Established in 2011, the Foundation was formed on the idea that "if you teach a person how to fish, you will have fed him or her for life”. In other words, people are better helped when they are equipped to be able to help themselves on a continuous basis, instead of constantly relying on handouts. From its inception, Tarlesson Foundation took bold role establishing practical, non-traditional approach to poverty eradication and humanitarian assistance. The founder, Rev. Roosevelt Tarlesson believes that with his experience with African refugees and the poor in Africa and U.S., that he has an accurate understanding of how to meet the needs of African refugees and rural poor. Programs aim at individuals abilities development and improvement, and communities capacities development and improvement at local level will be the most effective and sustainable approach. It is an approach that combines humanitarian assistance and self-development. Additionally, through material and cash assistance, training, education, employment, and income generating programs, we help the poor improve or acquire new skills to become self-reliant.