Jacksonville, Fla. — A community initiative born in Jacksonville seeks to transform the lives of at least 800 children in Latin America this year, through programs focused on education, health, and food assistance.
The nonprofit Reaching the Unreached, founded in Jacksonville, works in alliance with local associations in various countries across the region. In this edition, its efforts will focus primarily on the Magdalena region of Colombia.
“Showing these children that out there, there are many bad things, but there are also very good things,” said Catalina Vera, the organization’s director in Colombia.
Funds raised over the past year made it possible to distribute 40,000 pounds of food, benefit 300 children in the Amazon region, teach 192 virtual English classes, and deliver more than 500 gifts during the Christmas holidays.
“For some, a pair of roller skates may be nothing, but for a child who has nothing, dreaming of a pair of roller skates and having them… you should see the look of happiness on their face,” Vera added.
In addition to addressing immediate needs, the organization seeks to provide technical and job training to ensure the long-term development of the communities served.
Max Morel, of Reaching the Unreached, highlighted the importance of teaching technical skills that many of them need so that, in the future, they can start their own businesses.
To sustain and grow these programs, the organization will hold its annual fundraising event this year, with the goal of surpassing the results of previous editions.
“The event will be on September 25 at SIP on the Roof (323 E Bay St) starting at 6:00 p.m.,” Morel said.
Gala event admission will include food, two drinks, and live entertainment.
All funds raised will go directly toward funding educational and comprehensive assistance initiatives for Latin American children.
Event details can be found here:
This story was originally reported in Spanish by Rita Sibaja for Action News Jax.
