Choosing to Live a Full Life – wayne centrone

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This weekend, I attended a celebration of life for the mother of a dear friend. Walking away from that experience, I felt bettered by the compassion I witnessed. It was a poignant reminder of the measures of my own life and the importance of our connections.

In a world where material possessions often define success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our worth is measured by what we own. The shiny cars, the latest gadgets, and the lavish homes all contribute to a narrative that suggests we need more, do more, and be more to find fulfillment. But what if I told you that true fulfillment comes from something far more profound? What if the secret to living a whole life lies in cultivating a continuous zone of awareness?

As I reflected on the stories shared during the memorial service, I realized how conventional wisdom suggests that accumulating wealth and possessions leads to happiness. We are bombarded with messages that equate success with material gain. However, the reality is that while material things can bring temporary satisfaction, they often leave us feeling empty in the long run. I’ve come to understand that the measure of a fulfilling life isn’t found in our bank accounts or our possessions; it’s rooted in our awareness of the world around us and our connections with others.

Living in a continuous zone of awareness means being conscious of our surroundings, the context that shapes our experiences, and our own feelings. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the mundane and finding joy in the little moments. Awareness allows us to appreciate life as it unfolds, rather than getting caught up in the chase for more.

During the service, I felt a profound sense of awareness as I listened to the heartfelt tributes. Each story underscored the importance of being attuned to the nuances of our daily interactions. I realized that when we cultivate awareness, we become more sensitive to the feelings of those around us, creating an environment where they can express themselves genuinely, without judgment. This is crucial, as we all carry our own stories and struggles. By fostering a non-judgmental space, we open the door to deeper connections with ourselves and others.

One of the most valuable tools I’ve discovered in my journey toward a fuller life is curiosity. Curiosity invites us to explore rather than condemn. When I encounter resistance—whether within myself or in my interactions with others—I’ve learned to ask, “What’s going on here?” Instead of jumping to conclusions or casting judgment, I choose to get curious. This shift in perspective enriches my understanding and fosters openness. Curiosity is the antidote to fear and judgment. It allows me to see that everyone has something valuable to share. We are all experts in our own lives, navigating our unique paths. By holding a space of curiosity and non-judgment, I can connect with others on a deeper level. This connection is where true fulfillment lies.

As I navigate this journey of awareness and curiosity, I find it essential to recognize my own capabilities. I remind myself that I am doing the best I can with the resources I have available to me at any given moment. This mindset is empowering. It allows me to extend grace to myself and others, acknowledging that we’re all imperfect beings striving for growth. Sometimes, I slip into self-judgment, especially when I fall short of the ideals I aspire to. In those moments, I reflect on the children who have come into my life. Their stories, often marked by pain and struggle, serve as poignant reminders of what truly matters. The images of boys who arrive at the Casa Girasoles, many bearing the scars of repeated abuse, haunt me in the best way possible. They move me to my core because they remind me of the transformative power of unconditional love. Providing children with a safe space for unconditional love, safety, and connection is not just a mission; it’s a calling. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected by our shared humanity. We may not consistently achieve our best, but we are unwaveringly committed to each child who enters our lives. We strive to create a world where every child has access to health, home, hope, and purpose.

In this journey, I’ve learned that our relationships are the measure of our lives. The people who lift us, who support us through thick and thin, help us see the beauty in our imperfections. They remind us that nothing is impossible when we walk together toward a shared future.

Judgment can be a powerful force that cuts off connections. When I judge myself or others, I create barriers that prevent genuine relationships from forming. I often find myself crafting stories about right and wrong, motivation and intent, which can cloud my view of others. In doing so, I risk negating my belief that we are all children of a loving God—each one of us carrying a piece of that divine essence within. Letting go of judgment is a challenge, especially when I feel I’ve fallen short. Yet, I remind myself that we are all deserving of love and understanding. The journey to self-acceptance is ongoing, filled with ups and downs, but it’s a path worth taking.

My commitment to creating a space for unconditional love extends not only to the children in my life but also to myself. I strive to remind myself that I am worthy of connection, even in moments of weakness. It’s a continuous practice of self-love and acceptance, recognizing that my misdirected behaviors do not define me. As I reflect on my journey, I see the power of connection in action. The relationships I’ve built with others have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of love and acceptance. They remind me that we are all in this together, navigating the complexities of life side by side.

