In the midst of all our programs this year, we made big steps toward our full transition to Sal y Roca. For those short on time, here’s a snippet of the past five months. Read on for a deeper dive!
- Foundational Work
- The first phase of our new website is live! Check out the home page and let us know what you think: salyroca.org
- Bank accounts, our donation management system, and fundraising platforms have all been built and transitioned.
- New Sal y Roca Google emails have been established, so make sure you update your contacts: Jess@salyroca.org Dustin@salyroca.org
- Programs
- Since April, we’ve run over 56 programs with more than 440 youth engagements.
- That’s 440 opportunities to tell these youth how much they are loved and valued.
- Because of last year’s fundraiser, we’ve been able to invest into trainings with our local leadership team, seasonal employment, and our first summer internship.
- Since April, we’ve run over 56 programs with more than 440 youth engagements.
- Personal
- The outer structure of our casita is complete – now we’re moving on to interior work!
- We finally connected with a nonprofit lawyer and gained valuable information about building the rock climbing gym on our personal property.
On the surface, it looks like we just do a bunch of fun things with youth. Which we do! And studies show these activities are incredibly beneficial for physical and mental health. But deeper than that is human connection. Community. A safe space with a loving adult where it’s okay to be vulnerable and to talk about the hard things in life.
One focus of our community building this year has been our local leadership development program. It’s how we see this work becoming sustainable – empowering locals to take ownership, providing opportunity for personal growth and tackling the very real problem of job scarcity in La Misión.
Meet Jeshua!
He’s been with us, learning and growing, since 2024. We brought him on as a paid instructor for our swim and surf programs this year, and it’s been transformative in every way. It’s expanded our capacity to work with more kids and increased safety in the water. It’s also given Dustin and me more space to dive into deeper conversations with youth. On top of it all, this position has allowed Jeshua to grow his leadership skills, giving him the foundation to run his own mini swim session with kids from his church.
This is Erik.
He learned to swim, climb, and surf with us. When he turned 18, he joined our leadership team and is now a paid rock climbing instructor. He helps set routes with Dustin and is a great teacher with the kids. Recently, thanks to funds raised last year and connections through Siloe Clinic, we were able to get him and another leader CPR and First Aid certified. Because of that certification (along with training from Dustin) he was able to secure a part-time job as a lifeguard at a local pool this summer! We’ve grown very close with him, and we couldn’t be more proud.
During one of our surf sessions this summer, a kid rated himself a “4” (out of 10) during our opening check-in circle. Because we had trained leaders taking care of the rest of the group in the water, Dustin was able to spend extra time with this young man to understand why. Later that week, we received a message from him opening up that he “doesn’t feel good mentally, and actually hasn’t been good for a while.” Since then, Dustin has been able to meet up with him to connect and encourage at a deeper level.
In April, a few of our kids decided to get baptized. It’s truly an honor to be part of these kids’ lives, walking with them through life’s ups and downs. I (Jess) started occasional meetups (nicknamed “Hotcakes with Jess”) with any girl who opened up about going through something hard. I’ve now shared a plate of pancakes with a handful of girls, and it’s been amazing. My Spanish feels like it’s plateaued, but these one-on-one moments have somehow flowed smoothly, with me understanding almost everything – probably due to some Holy Spirit translation help.
One other big highlight from our summer programs have been our volunteer team!!! Our prayer was to have at least 2 volunteers for every surf Saturday this summer and wow did people show up. We praise the Lord for all of your willing hearts to come down to grill burgers, take photos, help clean equipment, be an extra eye on safety and pushing kids into waves.
I (Jess) had one of my absolute best memories when a team from San Clemente came down to help. With extra hands in the water, I was able to head out past the break with two girls who wanted to try snorkeling. It was a perfect day with calm, clear water. They floated on the board and dipped their heads under with masks on, watching sea grass sway below and bright orange Garibaldi fish pass by for the first time. My scuba-diving heart was overjoyed, and my relationship with those girls has grown incredibly close since then.
Summer was filled with so many sweet moments of good conversations, kids discovering friendships, and overcoming fears! We could go on and on, but we’ll let the photos do more of the talking.
None of this would be possible without our incredible base of supporters. Thank you for praying for us, giving financially, and coming down to volunteer! You truly are part of something transformational in these kids’ lives, and we’re grateful for your trust in us to lead it.
~ Dustin & Jess
