Unity 4 Orphans’ multi-layered approach aims to meet holistic needs and transform the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children throughout five countries in Latin America.
We believe the first step in helping children is to ensure that their basic needs are met and raise them out of the poverty mindset. Our hope for each of the 1,500+ children in our programs is to foster and fuel their imaginations for the future.
U4O Believes Meeting Vulnerable Children’s Basic Needs Comes First
The “U” in U4O stands for unity in our vision to help vulnerable children, but “unique” is also an accurate description of our fourteen-year-old nonprofit. What began as day trips from San Diego to Mexico to meet basic needs has evolved into more consistently and holistically meeting the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children.
When I think about U4O choosing to go deep into the lives of kids, I think about the many layers through which we meet children’s needs with program partners on the ground. It weaves together so we’re meeting needs in the present, building towards stronger futures, and helping children heal from the past so their futures can be even brighter.
–Caitlin Snyder, Executive Director
All of our programs are important, but we have to meet children’s basic needs first. When they have empty bellies, children struggle to learn and lack the capacity to process trauma. In-country partners like those in Masaya, Nicaragua serve impoverished children regular healthy meals through Nutrition 4 Change. This program provides vital nourishment to children who need it most, and as of this summer, we began offering tutoring and educational support as well.
Education is an Important Step to Raise Children Out of Poverty
The second step to transformation is education, and thankfully most of the children we serve have their basic needs met. This means we can feed them an additional meal and supplement their nutritional needs, but largely focus on their education and counseling.
Our partners do more than simply execute our program models. They provide consistent healthy role models and give abandoned and vulnerable children a place to belong through Saturday programs and various weekday programming.
The people involved in U4O are what make the organization special.
–Julie Bonnett, Board Member
Our US team and in-country partners believe in the power of education to transform lives and raise children out of poverty. Through Education 4 Change, children across Latin America are receiving tutoring and learning English as a second language to increase their job opportunities in the future.
What Does Unity 4 Orphans Mean by Holistic Care?
It’s our goal in 2025 to open Healing 4 Change to every child who needs counseling to help them overcome past trauma and avoid what threatens their future. A lack of imagination for the future means a child is more likely to trade a college education for the quick cash that can be earned by being in a gang or dropping out of school to earn minimal income.
Our partners are embedded in the communities they serve and are best able to effect dramatic transformation for the children we serve over the long term. Our program model is unique and we have become subject matter experts in providing support that allows children to flourish in very challenging circumstances in Latin America.
–Paul P., Board Chairman
We think of the word “holistic” as meeting kids on different fronts, meeting critical needs, and our aim is transformation. This means they know and walk with Jesus, have the skills they need to get into college or live fulfilling vocational lives, and heal from past trauma so they understand their own limitations and can build healthy relationships.
Join us this Giving Season and help shepherd more children to brighter futures than ever before in 2025 through nutrition, education, and counseling!