Choosing to live a whole life is about embracing awareness, curiosity, and connection. It’s about understanding that true fulfillment comes from within, not from the accumulation of material possessions. As we cultivate a continuous zone of awareness, we learn to appreciate the beauty in our surroundings, the emotions we feel, and the stories of those around us. Let’s strive to live fully, extending grace to ourselves and others. Let’s create spaces where everyone feels safe to share their feelings and experiences. By embracing curiosity and fostering connection, we can build a world where love, acceptance, and understanding flourish.

In this journey, remember that you are not alone. We are all experts in our own lives, and together, we can navigate the complexities of our shared human experience. As we walk hand in hand toward the future, let us hold onto the belief that nothing is impossible when we choose to live fully and authentically.

Reflecting on that memorial service, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of love and remembrance that filled the air. Listening to the heartfelt stories shared by family and friends, I felt deeply blessed to be reminded of the fulfilling measures of life: friendship, connection, and love. Each tribute painted a picture of a life well-lived, resonating with themes of kindness, resilience, and connection. In that sacred space, surrounded by shared grief and celebration, I was reminded of the importance of cherishing our relationships and the impact we leave on one another.

The Hidden Layers of Need All Around Us – wayne centrone

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Sometimes I rush through my days so fast that I become numb to the suffering around me. There is too much need, too many faces in the crowd. Yet if I pause—even for a moment—I begin to see not just “suffering,” but a person. And it’s in truly seeing someone that real change becomes possible.

Last week, I found myself sitting on a concrete bench in the bustling central market of Magdalena, Lima, waiting for my daughter to return from shopping. The air was thick with the scents of fresh produce, roasted chicken, and the distant roar of city traffic. Suddenly, a young man approached. He couldn’t have been more than 25, and on his chest, held snugly in a sling, was his baby. He spoke quickly—too quickly for me to catch every word. From his accent, his mannerisms, his worn clothing, I knew he was Venezuelan. Perú now hosts over 1.6 million Venezuelan immigrants, many of them families like his. Socially isolated, often distrusted, with limited access to services, these newcomers survive day by day.

I gently asked him to repeat himself. This time, his voice was calmer, slower. “Can you please help me buy formula and diapers for my baby?”

The request was simple. And yet, in that moment, it felt profound. As we walked together to the nearby pharmacy, he told me about his 11-month-old son—so thin I’d have guessed 7 or 8 months—and about his four-year-old daughter and wife back in their makeshift home. He had left Venezuela dreaming of better days, only to discover new challenges: how to feed his children, where to find a friend, how to keep hope alive. It wasn’t hard to buy six months’ worth of diapers and formula. But what mattered even more was what came next. Standing on the sidewalk, handing him the bundled packages, I looked into his eyes and said, “If you ever need anything, come find me in this market. I’m your friend.”

In that declaration—so simple yet so radical—we recognized our shared humanity. I wasn’t just a benefactor for a few minutes; I was a person who cared, a person he could rely on. What “Seeing” really means is more than a gesture or an act of kindness. It is an expression of hope. It is, however, not always easy for me to quiet the busyness of my mind and truly see the world around us. I’ve found a few simple things that I use to anchor me.

Slowing Down. I must be willing to pause—even when the world feels overwhelming.

Listening Fully. Beyond the words, I listen fully and hear sincerely the hopes, fears, and dreams.

Showing Up. I make myself vulnerable – in a safe way. I let myself connect.

These seemingly small gestures of friendship can ripple into profound change. When we see someone beyond their need, we open the door to empathy. We no longer ask, “How can I fix this?” but rather, “How can I walk alongside you?”

That evening, I boarded a plane back to the United States, but my mind stayed in Magdalena. I think about that young father and his children every day. I pray for the strength to remember—not just once, but always—that he is not invisible. Next time I return to Lima, I owe it to my new friend to be there for him. And I challenge all of us to do the same in our own lives. Here are a few ideas that came to mind when discussing the power of presence and compassionate seeing I had with a dear friend:

  • I challenge myself to carefully look for the hidden layers of need in your neighborhood. They’re there. We need to pull the curtain back a little.
  • Offer more than charity—offer presence. Charity is fleeting. It is an act of kindness that depends on us. Seeing someone deeply is an act of compassion. It is an act that allows the other person to be their own subject.
  • Become the friend someone never expected to have. I have taken to asking myself, “What would I do differently if that person were my friend? My family?” I then act on my newfound clarity. It is not always clean. Sometimes it is really messy. But that’s life, messy.

