Dear Friends,
This spring has been full of meaningful growth, big steps forward, and moments worth celebrating – thanks to your continued support.
In April, we were officially accepted by Hello Light, (a network of creatives amplifying the work of the ‘underdog’ nonprofits for free). In 2026 we’ll be rolling out with a new website and (insider alert) a new name!
Check out our last post for more info.
We also hosted spring break swim lessons for the first time! 13 kids from Casa Refugio joined us for the first week and 12 youth from our local community joined for the second week. Our amazing swim coach team consisted of past participants and local volunteers, which was a big highlight.
May brought some major wins: Aleph Baja received official federal nonprofit status approval! The gear shed is finally set up with fresh paint and new surf and climbing gear from a grant we received from Groundswell Aid. We celebrated Jocabed’s graduation from CBI (whom our supporters helped sponsor through her last year of school). And we bought a 15 passenger van!!! This was a huge answer to prayer made possible through a generous grant received from Grace Church Long Beach in 2024.
In June, we wrapped up Climbing Club with 6 sessions and 50 youth engagements, including a new “Base Camp” day focused on knots and team-building. We also hired Erik as a seasonal paid instructor (an exciting step toward sustainability) and welcomed new volunteer Mike Munson, from Sea Change Church. Our ESL program also finished strong with 15 classes and 222 total student engagements.
We supported Fernanda, a first-year culinary student, in applying for a prestigious scholarship with a well-known chef in Mexico City. She is one of the few to graduate high school here and continue on to college. You can see her video submission of her Blueberry Chocolate mousse here.
Please keep her in your prayers and if you are interested in being a sponsor for her education let us know!
Another major development was finalizing the contract on our property and breaking ground! It was a powerful moment to gather with our community and pray over the land, believing this will be a home base for transformation for years to come.
Participant Highlight Chris, a young surfer from our orphanage partnership was accepted into the Baja Surf Association for youth, ASBC, who flew him out to compete in Colima. He didn’t place but had an amazing experience and is now training regularly with a longboard coach. We are so proud of him and excited to see where the Lord takes him.
From every climb, surf session, and leadership opportunity to every van ride and official nonprofit paperwork – this spring has been full of movement, and we’re so thankful to have you with us.
Sharing about our work with your local church or community is one of the best ways we connect with folks. So please pass on our information!
Jess & Dustin
Awesome newsletter! So many praise reports!
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