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Twenty Years of Unraveling : The story behind the Washington Post investigation at a world famous charity
In 2016, Ted Neill published his award winning memoir, Two Years of Wonder, about his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2020 he reconnected with the same children, who were now young adults.
What he discovered was horrifying.
The young people who had grown up and left the orphanage reported physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that had taken place in the two decades since Neill had left in 2004.
Together, Neill and the survivors worked to document and expose the abuse and neglect that had shattered the lives so many children.
When members of Catholic religious orders and supporters of the orphanage sought to deny and cover up the allegations, Neill and the survivors turned to the Washington Post and, eventually, U.S. federal investigators to get their stories out to the world.
Twenty Years of Unraveling is a record of those efforts and the challenges survivors faced while they sought justice.
About the In addition to his time living in Kenya, Ted Neill has worked for CARE and World Vision International in the fields of maternal child health, education, and child protection. He has written for The Washington Post and Recovery Today and published multiple novels.
What he discovered was horrifying.
The young people who had grown up and left the orphanage reported physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that had taken place in the two decades since Neill had left in 2004.
Together, Neill and the survivors worked to document and expose the abuse and neglect that had shattered the lives so many children.
When members of Catholic religious orders and supporters of the orphanage sought to deny and cover up the allegations, Neill and the survivors turned to the Washington Post and, eventually, U.S. federal investigators to get their stories out to the world.
Twenty Years of Unraveling is a record of those efforts and the challenges survivors faced while they sought justice.
About the In addition to his time living in Kenya, Ted Neill has worked for CARE and World Vision International in the fields of maternal child health, education, and child protection. He has written for The Washington Post and Recovery Today and published multiple novels.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2025
9 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Ted Neill
92 books74 followersGlobetrotter and writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Recovery Today, and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. He is the 2013 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award. His 2017 novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His most novel, Reaper Moon, takes place against the backdrop of a global virus pandemic and how the aftermath unfolds along familiar social divides of race and politics. His most recent young adult novel is, Zombies, Frat Boys, Monster Flash Mobs & Other Terrifying Things I Saw at the Gates of Hell Cotillion, doesn’t need a blurb, the title says it all.
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 5, 2025
Twenty Years of Unraveling exposes the devastating reality behind a world-renowned charity that was meant to provide refuge for children with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Through his other memoir, Two Years of Wonder, Mr. Neill first recounted his experience working at the home and the emotional toll of witnessing children die before ART treatments became widely available.
Though he initially used his book to raise funds for the organization, his involvement took a sharp turn when, years later, he was invited to join its board of directors—only to uncover deep-seated corruption and abuse within the institution.
The book explores how media and donors often glorify certain figures within humanitarian work, elevating them to near-sainthood while overlooking their harmful actions. Neill critiques this phenomenon as “cheap grace,” where society prefers to donate money rather than challenge systemic injustice.
This blind faith in charismatic leaders can lead to unchecked power, allowing corruption to thrive under the guise of charity. From his own personal testimony, we can learn that our unconscious biases shape our perceptions, making it easier to trust familiar, Western-led organizations while ignoring the suffering of those they claim to serve.
Some examples include: the organization’s leaders attitude towards the board being summarized as “shut up and send money”, shutting down discussions by literally pounding the table with her fist, and intimidating most members of the board, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Mr. Neill was nominated by one paid staff member of the U.S. board, who had managed the books for the home since nearly the beginning, and knew the truths and skills of Mr. Neill, and his empathy and knowledge of the children’s lives.
Mr. Neill does not pretend to be an impartial observer, acknowledging his anger toward those who manipulate religion to excuse their wrongdoing. He argues that the lack of oversight in foreign aid, especially in countries with weak regulatory systems, creates a breeding ground for abuse and deception.
While modern social media has made it easier to expose such scandals, the book serves as a stark reminder that, for years, these injustices went unnoticed. His personal journey from hopeful volunteer to whistleblower adds an emotional depth that makes Twenty Years of Unraveling a gut-wrenching, but necessary exposé of the abuses in such organizations.
Though he initially used his book to raise funds for the organization, his involvement took a sharp turn when, years later, he was invited to join its board of directors—only to uncover deep-seated corruption and abuse within the institution.
The book explores how media and donors often glorify certain figures within humanitarian work, elevating them to near-sainthood while overlooking their harmful actions. Neill critiques this phenomenon as “cheap grace,” where society prefers to donate money rather than challenge systemic injustice.
This blind faith in charismatic leaders can lead to unchecked power, allowing corruption to thrive under the guise of charity. From his own personal testimony, we can learn that our unconscious biases shape our perceptions, making it easier to trust familiar, Western-led organizations while ignoring the suffering of those they claim to serve.
Some examples include: the organization’s leaders attitude towards the board being summarized as “shut up and send money”, shutting down discussions by literally pounding the table with her fist, and intimidating most members of the board, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Mr. Neill was nominated by one paid staff member of the U.S. board, who had managed the books for the home since nearly the beginning, and knew the truths and skills of Mr. Neill, and his empathy and knowledge of the children’s lives.