Because when we stop seeing “need” and start seeing people, that’s where all change becomes possible.

It Takes a Community to Build a Brighter Future – wayne centrone

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At HBI, we firmly believe that lasting change isn’t the work of a few—it’s the legacy of many. Our vision has always been grounded in community: the families we serve, the children whose futures we help shape, and, most importantly, the incredible community of supporters like you who make everything possible.

Every day, we are reminded that the real heroes of our work aren’t just those on the ground. They are the people who believe in us, who trust us, and who, through their generosity, fuel every life we touch. You are the heart of HBI—the reason a newborn receives life-saving care, the reason a young person in Peru discovers their potential, the reason our work is more than just a program; it’s a movement.

We know that your trust is precious. That’s why we are deeply committed to full transparency in stewarding your gifts. Every dollar, every resource, is put to work in the most impactful way possible—because we are accountable to you and to the futures we’re shaping together. Our promise is simple: to keep you informed, to honor your giving, and to celebrate the incredible change you make possible.

One of our favorite ways to express gratitude is through our annual A Bridge to Change fundraiser. This year, we’ll gather again at Andina Restaurant on September 17—a special evening to share stories of resilience, hope, and the waves of change your kindness has set in motion. There are still seats left, and we would love nothing more than to spend an evening together, sharing firsthand how your support is transforming lives in Peru.

This year alone, your generosity has empowered our newborn resuscitation training program, saving vulnerable lives at their very first breath. Your partnership in our Comunidad Girasoles work is nurturing the dreams and well-being of children and youth. Together, we truly are building futures.

People often ask me, “What makes HBI different?” The answer is woven into every story, every success: We focus on what’s possible, not what’s wrong. We believe in building people up, in revealing the vast potential inside every person. We choose, every day, to focus on people—on their strengths, their dreams, and their dignity.

Because of you, children who once faced abandonment now have homes, health care, and education. Your gift builds more than bridges—it builds futures filled with possibility.

Please join us on September 17 at Andina Restaurant. Let’s celebrate all we’ve achieved, learn more about the lives you are changing, and look ahead together to what’s possible when a whole community comes together with hope and compassion.

The Secret Sauce of our Work – wayne centrone

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Yesterday, I experienced something that summed up, in a heartbeat, everything we strive to be at HBI. The staff and boys at Casa Girasoles surprised me with a birthday party — they danced, sang, and even put together a video. The love I felt in that moment was genuine, warm, and unequivocal. It was not something a program manual could describe. It was the essence of our work: we are, above all, family.

Children living outside parental care need many things — food, shelter, health care, and education. But what shapes a child’s future most powerfully is far more human and far less transactional: love, safety, belonging, and the knowledge that their voice matters. That is the secret sauce of our approach.

Family is not just a model; it is a commitment. Our family approach is not about replacing a child’s family of origin. We know that for most children, their family of origin remains part of their story, their identity, and often, their greatest hope for reconnection. We prioritize safe, loving environments where children can heal and grow, while simultaneously honoring and preserving ties to their families of origin whenever it is safe and possible to do so.

We are guided by our commitment to put the child first in all our work. This means recognizing and honoring the simple truths that… Children deserve to be loved and to feel safe and secure. Children deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. Children deserve opportunities to reconnect with their families on their terms.

A family approach centers the child’s dignity and voice. At HBI, we build programs that restore dignity and agency. We listen. We ask. We create spaces where a child’s opinion is not just solicited — it shapes decisions about their life. When a child knows their voice is valued, they begin to trust the world again. This trust is the foundation for learning, healthy relationships, and long-term wellbeing. We design care practices around each child’s uniqueness — their personality, culture, strengths, and wounds. That’s what family does: it adapts, protects, and celebrates an individual while embedding them within a network that cares for them through good times and bad.

Supporting families, not superseding them. Too often, “placement” is treated as the end of intervention — a box to check. Our work is different. We actively seek to understand each child’s family story and to create pathways for safe reconnection whenever possible. This can mean supported visits, mediation, family strengthening programs, or helping families access the services they need to become stable caregivers again.

