Waterbury Community Action Network, Inc. is the fiscal sponsor of Mary Kaye Holmes Global, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women survivors of gender based violence, child marriages, human trafficking and other forms of abuse.  We started in Connecticut with after-school programs for teen girls, Project Prom for at-risk high school teens, and college scholarships for underprivileged youth. We launched our first international projects in Lilongwe, Malawi and Lima, Peru in 2021.

With the help of generous private donors, Phase One began in Malawi with The Shirley Rose Tailoring Academy launching on September 20, 2021 with ten women in its first cohort. The students learned sewing skills and entrepreneurship as they learned to sew masks, petticoats, undergarments, reusable sanitary napkins, skirts, shirts and accessories. The Foundation rented space at a local orphanage where the women learn and meet for weekly group therapy sessions as well.

Phase Two of the project began January 2022, with a campaign to build a school for the students. This provided a dedicated safe space to learn, sell their products and receive wrap around services to give them a dream and vision for a better life.  The main components of the building were completed later that year and ongoing efforts continue as we strive to provide other necessities such as bathroom facilities, electricity, and lighting.