Our History

The Mary Ryan Foundation was formed in December 2008 out of a need identified by Michelle Santoro, who is currently a Peace Corps volunteer in the village of Ilembo, Tanzania. Michelle's friends and family have been inspired by her work in Ilembo, and have decided to do what they can to support the people of this village from the U.S. The Mary Ryan Foundation is named after Michelle's grandmother, "Mommom," because of the love she had for all children. Mary Ryan was "Mommom" to so many people that it is appropriate for her spirit to live on through the impact this organization will have on children in Tanzania.  The foundation would like to use Michelle’s connections on the ground in the village of Illembo to establish long-lasting contacts with the leadership in the town to continue its work beyond Michelle’s Peace Corp tour of duty ending in September 2010.

Michelle Santoro and her brother, Frank Santoro worked closely to establish and document the mission and purpose of the foundation in December 2008.  Through this work, Frank became the natural leader of the foundation and continues to drive most of the communication with the leadership of Illembo in his role as President.  The five member board of directors consists of friends and family of Michelle who are interested and dedicated to have an impact on the orphans and vulnerable children of Tanzania, first focusing on the village of Illembo.  All of the board members are volunteers keeping the overhead costs of the Mary Ryan Foundation at a minimum.  Currently, 95% of all donations go directly to support children in Tanzania.  Thank you for your interest and support of this foundation.