At the same time, not every family relationship can be immediately repaired. When family reconnection is not safe or in the child’s best interest, we must provide a family-like environment that honors that child’s uniqueness and helps them thrive. Either way, our approach is rooted in respect for family — biological, foster, or chosen — and in an unshakable belief that children belong in relationships, not institutions.

Every day moments become the work’s proof. The surprise party at Casa Girasoles wasn’t programmatic. It was spontaneous. It was messy and imperfect and wholly human. That small, joyous moment — singing, dancing, creating something together — is what tells me our work is working. It shows children learning to trust, staff showing consistent love, and a community forming where each person matters. Those moments are our milestones: a child asking for help, a caregiver listening when it matters, laughter shared at dinner, a child reconnecting with their parent, and finding a new way forward. They are quieter than statistics and more telling than policy briefs.

I am humbled and grateful for the love my Casa Girasoles family showed me. That feeling — of being known, celebrated, and held — is why we come to work every day. It is the closest thing I can point to when asked what makes Health Bridges International different. We don’t just provide services; we create belonging. Because when children know they are part of something bigger than themselves — a family that honors them, listens to them, and walks with them — everything changes.

The Heart of Our Work – Wayne Centrone

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At HBI, we believe the most meaningful and lasting change begins with one simple truth: it’s all about people. Above all else, our work is rooted in relationships—authentic, transparent, and deeply human connections. This philosophy isn’t just a guiding principle; it’s the very essence of who we are and what we strive to achieve.

In a world revolving around systems, processes, and metrics, it can be easy to lose sight of the most critical element: people. At HBI, we never forget that every initiative we undertake, every project we implement, and every goal we achieve is driven by the relationships we build. Real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when we come together, listen to one another, and work collaboratively toward a shared vision. Whether we’re partnering with communities, collaborating with organizations, or connecting with our donors, we remain committed to cultivating authentic relationships. Why? Because we know that the most potent and sustainable transformations are born from trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

Authenticity and transparency are at the heart of how we connect with others. We aim to build relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions—relationships that inspire trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility. This approach is more than just a strategy. It’s a heartfelt commitment to honoring the humanity of every individual we encounter. We’ve seen time and again how these meaningful connections lead to lasting impact. They create the foundation for innovative solutions, empower communities to take ownership of their futures, and sustain the momentum needed to drive long-term change.

This philosophy of connection is especially significant when it comes to our relationship with you—our donors and supporters. Your belief in HBI and your commitment to our mission make everything we do possible. But more than that, you are part of the HBI family. Your support is not just financial; it’s a reflection of your values, your hope, and your trust in the work we do together. We don’t take this lightly. Maintaining an authentic and transparent relationship with you is one of our highest priorities. Your contributions are more than transactions—they’re acts of partnership. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us, and we are committed to honoring that trust by staying true to our values and mission.

Authentic relationships are a two-way street. That’s why we want to hear from you. If you ever feel we’re not living up to our commitment to authentic, transparent connection, please let us know. Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps us grow, improve, and stay accountable to the people who matter most—you.

At HBI, we know that our work is only possible thanks to you. Each one of you—whether you’re a donor, a partner, or a supporter—plays a critical role in our shared mission. We are profoundly grateful for your trust, your generosity, and your willingness to walk beside us on this journey. Together, we’re building the kind of powerful associations that create real, long-term change. In a world so often focused on systems and outcomes, HBI will always remain focused on people—because we know that the most important work happens when we connect in meaningful, authentic ways.

Behind Every Child: Rewriting Stories of Hope in Peru

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We understand a profound truth: behind every child in our care is a story. Not just any story, but one marked by struggle, challenge, and often trauma. These narratives begin in the difficult spaces and places that millions of children around the world call home. But these stories don’t end there. What we provide in Peru is more than shelter or necessities. We offer sacred ground where children can remake their stories—where they can begin building the lives they truly deserve.

This work transforms not only the children we serve but also us. Each day, with every child, we gain the humility to strip away any notion that our work is about us. The children teach us, with their resilience and courage, that our mission exists solely for them. Our two homes in Peru stand as testimonies to this commitment—spaces where healing happens, where futures begin, where stories take new directions.