Mr. Neill does not pretend to be an impartial observer, acknowledging his anger toward those who manipulate religion to excuse their wrongdoing. He argues that the lack of oversight in foreign aid, especially in countries with weak regulatory systems, creates a breeding ground for abuse and deception.
While modern social media has made it easier to expose such scandals, the book serves as a stark reminder that, for years, these injustices went unnoticed. His personal journey from hopeful volunteer to whistleblower adds an emotional depth that makes Twenty Years of Unraveling a gut-wrenching, but necessary exposé of the abuses in such organizations.
March 8, 2025
Twenty Years of Unraveling is a candid memoir that traces Ted Neill’s evolution from a dedicated humanitarian worker to a reflective critic of global aid practices. In his narrative, Neill recounts his early experiences at Rainbow Children’s Home in Nairobi, where the advent of antiretroviral therapy transformed a hospice into a semblance of home for HIV-positive children. His firsthand account exposes the dual nature of his work—moments of hope amid life-saving progress, juxtaposed with profound systemic failures. Neill details how inadequate oversight allowed exploitation and abuse to flourish, notably illustrated by the disturbing case of a volunteer pilot whose hidden past cast a dark shadow over the institution. Yet, the memoir is not solely a recounting of institutional shortcomings; it is also a deeply personal journey marked by grief, guilt, and eventual redemption. Neill’s transformation underscores a critical need for reform, advocating for a shift away from outdated, centralized models toward sustainable, community-based care. In just two decades, his story challenges conventional narratives of humanitarian aid, urging both accountability and empathy in efforts to support society’s most vulnerable.
The book not only serves as a historical account of one man’s journey but also as a mirror reflecting the larger issues in global humanitarian practices.
The book not only serves as a historical account of one man’s journey but also as a mirror reflecting the larger issues in global humanitarian practices.
March 10, 2025
This was a difficult read. Yet, if one doesn't want to remain completely in the obscure about how the world goes, in spite of best intentions... well, it's a necessary one. The author, Ted Neill, witnessed and collected first-hand stories about a charity's wrongdoings against orphaned children they were supposed to help. That includes sexual abuse.
As much as the narration goes, Neill never goes exceedingly graphic, yet you can "feel" all the wrongness of the things that happened; especially when it came from people of God (namely, at least?). Many times I was on the verge of crying while reading, but it never triggered a depressive episode (note: I'm a HSP with dhysthymia).
To Ted Neill: for what it's worth, here's a hug for you. Wanting to do more for these children, and what you went through mentally, speaks volumes about what a wonderful person you are. Remember to use self-compassion.
For the book, my rating is 5/5 stars.
- Lia Mara Dospetti
As much as the narration goes, Neill never goes exceedingly graphic, yet you can "feel" all the wrongness of the things that happened; especially when it came from people of God (namely, at least?). Many times I was on the verge of crying while reading, but it never triggered a depressive episode (note: I'm a HSP with dhysthymia).
To Ted Neill: for what it's worth, here's a hug for you. Wanting to do more for these children, and what you went through mentally, speaks volumes about what a wonderful person you are. Remember to use self-compassion.
For the book, my rating is 5/5 stars.
- Lia Mara Dospetti
March 21, 2025
Inside Twenty Years of Unraveling, we are given an inside look at how the best intentions can go awry with evil plans. The orphanage was set up to take care of children dying of HIV/AIDs until ART treatments became available to everyone.
However, no one was teaching these children the much-needed skills to live outside the orphanage, to survive, and to make a living, however small it may be. So most of the girls turned to prostitution to survive.
Donors were solicited to keep the orphanage running and volunteers came and went. Mr. Neill was hired to keep the books and was later invited to join the board of directors. It was as a member that he discovered the evil of abuse that ran rampant within the orphanage- sexual abuse that the Catholic priest and other adults swept under the rug. Mr. Neill exposed what was going on to the authorities.
It's a hard read but a must-read. It's not happening in just orphanages but in a lot of homes as well.
However, no one was teaching these children the much-needed skills to live outside the orphanage, to survive, and to make a living, however small it may be. So most of the girls turned to prostitution to survive.
Donors were solicited to keep the orphanage running and volunteers came and went. Mr. Neill was hired to keep the books and was later invited to join the board of directors. It was as a member that he discovered the evil of abuse that ran rampant within the orphanage- sexual abuse that the Catholic priest and other adults swept under the rug. Mr. Neill exposed what was going on to the authorities.
It's a hard read but a must-read. It's not happening in just orphanages but in a lot of homes as well.
April 25, 2025
As usual Ted writes a great piece and delivers a lot of information. The details and content in this book are heavy and I admire Ted's ability to get into the meat of a story right away without beating around the bush. He jumps around a bit in this so at times I was a little lost, but ultimately the story and his focus remains the same. You can literally feel his frustration about the situation he's writing about jump off the page. The level of coverups and disregard for youth welfare was astounding to read about and you feel a lot of emotions for those kids at Rainbow. I'm glad this book was able to function as the message to the world Ted wanted as opposed to the Post article. While this felt like a heavy ready, I would recommend it.
