About Lyrik Place Nonprofit
How We Started
“8 out of 10 young girls don’t go to school in Ghana because they start their menstrual, and some of them even lead to prostitution as young as 6th grade”
Founder: TaHara Cooper
Lyrik Place was born in 2020 from a deep desire to help girls live beyond existing. What began with a girls' home in Ghana has evolved into a comprehensive program serving children in both Ghana and Chicago.
In our early days, we operated a residential home for girls in Ghana. While we had to close that facility in January 2024 due to challenges with rising costs for Americans abroad, that experience shaped our vision for something better—a fully secure, professionally staffed boarding home where girls can truly flourish.
Today, we're building toward that dream while serving children through scholarships, life skills education, and support in both Ghana and Chicago.
Lyrik Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
What We Do
Ghana Programs
Full Scholarships for Girls
Our comprehensive scholarship program covers everything a girl needs to succeed in school:
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School fees (including PTA fees)
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Books and school supplies
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3 uniforms per year
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2 pairs of shoes
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Monthly haircuts (1-2x per month)
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After-school tutoring
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Daily lunch and feeding at school
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Transportation to after-school programs and home​
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SEL Workshops
Every 3-4 months, we conduct three Social-Emotional Learning workshops for our scholarship recipients at Ho Kpodzi E.P. Basic 6th through Senior High.
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What is Period Poverty & how do we address it?
One of the biggest barriers keeping girls out of school in Ghana is period poverty. Many young girls don't have access to sanitary napkins or other menstrual products, forcing them to miss school during their periods—sometimes up to a week every month. Even worse, some girls drop out of school entirely because of this issue.
But access alone isn't enough. Many girls have never been taught how to properly use these products or care for themselves during menstruation, leading to health concerns, embarrassment, and continued absences from school.
Our hygiene workshops address both sides of this crisis:
We travel to different schools across the region, providing:
Education - Teaching girls proper menstrual hygiene management, how to use sanitary products, and how to care for their bodies
Products - Distributing sanitary napkins and hygiene supplies so girls have what they need
What We Do
Chicago Programs
SEL Workshops
We partner with a Chicago Public School, Wentworth Elementary, to work with 5th-8th grade students in inner-city Chicago. Our focus is on equipping all students with essential skills for success: emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy communication.
Life Skills Community Center (Coming Soon)
A comprehensive center where youth can learn essential life skills!
Our Focus
Ages We Serve: 12-18 years old (6th grade through senior year in high school)
About The Founder
TaHara Cooper
TaHara Cooper is the founder and executive director of Lyrik Place, one of Chicago's leading nonprofits focused on youth empowerment through social emotional learning. Recognizing the critical need for social emotional learning in the classroom, TaHara created comprehensive programs that serve students in both Chicago and Ghana.
In Chicago, TaHara partners with public schools to deliver social emotional learning activities that teach students essential skills in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy communication. Her social emotional learning curriculum has helped countless young people navigate challenges and discover their potential.
Understanding that true impact requires addressing both educational and basic needs, TaHara expanded her mission to Ghana, establishing one of the region's most comprehensive charities working in Africa. Her Ghana-based programs provide full educational scholarships for girls, hygiene workshops addressing period poverty, and family support services. Those looking to donate to Africa and make lasting impact find meaningful partnership through Lyrik Place's transparent, results-driven approach.
As both a Chicago nonprofit leader and international advocate for children, TaHara Cooper embodies the belief that every child, regardless of where they live, deserves the tools, support, and opportunities to live beyond existing and thrive.
