Who We Are

Our Mission

Unity 4 Orphans exists to raise awareness, unite communities, and mobilize people towards creatively and tangibly investing in the lives of marginalized children around the world.

Our Vision

Fighting for a brighter future where orphaned and vulnerable children experience power and transformation in every area of their lives.

WHO WE ARE - ALL ABOUT HELPING VULNERABLE KIDS

Our Story

Unity 4 Orphans (U4O) officially launched in 2010 after our founder, Joe Brandi, joined a trip to Kenya with World Orphans. During "the trip that changed everything," the staggering number of orphans worldwide became a reality. Joe committed his life to fighting for vulnerable children. Following a season of leading short-term trips to Mexico with the world missions team at The Rock Church in San Diego, CA, Joe's vision grew and U4O was born.

Unity 4 Orphans focuses on education and mental health for the world's most vulnerable children and has impacted over 2,000 children since its inception. Quality relationships are at the core of U4O's mission, and we aim to provide individual children with the love, consistency, and dignity they deserve. Above all, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and empower children for a brighter future.

Our Founder

Joe Brandi founded Unity 4 Orphans in 2010 after a trip to Kenya allowed him to meet orphaned children living in slums. This trip changed everything for Joe, and he committed to serve vulnerable children in Latin America. His vision to start U4O, and his 15-year investment working for the organization impacted the lives of thousands of children. Joe said of U4O, “All children deserve to be able to feel a sense of consistency and stability and belonging in their lives. I want this to be a priority, no matter what. Every day, Unity 4 Orphans strives to provide children in our programs with a sense of empowerment. We want them to grow up with opportunities and options.”

In 2024, Joe decided to return his first love - one-on-one discipleship and began serving as a pastor missionary based in San Diego. Prior to founding U4O, Joe served with World Orphans in San Diego and pastored several churches in California and Florida. Joe earned his Masters in Divinity from Reformed Seminary.

Leadership Team

Caitlin Snyder

Executive Director

Dan Gossett

Operations & Finance Director

Lindsay Reph

Why did you originally get involved with U4O?

A friend introduced me to the organization, and after an initial conversation with leadership and reviewing Unity 4 Orphans’ website, I felt inspired to get involved. I realized I have strengths that I can contribute to grow and maintain support for the kids we serve.

What motivates you to stay involved with U4O?

I’ve gone on a few short-term mission trips to Mexico, and over the years learned a lot from my dad’s missions trips to Kenya, Cameroon, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico. As a family, we always sponsored a child, and I was our designated letter writer. There’s a special place in my heart for children, and I appreciate that U4O loves and cares for them like Jesus.

What do you do as a team member for U4O?

I write much of our content, such as blog posts and other communications pieces, to share the wonderful things U4O is doing and keep supporters engaged with our day-to-day program accomplishments and needs. I’m also a certified copy editor and make sure all content is communicated as clearly as possible.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

I’m finalizing a nonfiction manuscript about a life-threatening car accident my sister and I survived twenty years ago. I do freelance editing work for other writers and corporate clients, and enjoy helping them get their message across to the intended audience. I’m an avid reader, a member of a local writing workshop, and enjoy music, gardening, cooking, and the beach! San Diego weather is ideal for my chronic pain and offers many opportunities to be outside. My loyal sidekick is a fluffy cat named Frankie and I have 20 nieces and nephews who are the joy of my life!

Lindsay Reph

Communications Associate

Shannon Fox

How were you introduced to the program and how long have you been involved with U4O?

In 2015 I was working with another language program which Joe Brandi (U4O founder) visited during a trip to Nicaragua. We shared a discussion about my work and he asked some questions about my job experience. A year later, Joe asked me to start a program in Managua to teach English to kids in need. I accepted the job and have been working with the organization since, initially with a small group in Managua and currently in Miramar.

What motivates you to work with U4O or what do you appreciate about the organization?

First of all, the call I have for teaching English is my greatest motivation. Second, to have the opportunity to teach kids in need is something that I cannot describe in simple words; it’s so moving how I feel when I am in front of the kids. Third, this organization provides and encourages such a positive environment. Joe is a great leader who is always there to support the program goals and celebrate our accomplishments.

What do you do as a team member, and what is your favorite thing about the job?

I am the coordinator of the ESL Program in Miramar, Nicaragua. I oversee the staff teachers and child psychologist, as well as manage the program administration. I love that I am in a role where I can help people in need in different ways, not only with learning the English language, but also with mental health support and humanitarian aid. The program has become a part of the community and they are like a family to us.

Tell us a little more about yourself, your family and personal interests.

I love spending time with my family and friends, and learning something new every day. I like listening to music and am a disciplined and organized person who fights to reach my goals. I love traveling around Nicaragua and abroad.

Shannon Fox

Marketing Consultant

Amy Beam

Why did you originally get involved/how long have you been involved with U4O?

My friend Shannon also works with U4O and introduced me to the organization in April of 2020.

What motivates you to work with U4O or what do you appreciate about the organization?