While we remain fully committed to the children in our direct care, we recognize a larger calling. The system itself needs transformation. Your generous support enables this dual mission of building futures for individual children and changing an entire system of care.

This comprehensive approach multiplies your impact beyond what you might imagine. Each contribution ripples outward, touching not just one life but potentially reshaping how child welfare functions throughout Peru. We are in this for the long haul. The road ahead may be challenging, but our resolve remains unshaken. We will not give up until every child has access to a life founded on health, a true home, hope for tomorrow, and the opportunity to thrive with dignity and potential.

As supporters of HBI, you understand the heart of our mission. Your commitment has already helped rewrite countless stories. Together, we can ensure that more children find their voices, their strength, and their rightful place in the world. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this journey—one child, one story, one transformed life at a time.

Become an HBI monthly donor and help us build a movement of change. https://givebutter.com/health-bridges-international-inc

Choosing a Life of Hope: The Heartbeat of Our Work at HBI – Wayne Centrone

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At Health Bridges International (HBI), our mission is driven by a powerful choice—a choice to lead lives defined by hope. For us, hope is far more than a fleeting wish. It’s a commitment, a guiding principle, and the very foundation upon which we build our work, day in and day out.

Working with children is truly a gift. Their contagious joy and unstoppable energy inspire awe in all who meet them. Children have a boundless capacity for optimism and wonder. But for some—those who have endured deep trauma, faced neglect, or experienced abuse—the spark of childhood hope can flicker and fade. This is where our commitment at HBI becomes not just important, but essential.

We step in to hold hope on behalf of the children in our care. Every child is unique, and every child deserves a chance not only to survive, but to thrive. We not only believe this goal is possible, but we know it is possible for every boy in our programs, as well as for the millions of children globally who live outside parental care. To “hold hope” means offering unwavering support, compassion, and belief—especially when a child may find it hard to hope for themselves.

Our vision is bold: a world where every child enjoys access to health, home, hope, and purpose, surrounded by a community that honors their dignity. This is not just a dream. It is a daily pursuit achieved through relentless advocacy, innovative programs, and by holding space for hope to grow—no matter the child’s story.

We invite you, our valued stakeholders, to join us on this hopeful path. Join us as partners in change, as bridge-builders for new systems of care. Together, we can create bright, healthy, and inspiring futures for children who need it most.

Be the bridge. Together, let’s continue to hold hope—for every child, everywhere. Support our capital campaign.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in brighter tomorrows.

The Power of Giving: Transforming Lives, One Small Donation at a Time

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There’s a profound truth in the saying, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Every act of generosity, no matter how small, has the power to spark hope, change lives, and create futures. Nowhere is this more evident than in the story of Raul and Marco.

Raul (11) and Marco (14) are two brothers who currently reside at the HBI Casa Girasoles, a haven for children who have experienced unimaginable hardship. While their names have been changed to protect their privacy, their story is very real. It’s a testament to how even the smallest donations can have profound and life-changing impacts.

Four years ago, Raul and Marco arrived at Casa Girasoles. They came from a remote mountain community in the Apurímac province, where their childhood was a daily struggle for survival. Their mother, a hardworking woman who took on whatever jobs she could find, was unable to provide consistent care for her seven children. She often placed her hope in relationships that promised stability but ultimately failed to deliver anything more than heartbreak. Meanwhile, Raul and Marco were left to fend for themselves, wandering their small community late into the evenings, hungry and forgotten.

When the child protection worker brought them to Casa Girasoles, Raul and Marco were riddled with bug bites, wearing tattered clothes that barely clung to their small frames. Neither spoke Spanish; instead, they communicated in Quechua. They arrived carrying not only the weight of extreme poverty but also the silent scars of neglect and abandonment.

Raul struggled the most at first. Deeply hurt and confused, he expressed his pain through anger. His outbursts were loud cries for help, a reflection of the chaos he had endured. But at Casa Girasoles, he found something he had never experienced before: a team of caregivers who truly cared, who were trained to work with children from traumatic backgrounds. They didn’t just see his anger; they saw the deep pain behind it and met him with empathy, patience, and unwavering support.

