P4P co-founders Sandy Ivers (left) and Stacey Mainer (right).
How P4P Started
In 2007, a group of volunteers from Spokane, Washington, including nurse practitioner Stacey Mainer, Dr. Michael Mainer, educator Sandy Ivers, and her son Nick, traveled to Kopanga, Kenya, where they saw firsthand the effects of preventable diseases and malnutrition at a small clinic. This experience sparked their commitment to addressing systemic poverty in the region.​
Upon returning home, they began organizing fundraising efforts, connecting with a Kenyan nurse named Alice who ran a clinic in the community. By 2009, their support helped expand the clinic to include a pharmacy, waiting area, observation room, and birthing suite. This success led to the creation of Partnering for Progress (P4P), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on healthcare, education, sanitation, and clean water in Kopanga.
Kenyan Team
Our dedicated Kenyan staff plays a vital role in implementing sustainable solutions that uplift communities in the Kopanga region. From healthcare professionals and educators to community coordinators and agricultural experts, their on-the-ground leadership ensures that our programs make a lasting impact.
Registered as a Community Based Organization (CBO) in Migori County, P4P works in collaboration with local community members who identify needs and provide guidance to the P4P staff and board. This structure is a key part of the partnership on which P4P is founded.
Kopanga Community Leaders
U.S. Board of Directors & Staff
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Dr. Laura Fralich, Co-President
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Rachelle Strawther, Co-President
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Angie Smith, Vice-President
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Connor Skaggs, Secretary
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Byron Gega, Treasurer
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Sue Hansen-Barber
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Patti Krafft
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Garry Morgan
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Joan Muse
Part-time Administrative Assistant: Anna Miller
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Fun Fact: 8 of the 9 Board members have lived in Kenya for multiple years or spent time in Kopanga!
P4P Secretary Connor Skaggs and Treasurer Byron Gega, middle, helping raise funds at the annual Into Africa Auction.
Health Committee Chair Dr. Monica Blykowski-May shares about the Power of Milk program at the Into Africa Auction.