Origin Story
Counterpart International was founded in 1965 with a simple but powerful idea: people helping people. Founded by Betty Bryant Silverstein, an Australian movie star, and Stanley Hosie, a Marist priest, the organization was born from an unlikely partnership grounded in shared purpose.
From a Small Shop to a Global Mission
Starting from scratch in a small New York City thrift shop, Betty Bryant Silverstein and Father Stanley Hosie launched what was then called the Foundation for the People of the South Pacific. Their early work focused on raising support for communities recovering from the impacts of World War II, transforming donated goods into meaningful aid for those who needed it most.
What began as a grassroots effort quickly grew. As their reach expanded beyond the South Pacific, so did their vision. The organization evolved into Counterpart International, reflecting a broader commitment to global collaboration and locally driven solutions.
Continuing the Legacy of Partnership
Today, Counterpart International continues to build on that founding spirit of partnership. We work alongside people and communities worldwide to create sustainable solutions to shared challenges, strengthening civil society, advancing democracy, and expanding opportunity.
From a single thrift shop to a global presence, Counterpart remains a pioneer in international development, bringing together unlikely partners to drive innovation, empower communities, and create lasting change.
Explore Counterpart
Learn more about the people, leadership, and mission driving Counterpart’s work around the world. Explore how our expertise, partnerships, and commitment to sustainable development help create lasting impact for communities and future generations.