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.
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
Communications Associate
Shannon Fox
Marketing Consultant
Amy Beam
Technical Consultant
Alexandra Bakke
Events Consultant
Board of Directors
Paul Polakowski III
Chairman
Laura Fellows
Secretary
Chris Fromm
Treasurer
Julie Bonnett
Director
Advisory Board
Michael Wells
Advisor
Nick Ospina
Advisor
Mikhanh Pham
Advisor
FAQ
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.