I am passionate about their mission to help children and to lift children out of poverty and create equity throughout the world. As much as I am in line with the purpose of U4O, I keep working with them specifically because I also, trust and respect the staff at U4O. This is an organization filled with fantastic people working together as a team with the goal to love others in general and very specifically, disadvantaged kids.

What do you do as a team member, and what is your favorite thing about the job?

Web Development. I maintain their website and integrations with third-party services. I hope to provide insight and problem-solving to technical issues.

Tell us a little more about yourself, your family, and your personal interests!

I am married to a really great partner, Michael, who makes me laugh. I have really cool son who is creative and insightful. My career has been in web development creating and maintaining websites for small businesses as well as supporting larger firms when they need extra help. I have a degree in graphic arts with an emphasis in business. I also teach yoga a few times a week, which is a source of joy and connection.

The older I get the more I find that these check box items that I have traditionally used to describe myself are not who I am but almost unimportant parts of me. They are but a glimpse of who I am.

The inner part of me always wants to have fun and seeks out laughter and joy. That being said, I can sit with the hard stuff and intense feelings to explore what makes humanity tick. I see it as a two-sided coin. One cannot really experience joy without also allowing in other emotions. I care deeply about God and humanity. I try and embody the quote by St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I realize that I am only a part of this great earth and yet I am a piece of it! Sometimes I get to see pieces of the big picture and I take delight in that! I love working in unity with others in collaboration and try desperately to leave my ego and agenda out of the equation.

Amy Beam

Technical Consultant

Board of Directors

Paul Polakowski III

Chairman

Laura Fellows

How did you connect with U4O and what motivates you to stay involved?

I got involved with U4O over 10 years ago following an outreach trip to Mexico. After seeing the conditions and unmet needs many of the children living in the orphan homes were facing, I wanted to help in any way I could. I was drawn to U4O because it is an organization that prioritizes building personal relationships and focuses on quality over quantity–each of our contributions really do make a big difference in these childrens’ lives.

What do you do as a board member for U4O?

I’ve supported U4O in various roles and projects over the years–from helping to refine the organization’s original mission, vision, and strategy, to developing content and materials, to contributing financially and now serving on the Board of Directors in an advisory role.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

I love spending quality time with my family–I live in San Diego with my husband and two daughters, Addalyn and Brynlee. I enjoy walking and listening to books on Audible, going on adventures with family and friends, and immersing myself in different creative projects.

Prior to having kids, I spent most of my career developing content, events, and products for the personal development speaker, Tony Robbins. I also spent time as a Director of Culture and Training Development in the medical technology industry. I now spend my time raising my children, volunteering with different organizations, and feeding my creative soul through photography.

What else do you do to feed your soul?

I love spending quality time with my family–I live in San Diego with my husband and two daughters, Addalyn and Brynlee. I enjoy walking and listening to books on Audible, going on adventures with family and friends, and immersing myself in different creative projects.

Laura Fellows

Secretary

Chris Fromm

Treasurer

Julie Bonnett

Director

Arlette Vargas-Ali

Board Member

Advisory Board

Mikhanh Pham

Advisor

Zachary Meyer

When/why did you originally get involved with U4O?

I first got involved with Unity 4 Orphans in 2012, when my wife Stephany and I were first dating and attending the Rock church in Point Loma. We would go on monthly trips and loved the heart of the organization to care for the vulnerable children just across the border. We attended trips for about 2 years until our son Elijah was born. We started involving ourselves in business ventures and remained monthly donors. Fast forward ten years and we are glad to help out more financially but recently I felt led to get more involved and make a bigger impact by volunteering my time as well.

What is your role with U4O?

I have been invited to join the advisory board with the task of raising awareness and funds for the organization.

What motivates you to work with U4O?

My motivation personally is to respond to God’s Word to love the orphans and the poor. I also believe in what U4O is doing, offering counseling, education, as well as nutrition. I’ve seen U4O grow from serving a few orphanages in Tijuana to 29 sites across Latin America and I know God has been using the organization to make an impact in the lives of the children and families at each site. I am honored to play even the smallest role.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

My wife Stephany and I have been married for 11 years. We have two kiddos: Elijah, 9 years old, and Anayah, 7 years old. We own four businesses, a cocktail bar, and three that are Beauty School related. I am still a Charger fan though I hardly watch football nowadays. I am an off-and-on runner and run a few half marathons and a Ragnar normally at the beginning of each year. My family and I have attended Paseo del Rey Church in Chula Vista for about 10 years. My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs. Most of my time is spent on work and the kids, but my wife and I love to go out and enjoy food and drinks when possible.

Zachary Meyer

Advisor

FAQ

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Is U4O a faith-based organization?

Unity 4 Orphans has roots in the Christian faith and our founder is an ordained minister. While we hold fast to those values, we are not a religious organization, rather we are recognized by the IRS as a Public Charity. We love and welcome people of all faiths and many of our volunteers and supporters have differing religious views.

Are donations to U4O tax deductible?

Yes, contributions to Unity 4 Orphans are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Who We Are

Our Mission

Unity 4 Orphans exists to raise awareness, unite communities, and mobilize people towards creatively and tangibly investing in the lives of marginalized children around the world.

Our Vision

Our Story

Our Founder