Over time, Raul began to open. He learned to express his feelings instead of repressing them. He learned to trust, to love, and to hope. Today, Raul is thriving. He has become a role model for other children at Casa Girasoles, a source of inspiration and leadership.

Marco, his older brother, found solace in music. He discovered a love for the guitar and now plays in church every Sunday. Together, the brothers have not only mastered Spanish but have also excelled academically. They dream of one day owning a business together, a goal born out of their desire to support their mother and siblings back home.

Raul and Marco’s story is one of triumph, but it’s also a story of giving. It’s about the power of donors like you—people who may never meet these boys but who believe in the potential of every child. Your donations helped provide Raul with the opportunity to play on a select soccer team, where he continues to shine as an accomplished player. Your generosity helped Marco discover his passion for music. And it goes beyond soccer and music. Your support has given them stability, education, and most importantly, hope. It has shown them that their lives matter and that they have the power to create a brighter future for themselves.

Raul and Marco are just two of the many children whose lives are being transformed at the Casa Girasoles. But there are so many more children out there—children who are still wandering, still hungry, still waiting for someone to see them and say, “You matter.”

Your giving creates that moment. Whether it’s a few dollars or a larger contribution, every donation helps break the cycle of poverty, neglect, and hopelessness. It helps turn stories of despair into stories of triumph.

Raul and Marco now love pizza, ice cream, and playing marbles with their brothers at the Casa Girasoles. They laugh, they play, and they dream. They are living proof that small acts of kindness can grow into something extraordinary.

Support our Capital Campaign and help us make the necessary improvements to our two homes for formerly abandoned children.

Building a Brighter Future for Children – Join Us in Our Mission, Wayne Centrone

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We believe in a world where every child has access to health, a home, hope, and a sense of purpose. Our vision is simple yet profound: to create thriving communities that value the dignity and potential of every child. But visions like this cannot be achieved without action, and action requires support. That’s why we’re excited to share our Capital Campaign. This initiative seeks to raise critical funding for upgrades and deferred maintenance at two of our cornerstone programs: Casa Girasoles and Aldea Infantil.

At Casa Girasoles and Aldea Infantil, we provide more than just a place to live – we provide a foundation for life. These programs are home to children who have faced unimaginable challenges, and they’re designed to offer a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. But like any home, these spaces need care and attention. Over the years, wear and tear have taken their toll. Upgrades and essential maintenance are not just about keeping the lights on – they’re about ensuring that every child has an environment that reflects the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our capital campaign is about so much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about building a future. It’s about creating spaces where children feel safe, valued, and supported. It’s about investing in their potential and making sure they have every opportunity to succeed.

Running a not-for-profit organization is no small task. It means juggling the day-to-day needs of HBI while keeping our eyes fixed on the big picture: ensuring every child we serve has access to the life they deserve – today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

This campaign is one of the many ways we’re working to better connect with our donor and stakeholder community. We know that asking for support is not always easy, but we believe so strongly in our mission that we’re not bashful about it. We know that together, we can make a difference. Every dollar raised through this campaign will be directly invested in improving our facilities, making them better, safer, and more sustainable. It ensures that the children who call Casa Girasoles and Aldea Infantil home will continue to receive the care and support they need, in spaces that inspire hope and possibility.

This is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and invest in a brighter future for vulnerable children. When you support this campaign, you’re not just helping us repair roofs or replace aging infrastructure. You’re helping us create a world where every child has the chance to dream, grow, and thrive. You’re helping us fulfill our vision of a world where every child has access to health, home, hope, and purpose. How can you help?

Growing a not-for-profit like HBI from a vision to a functioning organization has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. But through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to the children we serve. We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we’re excited about the work still to come. With your support, we can ensure that every child at Casa Girasoles and Aldea Infantil has access to the life they deserve – a life filled with health, home, hope, and purpose. Join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a brighter future for the children who need us most.

Finding Our Way Forward: Reflections from Our June Retreat – Wayne Centrone

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As I sit down to write and reflect on our recent team retreat, I am struck by a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Over two inspiring days—June 15 and 16—in the tranquil surroundings of Alto Cayma, our administrative and programmatic leaders gathered for a time that was, quite simply, transformative. While I have participated in many meetings throughout my career, this retreat stands out as a pivotal moment for HBI and for me.

