Fighting for vulnerable children.

Joe Brandi

I was a Florida pastor when I felt called to act. Something in my life was missing and felt I was being pulled towards global ministry, but I had convinced myself that I was content.

My best friend made me question what I really wanted to do with my life. At the time, he worked for World Orphans and shared stories about the impact they were making. He invited me to join the team, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk knowing it meant financial insecurity. In one of our conversations, my friend asked me, “How many orphans do you think there are in the world?”

I had never really considered this question before, but it was a sobering moment. 143 million kids were vulnerable and/or at risk. The number was so abstract, so overwhelming, it didn’t seem real and it wasn’t personal. A few months later, I was diagnosed with cancer. Death weighed on my mind. Needing to escape the reality of my situation, I went to the movies and saw Slum Dog Millionaire. The movie told the story of three orphaned children in India. One of the orphans was a beautiful, vulnerable little girl who was sold into prostitution. It was horrifying. I thought of my sister and the need to protect her. I left the theater feeling conflicted: the movie, the number of orphans in the world and cancer.

God was speaking to me and suddenly orphans transformed from a huge, abstract number to a face. I realized the desire for financial stability was the only thing holding me back from joining World Orphans. God was calling me to take a new path. When I shared my feelings with mentors, I was encouraged to take a mission trip with World Orphans. That trip changed everything.

I spent two weeks in Kenya working with children in slums and local group homes. Packing up on the last day, the children gathered closely for a picture. Craving human contact, they clung to me and time slowed down. A door in my heart pried open and the children entered into my heart. God’s vision for me was clear: I knew I was supposed to work for the rest of my life fighting for defenseless children.

Marco Aguilera

How were you introduced to the organization?

I was introduced to the organization by Keem, Unity 4 Orphans Director of Operations,and invited to work with the team to support organizational growth outside the US and support ongoing programs in Latin America.

What motivates you to work with U4O?

I’ve always wanted to play a role in bringing about change in the world, one person at a time. I’m excited to be part of the U4O team because it allows me to have an impact on the lives of countless children and encourage them to follow God’s dreams for their lives.

What is your role as a team member and what are you most looking forward to about the job?

I directly oversee in-country operations in Tijuana, Mexico to ensure a memorable and positive experience during volunteer service trips. I also support program logistics and team members in other parts of Latin America to further U4O’s immediate and long-term goals to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

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

My wife Anabel and I have two children, Samara and Samuel. We have served God together as a family in different countries. We love making new friends everywhere we go, and are diehard Disney fans. My favorite place to be is wherever my family is at any given moment.

Laigthany Gomez

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 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

Why did you originally get involved with U4O?

I came on board to manage U4O’s social media and email marketing.

How long have you been involved with U4O?

Since December 2017.

What motivates you to stay involved with U4O?

The sweet children and the depth of their love and appreciation for us. They deserve a brighter future and we have the power to give it to them!

Tell us about yourself!

My professional background is in marketing. I was the head of marketing at a residential real estate company for five years before starting my own marketing company. I love reading, fiction writing, riding horses, and enjoying life in San Diego with my husband.

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!

Monique Taylor

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

I was introduced to Unity 4 Orphans in 2018 through R12, a partner service-based organization for high school students and their parents. My daughter and I did service projects together, and we went on our first U4O trip to visit the kids in the orphanages in Tijuana.

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

It’s important to help others who are less fortunate, especially our neighbors across the border, who don’t have resources like we do in America. I really appreciate the faith-based aspect of U4O.

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

I started to figure out what I’m gifted at, and that’s organization and efficiency. When I saw that the donation storage area was disorganized, I thought, this is where I can start. I’ve been organizing the U4O storage to maximize usage and intake. In the process, I’m creating a line of communication where we actually bring in what the orphanages request, not just random things they don’t use. My favorite thing is that I love to get things put in order!

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

I’m a native Californian and have been living in Hawaii part time for 30 years. As a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines, we keep our main home in Hawaii, but try to spend most of our time in San Diego to be near our two young adult kids. Both of our kids have been on service trips, and my son has also helped with the organization projects. My wonderful husband, Guy, has also been on trips and helped me organize the U4O donations. I love nature, whether it’s surfing, hiking, or learning to play golf at my age (which is a challenge)! More than anything, I just like to be with my family and taking my black lab, Pepper, to Doggie Beach in Del Mar, “The Happiest Place on Earth”

Amy Beam

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

Greyddyn Rodriguez

Nellys Mairena

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

I was introduced to the program in a funny way, actually! I was applying for another job and one of the recruiters told me about this position, so I applied for this program and that’s how my journey with U4O started in May of 2021.

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

What motivates me to work with this organization is the fact that it is an excellent environment that helps me to grow professionally and personally. The U4O team is very kind and supportive, and the program also offers help with anything class-related like materials and training.

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

I work as an ESL teacher in the Nicaragua program; my favorite thing about the work that I do is to help my students throughout the learning process and provide a positive influence. I enjoy learning from them during our conversations and clarifying their doubts, which makes me feel satisfied in my role.

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

I live in Telica, a small town in the Pacific region of Nicaragua. I’m a recent graduate and the eldest of three siblings; we also have a cat. I studied Psychology and English at university. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, reading, and drawing, but my favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends. I also love animals, especially cats and dogs.

Yanelis Lopez

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

My aunt knew that I wanted to learn English, so when she found out about U4O’s ESL program, she told me. I have been involved with the program for three years and it has been an incredible experience.

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

What motivates me to work with U4O is to put the language into practice, learn new things, gain experience, and most importantly–share what I have learned. What I appreciate most about the organization is its commitment to, and interest in, children learning the English language. All of the support and help given is very impressive.

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

I am a teaching intern and my favorite thing about the job is to share my knowledge with other students. I also feel very comfortable with the work environment.

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

I’m very creative, kind, and responsible. I like to smile all the time and I try to be optimistic and handle situations in a positive way. In my free time I enjoy doing a lot of different activities, however what I enjoy most is listening to music and reading books. I live with my father, mother, grandmother and little sister and I love to spend time with my family. My father is a construction worker and my mother is a teacher. One of my personal goals is to graduate from high school and begin studying at university. I want to be an English teacher, and have since I was a little girl. I want to accomplish many things and I have big dreams, which I hope I can achieve with God’s help.

Bettina Hanna

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

I’ve been involved with U4O since 2018. A journalist friend of mine reached out to ask if I was interested in filming a trip to Tijuana with an organization that was going to surprise the kids by having people dressed as princesses. That day, I fell in love with Unity 4 Orphans.

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

I’ve gone on mission trips before and what I like the most about U4O is that they put a lot of effort into building long-term relationships with the kids. That makes a difference. And I see Joe always wanting to improve those relationships and create new ways to make their lives better.

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

I’m a videographer (check out my work here), so I produced all the video content for U4O, whether it’s for social media or covering events. As a filmmaker, I’m always on the hunt for good stories and love to portray them through my videos. I also take pictures once in a while, for various events that U4O hosts or sponsors.

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

I’m originally from Brazil and have been living in San Diego since 2010. The fact that I came from a country that also faces issues like poverty and vulnerable children makes me appreciate organizations like U4O and everyone involved. I also go once a year to Brazil where I’m a TV director for a show at MTV Brazil and Amazon Prime. I live with my husband in San Diego and we love to hike, go to the beach, and travel to the desert.