Creating Lasting Change for Children and Families
Faith | Health | Clean Water | Community
Leave the 99: Because every child matters
My Work
Below is an overview of the projects I'm actively involved in or currently working to build through relationships developed while serving alongside Extra Mile Pediatrics, La Red, and One ATTA Time.
These initiatives focus on improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of children and families through special needs support, community health education, clean water access, and practical resources.
At the heart of this work is a simple belief: meaningful solutions begin by listening. Every family and community faces unique challenges, and I believe the most lasting impact comes from building relationships, understanding local needs, and working alongside people with humility, respect, and compassion.
But for me, this work goes far beyond physical needs.
My heart is to meet people where they are - just as Jesus did. I want every child and every family we reach to feel seen, cared for, and deeply loved. Through each of these projects, my hope is to remind them they are never alone.
01
Pediatric Medical Clinics and Vision Screenings
One of the primary ways I serve in El Salvador is by volunteering alongside Extra Mile Pediatrics during their recurring pediatric medical clinics and vision screening programs.
Twice each year, Extra Mile Pediatrics returns to the same communities to provide care for children and families. While the team treats acute illnesses such as infections, respiratory concerns, and skin conditions, their focus extends far beyond immediate needs. By addressing underlying factors such as nutrition, growth, development, and access to healthcare, they work to improve the long-term health of entire communities.
A key component of these clinics is vision screening. Using specialized tools, the team can identify vision problems early and provide glasses when needed. For many children, improved vision can have a significant impact on learning, confidence, and success in school.
Through my involvement with these clinics, I have had the opportunity to build relationships with children and families, identify developmental concerns, and better understand the challenges many families face outside of clinic days. These experiences have played a significant role in shaping my special needs ministry and continue to provide opportunities for ongoing support, education, and connection with the families we serve.
02
Clean Water Projects & Initiatives
Access to clean water is one of the most effective ways to improve the health of a community.
As Central America Health Director for One ATTA Time, I support efforts to provide long-lasting water filtration systems to families across Central America. These filters can serve a household for more than 10 years, helping reduce waterborne illnesses and improving overall health for children and families.
But clean water alone is only part of the solution.To maximize the impact of these projects, I also work to strengthen community health through:
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Community-wide parasite treatment initiatives
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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) education
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Training and empowering local leaders to promote healthy practices
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Collecting data to better understand the long-term impact of clean water and health education programs
My goal is not only to provide access to clean water, but also to equip communities with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to create lasting improvements in health and well-being.
By combining clean water access with education and prevention efforts, we can help families build healthier futures for generations to come.
03
Special Needs Ministry: Developmental Support, Family Resources & Spiritual Encouragement
Children with disabilities and their families often face significant barriers to therapy services, adaptive equipment, educational resources, and ongoing support.
Through this ministry, I work alongside families to help identify needs, connect them with available resources, provide caregiver education, and expand access to developmental support whenever possible.
For some children, that may mean receiving therapy services for the first time. For others, it may mean obtaining adaptive equipment, learning new skills, gaining confidence, or helping caregivers better support their child's growth and development at home.
My goal is simple: to help ensure that children with disabilities and their families have access to the resources, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.
This includes helping families:
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Better understand their child's condition and abilities
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Learn practical strategies to support development at home
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Connect with therapists, organizations, and community resources
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Receive encouragement and support throughout their journey
But this ministry is about more than services and resources. My hope is that every child and every parent I encounter will know they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. No family should feel forgotten, overlooked, or alone as they navigate the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Through both practical support and spiritual encouragement, I hope to share a simple message:
You are loved. You have value. You were created with purpose.
Each of these projects - medical care, clean water, developmental support, and spiritual encouragement - may look different on the surface, but at their core, they all share the same mission: to love, serve, and support children and families through compassionate, Christ-centered care.
Whether it's helping a child take their first independent steps, providing clean water to prevent illness, connecting a family with resources, or simply listening to a parent's concerns, this ministry exists to meet people where they are and remind them they are not forgotten.
This is just the beginning, and I am grateful to have you on this journey with me.
If something in these stories resonates with you, I invite you to be part of what God is doing.
Your support helps provide developmental resources, clean water, caregiver education, and practical assistance to children and families who need it most.
Every gift matters. Every prayer matters. And every step forward is one we take together.