May 2004
The founders meet the beaders

Torkin Wakefield, Ginny Jordan and Devin Hibbard meet by chance with Millie Grace and several women who had learned how to make bead jewelry from used magazine paper. They decide to mount an effort to create a market in North America.

50 women joined the first group of beaders. They were mostly Acholi from the north of Uganda, refugees from the terrible militia known as the Lord's Resistance Army.

Jan - June 2005

Online sales of bead jewelry and hosted BeadParties begin in North America

80 Acholi women in the first Beader group build their own beading building.

Summer 2005

BeadforLife begins its programs in: education and vocational training for youth, health care, savings programs for sustainable living, and affordable housing.

Summer 2005

BeadforLife begins its second group of 50 women: The Nsambia Group

The search begins to acquire land so the beaders can build homes

Over 500 BeadParties have been hosted and the Boulder office and distribution centre are established, supporting 150 beaders and the 300 people they employ.

Winter 2005