2019: A Tragic Beginning
In 2019, a prominent nonprofit professional faced a devastating fire that destroyed all her belongings, including newly purchased school supplies for her children. With no money, savings, or renters insurance, she found herself in dire straits. Despite being a top-level executive and community pillar, she received no substantial assistance. She was too poor to afford renters insurance but too wealthy to qualify for real help, and living in a homeless shelter wasn’t an option due to her income and the fact that the shelter’s residents were her clients. Yolanda Palmer, the Founder, organized an emergency “Laugh for a Cause” fundraiser to help. Local comedians and musicians performed, and a restaurant hosted the event, raising enough money to help the survivor secure long-term housing and school supplies for her children.
2020: Recognizing and Addressing Burnout
The following year, Yolanda noticed that nonprofit leaders were experiencing burnout, especially during the pandemic. These leaders, who had lost jobs, incomes, and hope, began gathering in her living room for mentoring sessions. Yolanda helped them rebuild their strategies and futures, with some starting businesses and others finding new employment. In August 2020, Yolanda hosted the first-ever virtual conference to support families in crisis. The conference, attended by over 130 people, included psychologist-led groups, marriage support, youth engagement, and community building.
In September 2020, a mid-level career leader in the medical field suffered a miscarriage after 19 weeks of pregnancy. This tragedy led Yolanda to plan a healing forum for women who had experienced miscarriage, infant loss, and pregnancy loss. In October 2020, Manasseh Ministries was born, hosting its first miscarriage training for church and business leaders. The ministry’s first healing forum provided a safe space for women to grieve and heal.
2020-2021: Expanding Support and Outreach
In November 2020, the pandemic severely impacted children’s education in Jamaica and other third-world countries. Yolanda collaborated with local leaders to send laptops and tablets to Jamaican children, ensuring digital access for their education. By 2021, Causing to Forget was officially formed as a 501(c)(3) organization. The name, derived from the English translation of “Manasseh,” signifies “God has caused me to forget.”
In 2021, the organization hosted the Women’s Healing Month virtual retreat, focusing on infant loss, miscarriage, infertility, financial abuse, and trauma among female leaders. This event attracted international attention, with participants from Canada, Jamaica, and Guyana. The first-ever abortion healing forum also took place, providing support for women mourning the loss of their pregnancies.
2022: In-Person Retreats and Healing
In 2022, the virtual retreat transitioned to an in-person event, addressing ambiguous loss and other past topics. This three-day conference, filled with activities, tears, and healing, allowed women leaders to share their experiences and find solace. The retreat provided a space for these strong, successful women to meet God and see Him as a healer.
2023: Building a Supportive Community
The 2023 Prayer Partners Alliance Retreat went deeper into healing and connection. Leaders found solidarity in a tribe of friends and peers, realizing they no longer had to be strong alone. This retreat solidified the community, enabling leaders to support each other more effectively.
2024: Global Impact and Expansion
In 2024, Causing to Forget launched the Global Impact Fellowship (CGIF) program, reaching out to leaders worldwide who are making significant contributions to their communities. The program supports leaders building the Body of Christ and doing Christ-like work. Additionally, a residency program was established to help leaders transition into new careers, providing housing, mentorship, networking, and apprenticeship.
The organization’s global expansion included awarding Reverend Chaplain Stacey-Ann Garvey the CGIF award and extending its impact to Jamaica. This marked a significant milestone in Causing to Forget’s mission to support and empower leaders globally.
Causing to Forget continues to grow, driven by its commitment to healing, supporting, and empowering leaders facing personal and professional challenges.