International Division

Developmentally Disabled Adults | Treatment Foster Care | CSLA Program | International Division

The staff of Progressive Horizons is unique as an agency because it possesses a distinct international flavor. This results from the fact that almost one-half of its approximately 170 residential and administrative staff hail from countries other than the United States. These include Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Jamaica, and others.

Due to the personal relationships of some staff and the stable, cooperative government of Ghana, the poor in rural outposts in that country were chosen as the first to receive help from the agency. Beginning in the summer of 2003, much needed medical equipment and supplies (donated by local Maryland hospitals) were collected by Progressive Horizons and multiple shipments were made to area hospitals in Ghana. This was a first step to building a transcontinental philanthropic relationship with Ghanaian citizens. It is most gratifying to have the support of companies, medical institutions and individuals in this humanitarian journey.

Africa and the developmentally and physically disabled
There is a need for care for the disabled populations in impoverished African nations, and Progressive Horizons has begun to address that need. Superstition and fear about disabilities are still prevalent in local culture, much in the same manner as they prevailed long ago in colonial America. Training people to reconsider beliefs that explain disabilities as a “curse” or as resulting from the “sins of the mother,” is an important aspect of gaining better understanding. This kind of education is an important aspect of program design.

School Project - Progressive Horizons has been working for over 18 months with representatives from the village of Dagbamete to develop plans for a much needed school. The project budget is $200,000. Land has already been donated. The village's Council of Elders has provided written commitment that free communal labor will be provided for all construction phases.

Ghana School Initiative & Photos