Our Story
The Birth of HopeLift Empowerment Foundation
The story of HopeLift Empowerment Foundation began long before it had a name. In 2011, during her NYSC service year at Ilesha General Hospital, our founder discovered how deeply her passion for nursing could extend beyond the clinical space. As a nurse, caring for people came naturally to her, and this compassion became the foundation for everything that followed.
While serving in the hospital, she encountered patients who could not afford even the most basic items required for their stay. Guided by her nursing instinct to protect, comfort, and uplift, she began providing toiletries and essential supplies from her own resources. What started as simple acts of kindness soon evolved into a lifelong calling.
Her service expanded to orphanage homes, where she committed 10% of her income every month to purchase medications for children. Her December salary was dedicated to providing clothing for widows and sharing food packages with families struggling to meet their daily needs. Through these experiences, she learned that true care goes far beyond treatment — it is about restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging.
In 2021, she relocated to Canada, opening a new chapter in her journey. With a broader perspective on global needs and opportunities, she continued her mission by empowering widows and widowers with financial support to start small-scale businesses. She also extended her outreach to vulnerable individuals and patients who needed assistance, fueled by the same compassionate spirit that shaped her years in nursing.
By 2025, her passion expanded into research on sustainable solutions for families and individuals in Nigeria. She discovered the potential of POS businesses and other small-scale ventures, successfully setting up three individuals with stable sources of income. That success sparked a powerful realization:
"Instead of giving people fish, I can help them learn to fish."
This revelation became the seed of HopeLift Empowerment Foundation — a platform built not just to provide temporary relief, but to create long-term empowerment, independence, and transformation. Her story reflects the heart of a nurse and a mother, the vision of a leader, and the dedication of a woman committed to uplifting communities. From a compassionate young nurse in Ilesha to the founder of an organization touching lives across continents, she continues to lead with empathy, integrity, and an unshakeable belief that every person deserves a chance to thrive, irrespective of their past.
Our Programs
Start-Up Business Grants
We provide financial grants for petty trading, small businesses, and local income-generating ventures. Our grants range from small seed funding for market stalls to larger investments for established small businesses looking to expand. Each grant comes with mentorship and business guidance to ensure sustainability.
- Micro-grants for petty trading (₦100,000 - ₦200,000)
- Small business grants (₦200,000 - ₦500,000)
- Business expansion grants for existing businesses
- Mentorship and business planning support
Skills Training Program
Our comprehensive skills training programs equip beneficiaries with practical, marketable skills for sustainable livelihoods. We partner with local experts and institutions to provide quality training in various fields.
- Hairdressing and beauty therapy (3-month program)
- Tailoring and fashion design (4-month program)
- Baking and catering skills (2-month intensive)
- POS operation and small business management
- Basic farming techniques for sustainable agriculture
Widows & Widowers Support
We provide holistic support for widows and widowers facing economic and emotional challenges. Our program addresses immediate needs while working toward long-term stability.
- Monthly food packs and essential supplies
- Emotional support and counseling services
- Health checks and medical assistance
- Educational support for their children
- Emergency welfare assistance
Financial Literacy & Mentorship
We teach beneficiaries how to manage money effectively, save consistently, and grow their businesses sustainably. Our mentorship program pairs beneficiaries with experienced business leaders.
- Basic financial management workshops
- Savings and investment strategies
- Business planning and growth techniques
- One-on-one mentorship matching
- Regular progress tracking and support
Youth Empowerment Bootcamp
Our intensive bootcamps provide young people with business ideas but no funds the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. We focus on practical, actionable strategies for entrepreneurial success.
- Idea validation and business model development
- Digital skills and online business strategies
- Pitching to potential investors
- Access to our startup grant program
- Ongoing support and networking opportunities
Our Team
Stacy Amenze Usoh-Irabor
Founder & Executive Director
Hope Lift Empowerment Foundation
Stacy Amenze Usoh-Irabor is a compassionate nurse and community mental health professional with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families across Nigeria and Canada. As the Founder and Executive Director of Hope Lift Empowerment Foundation, she is committed to empowering vulnerable communities through mental health support, education, and humanitarian outreach.
With a strong background in nursing, public health, behavioural support, and crisis intervention, Stacy has dedicated her life to helping people heal, grow, and reclaim hope. Her passion for service and community upliftment is the driving force behind the foundation's mission to transform lives and create lasting impact.
Daniel Oseluole Irabor
Co-Founder & Board Member
Daniel Oseluole Irabor is a dedicated leader with strong experience in executive management, operations, and strategic planning. As Co-Founder and Board Member, he provides governance oversight and supports the organization's mission through his expertise in administration, finance, and resource management. His commitment to excellence and community impact continues to strengthen the foundation and growth of the NGO.
Usoh Stephanie Abieyuwa, Esq.
Coordinating Partner For The Northern District
Usoh Stephanie Abieyuwa, Esq., is a distinguished lawyer and expert in legal affairs and counseling. She serves as the Executive Secretary of Hope Lift Empowerment Foundation and brings years of dedicated service to vulnerable groups, including widows, widowers, and orphans.
Known for her strong commitment to justice and community support, she has consistently demonstrated compassion through her charitable outreach and advocacy for the less privileged. She will serve as the Coordinating Partner for the Northern Zone, providing strategic leadership and oversight for regional initiatives.
Usoh-Akpeji Enibokun Priscilla
Convener
Usoh-Akpeji Enibokun Priscilla is the Convener of the Hope Lift Empowerment Foundation, providing strategic leadership and direction for all humanitarian initiatives. With a strong background in corporate administration and community service, she is committed to empowering women, widows, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Her passion for social impact, excellent coordination skills, and dedication to service continue to drive the foundation's mission of uplifting lives and restoring hope.
Mrs. Charity Uyi-Edegbe
Coordinating Partner For The Western District
Mrs. Charity Uyi-Edegbe is a registered social psychologist, lecturer, researcher, and community development advocate. She holds degrees in Social Work, Social Psychology, and Social Standards, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Social Psychology at the University of Benin.
As a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, she combines academic knowledge with practical experience to address key social issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups. She is also an entrepreneur and an active voice in social welfare and community development.