Nonprofit founded by Wayne County women supports girls in Liberia

Michal Bowers and Torrey Fike are the founders and directors of the nonprofit For Every Girl. Formed as a 501(c)(3) in 2018, For Every Girl is based out of Liberia, West Africa and seeks to help girls who have been victims of sexual violence.

Bowers and Fike are both native to Wayne County. Bowers graduated from Dalton High School, and Fike graduated from Triway High School. After college Bowers and Fike resettled in the area. They met a decade ago through their love of fitness at a local CrossFit gym. Having education and previous employment that focused on helping others in their local communities contributed to their quick friendship.

The motivation to create For Every Girl developed after Bowers became aware of the prevalence of sexual violence during her trip to Liberia in 2012. Bowers realized not only the harsh reality of how often sexual violence occurs, but also the vulnerability of the young girls and lack of resources.

Sexual violence does not discriminate between country, state, city or income level. In Liberia services did not exist to wrap around these victims as other countries tend to have. Instead, the victims were left in a cycle of abuse, oftentimes quitting school, fearing for their safety and ultimately letting go of their dreams.

Bowers believed giving them access to resources and services could drastically change their lives. When asked their biggest “why” in creating For Every Girl, Bowers and Fike both said allowing these young girls the opportunity to dream big.

In its first year, For Every Girl trained local advocates in Liberia to provide care, mental health services and education for the girls and their caregivers, as well as continued support. Three girls entered the program in 2018. As of 2026, 50 girls are registered in the program. Bowers and Fike would like to see this number increase as currently the local police in Liberia have over 800 active reports of sexual violence.

Upon entering the program, the girls and their caregivers are paired with an advocate. The goal is a minimum of three years to complete the program and graduate. However, even after graduation, For Every Girl remains a safe space for the girls.

Bowers and Fike have hired and trained 11 staff members — 10 women and one male. The advocates also spend time in the local schools educating the students about sexual violence. The goal is to discontinue the cycle in a program named Break the Silence. So far, around 3,500 students have received this educational training.

For Every Girl holds annual fundraising events. For eight years running, they hosted a CrossFit competition, The Fight, and a yearly Gala, which has continued to grow and contribute to their needed resources. This year Bowers and Fike have a new event in the making.

In addition to these events, contributions can be made to support the girls in Liberia. The Dream Circle is a way for donors to become involved by being directly linked to a girl in the program. Members of the Dream Circle will receive quarterly updates about the young girl they are supporting and be able to watch as they graduate the program.

Bowers and Fike visit Liberia twice a year, during which they collect supplies and contributions that they can take with them to the girls in need.

For Every Girl aims to allow and encourage the girls in the program to dream big. Bowers and Fike consistently dream big as well. They hope the number of girls on the waitlist will dwindle, and they can continue adding to their program. They envision a larger space where the girls can spend time, even after they have completed their program, to hang out, laugh, talk and be children in a safe and loving environment.

To follow, like, support and contribute to For Every Girl, visit www.foreverygirl.world or its socials @foreverygirl.world.

Editor's note: This is the first in a recurring series highlighting local people and businesses doing good in the community and beyond. Story ideas may be submitted to jogullifer@icloud.com.