We exist to help children in need.
Why did we start this foundation?
Based in New York, Sankofa Roots Outreach is a non-profit organization co-founded by William and Kathleen Forson, natives of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago respectively.
We are aware of the constant struggles faced by underprivileged children, some of whom end up in orphanages and in the streets. While some children are institutionalized due to poverty and or lack of access to resources such as health, education and financial assistance, others are separated from their parents and sent to orphanages due to constant maltreatment and or abuse. There are also a group of children with disabilities who end up in institutions because of society's discrimination against them due to misconceptions about their abilities.
We formed Sankofa Roots Outreach to help address some of these inequities and assist needy children in Ghana through humanitarian service. We are asking anyone who can afford to give a little to get on board so we can help the children left without due to the aforementioned factors. When people care enough to get together and take necessary steps to alleviate suffering of underprivileged children, it's such a joyful feeling for all parties.
Meet our founders
Natives of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago who are on a mission to help underprivileged children.
William Forson
William Forson is a native of Ghana who holds two degrees, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a masters degree in Leadership and Management.
With the support of his wife and family, William founded Sankofa Roots to help address some of the inequities and assist needy children in Ghana through humanitarian service.
Kathleen Forson
Kathleen Forson is a native of Trinidad and Tobago who is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Surgical Technologist with over 30 years of operating room experience.
At this stage in her illustrious career, she has decided to join her husband, William, in their mission to help address some of the inequities and assist needy children in Ghana through humanitarian service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donations to Sankofa Roots tax deductible?
Yes, donations made to us will eventually be tax deductible. Our organization was incorporated on 7/12/2022 and we applied for IRS Recognition of Exemption under Section 501 (c) (3) on 8/19/2022 and our application is pending. Per IRS.gov updates, "Tax-exempt application processing is delayed. We are processing applications in the order received." It is our understanding that when the IRS approves a timely-filed exemption application like ours, exempt status is recognized back to the date the organization was created, thereby allowing for retroactive tax deductions.
Is it better to donate to Sankofa Roots by check or credit card?
Donating by bank account is the least expensive method of payment in terms of fees to payment processors. In that case, the non-profit organization gets more from your donation, thereby allowing for more of your contribution to be put to work to fulfill its mission.
How can I partner with Sankofa Roots?
Anyone interested in partnering with us should send us an email to sankofarootsoutreach@gmail.com, or contact us via WhatsApp.
Does Sankofa Roots collect large donations from donors, such as foldable chairs, laptops, food items and school supplies?
Yes, you can contact us if you are making large donations and we'll make arrangements to pick them up.
How can we measure the effectiveness of Sankofa Roots?
We will provide updates regularly (quarterly) or report on how we are progressing and or share how we are impacting children's lives on our website.
How can one know that donations to Sankofa Roots are reaching their desired targets in Ghana?
We will provide updates on our travels to Ghana, inventory of donations received, and how they were distributed. Due to security and privacy concerns, once permission is granted from parents and or community leaders, pictures and videos of recipients will be shared on our website.
Since Sankofa Roots is based in New York, how is the organization able to stay abreast with developments in Ghana?
Nowadays, globalization, the internet and social media facilitates how businesses are operated internationally. Also, there are volunteers standing by and we have ample time to travel to and from Ghana to oversee operations.