Reaching The Unreached
Our Mission
Reaching The Unreached is a Jacksonville-based 501(c)(3) that brings food, education and hope to children and families who are too often overlooked, in the United States and across Latin America.
It started with a trip to Colombia
“Kids don’t pick the circumstances they are born into. That doesn’t mean you can’t change them.”
Soon after a trip to Colombia, and seeing how much poverty still exists, Founder Max Morel, his brother Antonio and his friend BJ decided they could do more, not just in Jacksonville, but around the world.
Reaching The Unreached was born from a simple dream: to bring food, healthcare, education and, ultimately, hope to communities in need.
Not a visit. A relationship.
The goal isn’t simply to arrive with supplies and leave. Our team builds relationships, listens and works alongside the people we meet to help families find a way forward. That is why we partner with trusted local organizations, so the work continues long after a mission trip ends.
Our Programs
Six ways we reach children and families where they are.
Program 01
Christmas Without Barriers
Every child deserves a Christmas morning. We bring gifts and joy to children in remote communities who would otherwise go without. In 2026 we begin partnering with Navidad Sin Barreras, the personal mission of community advocate Katherine Muñoz.
- 1,100+ Christmas gifts delivered by Reaching The Unreached
- 1,100 more gifts delivered by Katherine’s Navidad Sin Barreras on its own, our new partner in 2026
- Toys and dental hygiene kits for more than 1,100 children
- Deliveries in Medellín with Fundación Abrazando Historias and Fundación Solo Vida, and in Santo Domingo with local law enforcement
Program 02
Education
Education opens doors that stay open. Through our virtual English classes, students in Latin America connect with teachers and build the language skills that open the way to better schools, scholarships and jobs. Our classes abroad are virtual by design, which keeps the program sustainable and lets students keep learning between our visits. We also provide learning resources, and in 2025 we created a safe space where children can do their work and attend classes out of the elements.
- 192 virtual English classes in 2025
- Learning resources for 350+ students
- New: in-person English classes for families in Jacksonville, starting mid-January
Program 03
Culture & Law
Knowing your culture and your rights builds confidence. We help young people take pride in their culture and understand the laws and rights that protect them, and our Culture and Law adjustment classes help families who are new to the U.S. understand how schools, healthcare and the workplace work.
- Culture and Law adjustment classes in Jacksonville
- Free adult safety classes taught by a law enforcement expert
- Free, starting mid-January in Jacksonville
Program 04
Human Trafficking Awareness
Knowledge keeps children safe. In Jacksonville and Medellín, we teach children, adolescents and families how trafficking happens, the warning signs to watch for, how to keep kids safe on social media and from scams, and where to turn for help.
- Classes in Jacksonville and Medellín
- Monthly virtual classes with Fundación Abrazando Historias in Medellín
- Free adult and parent classes in Jacksonville taught by a law enforcement expert
Program 05
Sports and Arts
Safe places to play, create and grow. We keep young athletes on the field and give children room to discover their talents, because a team, a song or a stage can change how a child sees their future.
- Soccer scholarships, new gear and transportation
- CH4 Soccer Academy in Jacksonville, which also helps children play soccer abroad
- Music school scholarships, creative activities and movie nights
Program 06
Community Empowerment
Lasting change is led from within. We work hand in hand with local leaders and residents on what their community needs most, and we show up quickly when disaster strikes.
- 40,000+ pounds of food distributed since our first mission trips
- $15,000+ in food and disaster relief for families in 2025
- Clothing shipped to families after natural disasters
What Guides Us
The convictions behind every program.
Every child is worth reaching.
Kids don’t pick the circumstances they are born into. We believe every child has worth and potential, no matter where they were born.
We show up, and we stay.
We didn’t need to save them. We needed to show up. We build relationships and come back, year after year.
We work alongside, not over.
Local leaders know their communities best. We listen first and partner with trusted organizations on the ground.
We keep our books open.
Our financials are published for anyone to see, and we earned Candid’s 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency.
We make every gift go further.
As a volunteer-led organization, we put donations to work where they matter most: food, education and hope for children and families.
Working Together
We believe there is power in partnership. These organizations help us reach further and serve more children.
- Fundación Abrazando HistoriasMedellín, ColombiaEnglish classes, trafficking awareness, and soccer and music scholarships for children, adolescents and women.
- Fundación Solo VidaMedellín, ColombiaChristmas gift deliveries and community events.
- Navidad Sin BarrerasColombiaKatherine Muñoz’s mission to bring Christmas to children in remote communities. Our partner starting in 2026.
- CH4 Soccer AcademyJacksonville, FloridaSponsored seasons for Jacksonville youth players.
Join the Mission
Every gift brings food, education and hope to children who need it most.