March 5, 2025
In 2004, author Ted Neil spent time at a Kenyan Charity foundation for children suffering from HIV/AIDS. Twenty Years of Unravelling is the story of how, after Neil’s departure, the kids suffered from constant physical, mental, and even sexual abuse. Written using a mix of Neil’s personal experience and anecdotes from the kids in question, it is a striking revelation of how an institution created to help broke down, and it’s consequences.
As Neil pointedly writes, this is a story of how a breakdown in safeguards happens, how charitable institutions with the best of intentions can go astray, and the human costs it can have.
This story is gripping.
As Neil pointedly writes, this is a story of how a breakdown in safeguards happens, how charitable institutions with the best of intentions can go astray, and the human costs it can have.
This story is gripping.
March 6, 2025
Twenty Years of Unraveling is a deeply personal and unflinchingly honest account of trauma, survival, and healing. Ted Neill’s storytelling is both raw and compelling, drawing readers into the orphaned children’s journey of pain, self-destruction, and ultimately, redemption. The vulnerability makes this memoir incredibly powerful, though some parts are emotionally intense. Neill also weaves in thought-provoking social commentary, adding depth to his experiences. While the heavy explicit storytelling may not be for everyone, the book’s message of resilience and hope is inspiring. A gripping read for those who appreciate memoirs that don’t shy away from life’s harshest realities.
May 31, 2025
Such an eye-opening read!! Even in 2025, I could not have imagined the level of dishonesty and complicity in covering up recurring sexual abuse of children. Many of us like to think that donating money abroad, with the due diligence of Charity Navigator or organized religion, are doing good. This is an informative and necessary read about what happens behind the brochures. It’s also a reality check on the dream of doing good work—the inescapable hard choices, emotional toll, and power dynamics. Highly recommend, especially as we look to private and religious organizations to make up for reduced government aid.
March 5, 2025
Twenty Years of Unraveling by Ted Neill uncovers abuse at a Kenyan orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS. After reconnecting with the kids in 2020, Neill and survivors exposed years of mistreatment, lax accountability and desperate attempts to cover up.
The book touches on different human emotions, highlights resilience and the fight for justice, showing how survivors bravely spoke out and held those responsible accountable. It is a highly recommended book that sheds light on the spirit of human life and everyone should read this book.
The book touches on different human emotions, highlights resilience and the fight for justice, showing how survivors bravely spoke out and held those responsible accountable. It is a highly recommended book that sheds light on the spirit of human life and everyone should read this book.
March 8, 2025
Man, this book. Twenty Years of Unraveling isn’t just something you read—it’s something you feel, something that stays with you long after you finish. Ted Neill goes back to reconnect with the kids he once worked with at an orphanage in Nairobi, thinking it’ll be a reunion. Instead, he finds out the truth: years of abuse, covered up by the very people who were supposed to protect them. And it’s horrifying.
What really gets me is the way Neill refuses to let it go. A lot of people would have looked the other way. He doesn’t. He and the survivors push back, even when powerful institutions—religious leaders, orphanage supporters—try to silence them. They take their stories to the press, even to federal investigators. They don’t stop.
And the writing? It’s raw. No fluff, no dramatization—just the truth, laid out as it happened. Some parts made me sick. Others made me want to throw the book across the room. But through all of it, I couldn’t stop reading.
It’s not just a book about abuse. It’s a book about fighting back. About refusing to be erased. And honestly? It’s one of the most important things I’ve read in a long time.
What really gets me is the way Neill refuses to let it go. A lot of people would have looked the other way. He doesn’t. He and the survivors push back, even when powerful institutions—religious leaders, orphanage supporters—try to silence them. They take their stories to the press, even to federal investigators. They don’t stop.
And the writing? It’s raw. No fluff, no dramatization—just the truth, laid out as it happened. Some parts made me sick. Others made me want to throw the book across the room. But through all of it, I couldn’t stop reading.
It’s not just a book about abuse. It’s a book about fighting back. About refusing to be erased. And honestly? It’s one of the most important things I’ve read in a long time.
March 6, 2025
This book pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go. Neill takes you behind the scenes of a massive investigation that exposed a world-famous charity for what it really was—built on lies, deception, and straight-up abuse.
And let me tell you, it reads like a true-crime thriller, except it's based on reality.
Neill’s writing pulls you right in. He doesn’t just dump a bunch of facts on you—he tells the story in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there, uncovering the truth alongside the journalists.
It’s gripping, frustrating, and at times, straight-up infuriating. But that’s what makes it such a powerful read.
If you’re into investigative journalism, true crime, or just love a book that makes you think, this one’s for you.
It’ll make you question everything, get mad at the system, and probably tell everyone you know about it.
And let me tell you, it reads like a true-crime thriller, except it's based on reality.
Neill’s writing pulls you right in. He doesn’t just dump a bunch of facts on you—he tells the story in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there, uncovering the truth alongside the journalists.
It’s gripping, frustrating, and at times, straight-up infuriating. But that’s what makes it such a powerful read.
If you’re into investigative journalism, true crime, or just love a book that makes you think, this one’s for you.
It’ll make you question everything, get mad at the system, and probably tell everyone you know about it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews