedicated hearts can indeed change the world.

A Legacy of Compassion

Founded by Stephanie Bailo on November 25, 2015, Help the Needy Inc. emerged from a profound desire to give back to communities in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. Born in Ivory Coast herself, Bailo carried the struggles of her homeland in her heart as she built a new life in Chicago. Her business education from Loyola University of Chicago, combined with extensive experience working with nonprofits like Misericordia and Habilitative Systems Inc., provided the foundation for what would become a transformative organization.

“When I left Côte d’Ivoire as a teenager, I made a promise to myself that I would one day find a way to help the communities I grew up in,” shares Bailo, whose pursuit of a nursing degree further reflects her dedication to caring for others. “Help the Needy Inc. is the fulfillment of that promise – a bridge between the opportunities I found in America and the needs that persist in developing African nations.”

Ten Years of Transformation

What began as targeted assistance to orphanages in Ivory Coast has expanded into comprehensive programs addressing healthcare, education, and economic empowerment across multiple African communities. Over the past decade, Help the Needy Inc. has:

• Provided essential medical supplies to over 20 healthcare facilities
• Sponsored education for hundreds of out-of-school girls
• Established sustainable support systems for widows and homeless individuals
• Created rehabilitation programs for vulnerable populations
• Launched the “Women Rising” initiative that has empowered over 300 women entrepreneurs

The organization’s tax-exempt status has enabled efficient channeling of resources directly to those in need, while partnerships with local leaders ensure culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions.

Women Rising: A Flagship for the Future

As Help the Needy Inc. looks toward its next decade, the Women Rising program stands as a testament to the organization’s evolving approach to creating lasting change. This comprehensive initiative tackles gender inequality through education, economic opportunity, and advocacy.

“We’ve learned that when you empower a woman, you empower a family, and ultimately a community,” explains Bailo. “By 2026, we aim to support 500 women in achieving economic stability and becoming community leaders.”

The program’s holistic approach includes STEM education for girls, microfinancing for women entrepreneurs, and workshops on health and legal rights. By engaging men and boys as allies and collaborating with government agencies, Help the Needy Inc. is addressing both immediate needs and systemic barriers.

The Path Forward

As Help the Needy Inc. celebrates its 10th anniversary, Bailo and her team are not just reflecting on past accomplishments but setting ambitious goals for the future.

“Our vision remains the same – a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their circumstances,” says Bailo. “But our methods continue to evolve as we learn and grow.”

The organization is expanding its digital presence to broaden its donor base and implementing more rigorous impact assessment tools. Plans for the coming years include expanding healthcare initiatives, establishing more permanent educational facilities, and scaling successful economic empowerment models.

How You Can Join the Journey

This milestone anniversary presents the perfect opportunity for new supporters to join Help the Needy Inc.’s mission. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering expertise, or simply spreading awareness, everyone has something to offer.

To celebrate a decade of impact, Help the Needy Inc. is launching its “Decade of Hope” campaign, featuring:

• A commemorative gala in Chicago on November 25, 2025
• A matching gift challenge from key donors
• Virtual tours of projects in Ivory Coast
• Opportunities to sponsor specific initiatives

“What makes our work possible is the community of supporters who share our belief in human dignity and potential,” says Bailo. “As we mark ten years, we invite everyone to become part of our story for the next decade and beyond.”

For more information on how to support Help the Needy Inc., visit their website or contact their Chicago headquarters directly.

Help the Needy Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to uplifting communities in Ivory Coast and other developing African nations through healthcare, education, and empowerment programs.