An Organization Supporting the Liberian Community

Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, EILA provides support for Liberians and Liberian Americans living in Iowa whether they are transitioning or established. EILA also has a global focus of helping the underprivileged in Liberia. Guided by our core values of transparency, accountability, compassion, commitment, dignity, and justice, our board of directors and association members ensure that all actions align with our mission and purpose.

HISTORY

An Brief History of
Our Organization

EILA is a non-profit, nonpolitical organization of men and women from the west Africa country of Liberia who now live in Iowa. Recognizing the need to uphold the rights and welfare of Liberians and Liberian Americans, the umbrella organization was launched.

Liberians and others with a shared passion for helping Liberians began to test ideas for creating a central organization to meet the diverse needs of Liberians in communities around the world. Great progress has been made as ideas are tested and refined, and we are leaps and bounds from where we started.

In August 2014, a handful of our citizens boldly undertook an initiative to fight Ebola Virus Disease, a deadly disease that originated in Liberia. Results proved the huge impact of working together to overcome adversity.

Significantly, fourteen years after the Civil War (1989-2003) that killed tens of thousands and left infrastructure in tatters, Liberia is still in dire need of help on all fronts. From a desire to address these needs, EILA was born—an organization to support our people so they can improve their lives and start anew.