Unity 4 Orphans’ dedicated partner network is made up of volunteers, counselors, educators, and pastors who support orphaned and vulnerable children on a weekly basis.
Our gospel-centered, holistic approach to serving children provides relational consistency, builds self-esteem, and equips them with tools for brighter futures. Meet five children whose lives are being transformed this year in the various locations where U4O partners with individuals embedded in their communities!
ESL Program Graduate Helps Other Students Learn English
Our flagship ESL program celebrated four students who graduated fluent in English this spring. We’ve watched them grow from uncertain kids to confident young adults with bright futures. Karina, a dynamic teenager with her ESL certification, is now an intern in the program helping younger students learn!
The opportunities I’ve had are because I speak English. Since I decided to work in English, I haven’t had a month without a job.
–Lai, Nica Program Director
We love to see the ripple effect of Education 4 Change, where vulnerable children are empowered to help others succeed. Their unique vantage point encourages other students to visualize what they, too, are capable of.
Children Living in Dangerous Communities Need Safe Spaces to Play
Every summer, our partners in Tijuana, Mexico, organize a soccer tournament to give children from orphanages and poor communities a chance to play and learn teamwork. The fun-filled day is more than just a sporting event. Most kids have never been coached, cheered for, or even worn shoes that allow them to play in a soccer event. This year, a 12-year-old boy named Santiago showed up in flip flops and was delighted when a church member loaned him a pair of sneakers so he could participate.
We were able to see the Lord working through the tournament, and hope we have a new open door to kids in this rough community in Tijuana.
–Marco, Mexico Programs Director
U4O’s belief in the importance of play is a foundational part of how we support kids and help them grow. Through Play 4 Change, they learn sportsmanship, and the Mexico team uses every opportunity to tell children about God’s love for them.
Orphaned Children Are Equipped to Reach for Brighter Futures
At a partner orphanage in Tijuana that operates like an extended family, one student recently graduated from high school with honors and began medical school! Reyna’s dream to be a doctor is closer than ever, thanks to the staff who have nurtured her confidence and encouraged her education.
We decided a few years ago to do ministry differently and focus on quality instead of quantity. We also do a lot of ministry in our community and make sure that kids feel God’s love.
–Celeste, City of Angels Director
Children who grow up in orphanages often lack a vision for their future, but our caring partners provide love and mentorship. When they understand their potential and believe in their value in God’s eyes, orphaned children can rise above their circumstances.
In-Country Partners Mentor Children Who Lack Parental Support
Our Saturday program in El Salvador provides tutoring, ESL, mentorship, and safe spaces to play. Local children living in poverty are enabled to keep up in school and form healthy relationships. A thirteen-year-old girl named Alejandra is receiving one-on-one encouragement from the program director during a traumatizing season of life.
I told her we would help her with whatever we could and continue to pray with her.
–Becky, El Salvador Program Director
After her mom was hospitalized with a brain tumor, Alejandra suffered a facial stroke due to stress that she is still recovering from. Becky and the team continue to follow up with her and remain a constant source of love and support.
One Child Raised in Poverty Graduates as a Civil Engineer
When our partners who operate multiple feeding centers in Masaya, Nicaragua, met Oscar, he was a boy living in extreme poverty who lined up to receive a meal on Saturdays. The program offers more than food, teaching kids that Jesus loves them and tutoring them to help them stay in school.
[Oscar] came from an impoverished area and is the first university graduate in his whole community! He’s been part of our program since day one and has returned to volunteer with us.
–Keysi, Jesus is the Way Director
Stories like these encourage other children being raised in orphanages and poverty-stricken areas, showing them their own potential. Through Unity 4 Orphans’ holistic programs, children learn their value in God’s eyes and are enabled to reach for brighter futures. Join our mission to bring transformation to more children like Karina, Santiago, Reyna, Alejandra, and Oscar!