Lee Properties

Lee Properties was established upon a distinctive vision – to establish a business that transcended conventional profit-centric paradigms. Joshua and Jonathan both recognized an inherent moral duty to give back to society and, more significantly, appreciated that philanthropy was not only a noble endeavor but an integral strategic imperative.

From its inception, Lee Philanthropy embarked upon a mission to construct a resoundingly positive reputation – as an enterprise genuinely committed to the holistic well-being of society. This unwavering commitment holds the potential to foster better relationships with all our stakeholders.

The journey of Lee Philanthropy has served as a resounding testament to the profound significance of business philanthropy. Our work in Microfinance underscores that philanthropy is not solely a noble endeavor but a strategic choice rife with multifaceted advantages. From fostering a positive reputation to attracting elite talent, and bolstering communities, Lee Philanthropy vividly illustrates the myriad dividends reaped from the act of giving.

Sierra Leone and Liberia, two nations on the West African coast, share the unfortunate distinction of being home to two of the world's most impoverished countries. However, their uniqueness is not solely defined by the scourge of poverty. Prolonged civil conflicts have scarred these lands, rendering thousands of individuals homeless, psychologically scarred, and physically amputated. The enduring aftermath of these conflicts has not been alleviated by the promises of various organizations, including non-governmental entities, leading many of those in the direst circumstances to experience despair, skepticism, and a profound sense of hopelessness.

A recurring and poignant theme among those who are amputated, disabled, or homeless is their struggle to secure a means of supporting themselves. The society's deeply ingrained stigma towards amputees makes it incredibly challenging for them to find gainful employment. To compound this hardship, many amputees lost one or both of their parents during the war, leaving them with limited options, often resorting to a life of begging.

Although the prospect of obtaining a prosthetic limb holds great appeal for most, their resounding message remains a fervent desire for an opportunity – one that comes in the form of a small business loan. This loan would enable them to kickstart their own businesses or careers, granting them the ability to sustain themselves and their families, rather than being relegated to begging for sustenance and financial support.

In simple terms, they aspire to work rather than rely on charity. These loans, which are virtually unattainable from traditional banks, are commonly known as microlending, a service provided by Lee. By utilizing these loans, individuals gain the necessary startup capital to establish small businesses, thereby affording them the fundamental respect and dignity accorded to all members of society, irrespective of the physical challenges they face.

For Lee, the primary focus is on improving the quality of life for these individuals, providing them with the opportunity to independently succeed and bestowing upon them a sense of self-dignity and respect that a self-sustaining career can offer. Furthermore, Lee has undertaken the noble task of procuring artificial limbs for some of the amputees, aiming to enhance their mobility and overall quality of life.