Trauma is widespread throughout the Liberia: the result of multiple civil wars, the largest Ebola epidemic in history, and pervasive gender-based violence.  In recent years, the impact of climate change on Liberians who depend on agriculture and forestry is further fueling a mental health crisis.  Yet with an estimated 40% of Liberians experiencing post-traumatic stress and/or a major depressive disorder, fewer than 1% have access to mental health services. Women suffer the worst from trauma and depression, but have few options to receive support or take action to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in their communities. 

One Day’s Wages partnered with Restore Hope Liberia (RHL) in the first year of a 3-year project to provide mental health services for women and to create climate-adapted livelihood opportunities in Kolahun District. Drawing on RHL’s proven model of Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy, our partnership expanded mental health services into 27 new communities with the goal of reducing the prevalence and severity of depression. Alongside mental health services, a Community Food Forest was established to mitigate the effects of climate change, showcase indigenous methods of climate-adapted food production, and offer a restorative setting for group therapy sessions. Through our partnership, 1,466 community members have improved mental health and/or climate resilience!