Often in our work—especially in organizations like ours that seek to bridge health, hope, and purpose to every child—the day-to-day demands can make it difficult to pause, breathe, and truly connect. But this retreat was a chance to do just that. And what an excellent, rewarding opportunity it was. Our time together was carefully structured to strengthen our leadership practices, establish actionable commitments, and, above all, foster a culture built on respect, trust, and collaboration. While the outcomes we developed as a team over those two days are impressive, what truly inspires me is how the core concepts we explored have deep resonance, not just for our work at HBI, but for every facet of our lives.

One of the central themes we revisited throughout our retreat was the importance of genuinely listening to each other. In so many organizations (indeed, in society at large), it is all too easy for voices to be lost among competing priorities and personalities. However, we recognized early on during our time in Alto Cayma that every individual has a perspective worth sharing, and it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that those perspectives are welcomed.

We explored ways in which our meetings and interactions—whether small or large—can either elevate voices or silence them. By creating intentional spaces for everyone to speak and be heard, we do more than just improve our decision-making. We build trust. We strengthen connections. We demonstrate, through our actions, that collaboration is not about everyone agreeing, but about everyone feeling valued in the process. This concept is deeply applicable beyond our work. Whether among friends, family, or in professional circles, the act of truly listening is a gift we can all offer. In a world that often feels increasingly divided, solutions will only emerge from spaces where all are invited to share—and all are genuinely heard.

Another outcome from the retreat that excites me is our commitment to enhancing our communication styles. Our team spent significant time discussing how each individual, shaped by their own experiences and personalities, brings a unique approach to communication. Sometimes, miscommunications or differences in style can give rise to misunderstandings—even among the most well-intentioned teams.

Through open and honest discussion, we began to gain a deeper understanding of how our styles influence the tone, perception, and outcomes of our interactions. This self-awareness is critical. It allows us to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and instead engage with one another more empathetically and effectively. As we strive to build a stronger HBI, clear and compassionate communication is not just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

I encourage everyone reading this—whether you are part of HBI, a supporter, or simply a fellow traveler on this journey—to reflect on your communication style. Where might your unique approach sometimes clash with that of others? Where might a moment of empathy or a pause for understanding make a world of difference in strengthening your connections?

The retreat also served as a much-needed forum to examine and fine-tune our organizational structure. As any organization grows and evolves, so too must the ways we interact, make decisions, and hold one another accountable. Through thoughtful dialogue, we identified areas where clarity and efficiency could be improved. We also set forth clear, actionable steps to ensure that our structure supports—not hinders—our shared mission. But here’s what stood out to me: these were not just technical adjustments. They were, at their core, about building a culture where people feel safe, where expectations are understood, and where success is measured by our ability to support one another.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of our retreat was the commitments our team made. These were not vague promises or aspirations. They were concrete steps—acts of leadership—each of us will take to foster a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration at HBI. We pledged to carry the spirit of the retreat forward into the bones of our everyday work. These commitments will serve as our roadmap. They will keep us accountable. They will remind us, in challenging times, that the most important thing we have is one another. Although the retreat was focused on strengthening HBI, I am convinced that the lessons we learned have application for everyone, regardless of our station in life. In a world that seems so often afflicted by miscommunication, mistrust, and division, the need for respectful, collaborative engagement has never been greater.

We each need spaces—whether in business, in community, or at home—defined by respect, trust, and authenticity. We need to value the perspectives of others, to commit to practical and empathetic communication, and to recognize that our greatest resource is the people beside us. The path to healing in our communities and our world starts with strong, trusting relationships. Our retreat in Alto Cayma reminded me, most vividly, that these are not just lofty ideals—they are practical, actionable steps we can all take.

As we embark on this next phase for HBI, I am filled with optimism. I know that the commitments made, the trust built, and the ideas developed at our retreat will help us to further our mission of bringing health, hope, and purpose to every child. More than strategy or structure, it is the power of our connections and our shared commitments that will carry us forward. If there is one lesson I hope you take from our retreat, it is this: Together, we can create remarkable, lasting change—and to begin, all we need to do is truly listen to and value one another.

Thank you for standing with us—and for believing in the power of connection, collaboration, and hope. Let’s build the bridges the world needs.

PO Box 8813
Portland, Oregon 97207
info@HBInt.org​

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