In 1988, in an act of extraordinary grace, Consuelo Alger Zobel established a Foundation that now bears her name. She committed the wealth she inherited to renew hope for those who have lost it and to give hope for those who never had it. To fulfill her mandate, the Consuelo Foundation works to prevent and treat abuse of children, women and families in Hawai‘i and the Philippines.

The Foundation’s formative years were spent on creating the organizational framework, diversifying its portfolio, providing for effective governance, and developing its strategic thrusts. With the completion of these critical milestones, Consuelo Foundation formally launched its operations in November 1993.

Beginning with only a two-person staff, Patti J. Lyons, who was personally chosen by Consuelo to be its President and CEO, structured the initial organization for the Philippine Branch and developed the blueprint for achieving the benefactress’ dream.

Consuelo Zobel Alger’s legacy has been felt throughout the neediest regions of the Philippines. Among those served through her Foundation’s diverse programs were sexually and physically abused children; poor mothers and infants; the homeless and the working poor; children living in the streets and out of school; juveniles in conflict with the law; poor indigenous communities; those with mental and physical challenges; and communities living in situations of armed conflict.