About

Our Vision

We envision a world where every woman and child—no matter their background—has the chance to rise above poverty, live with dignity, and reach their full potential.

Our Mission

Guided by faith and compassion, our mission is to empower underprivileged women and children to overcome poverty and inequality. We provide education, meals, vocational training, and mentorship through strong partnerships with communities and charitable allies.

Message from the CEO

Dear Friends and Partners,

When I founded the Sensee Foundation of Hope, it was with a simple conviction: no one should be defined by hardship alone. I had seen too many children without access to education, too many widows going hungry or living in unsafe conditions, and too many young adults without a path forward. I knew we could do better—together.

Since our beginning, we have worked hand-in-hand with communities to provide more than just immediate food relief to widows. When resources allow, we also assist with renovating or repairing their roofs so they can remain safe during the rainy season. Our future goal is to build a dedicated Widow Center—a place where women can learn new skills or put their existing talents into practice, creating sustainable opportunities to support themselves.

I have seen widows smile with relief when food arrives and express gratitude when their homes are made safe again. I have celebrated with children who, after months of going without, walked into school wearing a uniform for the very first time. I have heard young adults say, “Now I believe in myself.” These are not just stories—they are proof that change is possible when compassion meets action.

Our work is only possible because of you. Every donation, every hour volunteered, every time you share our mission—it all becomes part of a bigger story of transformation. Together, we have already touched countless lives, but the need is still great.

This year, we are committed to reaching more rural areas, expanding our skill-building programs for widows, and creating sustainable opportunities that break cycles of poverty for good. I invite you to walk this road with us.

From my heart, thank you for believing that hope changes everything. Because of you, the Sensee Foundation of Hope is not just an organization—it’s a movement of kindness, resilience, and possibility.

With gratitude and determination,

Jartu Mariam McConnell
Founder & CEO
Sensee Foundation of Hope, Inc.

How It All Began

The journey of the Sensee Foundation of Hope began in 2019, inspired by a childhood memory. During the holiday season, children in Liberia once went door-to-door in celebration, receiving food, joy, and small gifts. But when I returned to Liberia after years of civil unrest, I noticed the joy was gone—especially for children living in poverty.

With the help of a few friends, we organized a Christmas event that brought food, toys, and happiness to over 100 children. The response was overwhelming—and so was the realization that their needs extended far beyond one festive day.

In 2020, we expanded the program by distributing school supplies to children who had never attended school due to lack of resources. As we dug deeper, we discovered even more hardship: children living with elderly widows, and young girls forced into early marriage with no means to support themselves or their families.

By 2021, we formally registered as Sensee Foundation of Hope, Inc., with a clear purpose: to serve, empower, and walk alongside the most vulnerable in our communities through sustainable programs rooted in compassion and faith.

Where We Are Now

Since 2021, we’ve expanded from community events to sustainable, year-round programs. Some of our proudest milestones include:

Monthly food support for over 60 widows

Vocational training and mentorship for over 30 young women

Renovation and operation of our own community school

In 2024, five of our students sat for the West African Examination

We continue to grow in reach and impact—partnering with local leaders and supporters around the world to bring hope to the forgotten.

Our Values

Compassion
We act with love and care for the most vulnerable.

Dignity
Every life is worthy of respect, support, and opportunity

Faith
We are guided by a deep belief in restoration and purpose.

Transparency
We are committed to using every resource with integrity and accountability

Community
Real change happens when we work together.

Meet the Team

Jartu Mariam McConnell, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
Founder & Executive Director | Family Nurse Practitioner | Los Angeles County, CA

“I know what it means to go without—and I believe in showing others that their story can change.”

Felecia McJerry
Secretary

“My story proves that with perseverance and purpose, even the smallest steps can lead to lasting change.”

Dodey Russell, MBA
Treasurer | Finance & Public Health Professional | Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

“When you’re self-motivated, you don’t wait for permission to rise—you rise on purpose.”

Bernadette Parser Kokoua
Director – Widows & Orphans Programs | Respiratory Therapist & Foster Caregiver

“No child should feel abandoned. Every child deserves love, a future, and someone to believe in them.”

Fasia Freeman
Director – Events Management | Healthcare Worker | Community Organizer | Youth Mentor

“I know what it means to struggle—but I also know the power of a second chance. That’s what I want to give others.”

Momo B. Kromah
Security Officer & International Liaison Officer | Former Law Enforcement Officer | Youth Mentor

“I didn’t have much, but I had purpose—and now I give back so others can find theirs too.”

Morris Kromah
International Liaison Officer – Liberia Program Manager | Field Leader | Community

“I know the weight of walking alone—but now I walk with others to carry their load.”

Abraham Fahnbulleh
Assistant to the International Liaison Officer – Liberia | Veteran, Armed Forces of Liberia | Degree in Procurement & Supply Chain

“Service has always been part of who I am—now, I serve to uplift others in the community I love.”

Clinton H. Wallace, B.S
Director – Media & Public Relations
Filmmaker | Celebrity Photographer | Communication Strategist

“Stories change the world—and I’m honored to use my lens and voice to help tell theirs.”

Join the Mission

Every story of change begins with someone who chose to care. Whether you give, volunteer, or share our work, you become part of something bigger—a movement of hope, healing, and transformation.