The OWIN program has been in existence for several years as a private endeavor to help the needy by the founder, Dr. Lilian Asomugha. In June 2005, it was officially registered as a non-profit charitable foundation 501c (3) in the state of California. This was prompted by the growing increase in the number of young widows and orphans coupled with their need for total support. She decided to seek help from other philanthropists who would make a difference in the lives of these people.

Although this foundation had initially focused on helping the needy orphans and widows in a small village in eastern Nigeria, it has extended its area of operation to reach more widows and their orphans in other rural areas of the world especially in Africa. OWIN foundation also supports other non-profit charitable foundations such as Gold Crest Family Center in Lagos, Nigeria, a rescue mission for the jobless, homeless and needy (destitute) from all works of life and also the (OWINA), Orphans and Windows In Need Association in the rural city of Umuahia in Eastern Nigeria.