At the heart, the core, and the center of everything we do at Health Bridges International (HBI) is our unified focus on the Mission and Vision of our organization. We are driven by a vision—a world where every child can access a life built on health, hope, home, and purpose. Our mission is clear: to work with communities, bringing together resources and knowledge to implement programs that improve access to quality health services for children, youth, and families facing vulnerability and poverty in Perú. But behind this noble mission lies a complex reality that requires us to balance the heart of our work with the practicalities of running an organization.

As an NGO operating in Perú and the United States, we are deeply committed to our cause. Yet, to facilitate our mission, we must also run a business. This means ensuring that our team—the very people who drive our work forward—has the absolute best working environment. It means paying close attention to the laws and requirements of operating as an NGO in two countries, navigating the complexities of compliance, and managing the resources that fuel our efforts.

This duality can be challenging. On the one hand, we are passionately focused on creating systemic change, advocating for vulnerable communities, and delivering programs that make a tangible difference. On the other hand, we must generate the revenue to sustain the behind-the-scenes activities that make this work possible. From administrative tasks to fundraising efforts, the operational side of our mission is as critical as the programs we implement in the field.

Sometimes, ensuring we have the resources to do the work we are called to do feels overwhelming. Holding the tension between our aspirations and the practicalities of sustaining them can be lonely. The weight of knowing that our ability to serve vulnerable children and families depends on our financial stability is not something I take lightly. But in those moments of solitude, I am reminded of the incredible team surrounding me. HBI is not just a single person or effort but a collective movement. Our staff, partners, and over 2,000 stakeholders are the backbone of our mission. They contribute the funds, energy, and belief that allow us to fulfill our purpose. I am never truly alone in this work; I am part of a community as passionate and committed as I am.

My role is to hold onto hope at the heart of it all. I hope that we can continue to meet the tremendous need that exists. I hope that our team will rise to the challenges we face. I hope that the resources will come and that we will remain steadfast in our mission. This hope is not blind optimism—it is a grounded belief in the power of collective action. It is the knowledge that every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, and every effort made by our team contributes to something far greater than ourselves. It is the understanding that we are building bridges to a better future together. As we progress, I am committed to keeping us mindful of the tremendous need. I am committed to generating the support and resources our team needs to meet that need head-on. And I am committed to staying true to our mission, no matter how challenging the path.

At HBI, we believe in the power of partnerships, the strength of community, and the possibility of creating a world where every child has access to health, hope, home, and purpose. I know we can do this.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference—one bridge at a time.

wayne (wayne@hbint.org)

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, amidst the breathtaking Andes Mountains, a group of boys from our Casa Girasoles—a home for formerly abandoned children—are racing toward a brighter future. Thanks to a scholarship from BicycleAttorney.com, a Portland, Oregon-based organization, these young athletes are discovering their love for cycling and unlocking opportunities that could change their lives forever.

The cycling program at Casa Girasoles is more than just a sports initiative. It’s a pathway to hope, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of camaraderie. With the financial support from BicycleAttorney, the team has been able to participate in races across the Cusco region, showcasing their talents and proving that success is within reach, no matter where you come from.

Yesterday marked a monumental day for the team. Competing in their first official race, two boys delivered incredible performances in the open category—a race that included seasoned professionals. One boy crossed the finish line in first place, while another secured an impressive fourth. These results are not just victories on the racecourse; they are symbols of the potential within these young athletes, many of whom have overcome significant challenges to be where they are today.

Among the team are a couple of boys whose talent is undeniable. Their performances suggest they could one day represent Peru on the national team—or even compete professionally on the global stage. But beyond the medals and accolades, the cycling program is about something much deeper.

The project aims to inspire all the boys at Casa Girasoles to see a pathway to success. Cycling is the vehicle, but the destination is far greater: resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. These boys are learning important life lessons through the discipline of training, the thrill of competition, and the bonds forged on the road. They’re discovering that hard work pays off, they can overcome obstacles, and they can achieve greatness—both on and off the bike.

The cycling team has also become a source of camaraderie, uniting the boys in a shared mission. For many, Casa Girasoles is the first place they’ve experienced a true sense of family, and the cycling program strengthens those bonds. Whether cheering each other on during a race or helping fix a flat tire during practice, the boys are building relationships that will last a lifetime.

The Sacred Valley is known for its beauty, history, and culture. But now, it’s also becoming known for a group of young cyclists rewriting their own stories. With every pedal stroke, they’re proving that they are more than their pasts—capable of extraordinary things.

Thanks to Mike Colbach, Hugh Givens, Kevin Chudy, and the entire BicycleAttorney.com team for their vision and generosity, the Casa Girasoles cycling team is not just racing; they’re soaring. As they continue to train, compete, and dream, one thing is clear: the road ahead is full of promise.

In the words of one of the boys after yesterday’s race: “I never thought I could do something like this. Now I know I can.”

And that’s what this program is all about—helping boys realize they can – and will find the futures they deserve.

As we enter the new year, Health Bridges International (HBI) is excited to unveil our refined plan with ambitious goals to advance best practices in child welfare across Peru. Our mission is clear: to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in an environment built on health, hope, home, and purpose.

Our collaboration with the Peruvian College of Nurses is a cornerstone of our new initiatives. Together, we are set to enhance our newborn resuscitation training program. Our approach will focus on training more trainers and establishing a master trainer who will lead efforts on the ground. This collaborative partnership is vital for equipping healthcare professionals with critical skills to save newborn lives and improve maternal health outcomes in Peru.

In addition to our training initiatives, we are thrilled to announce that the Community of Excellence (CoE) research is entering Phase III of its impactful study. This next phase will develop a new curriculum around Awareness, Connection, and Empowerment (ACE) core elements. By incorporating these elements, we aim to fortify the foundations of child welfare programs throughout the region.

The CoE model also introduces trained ambassadors who will serve as local facilitators, bridging the gap between communities and child welfare resources. These ambassadors will play a pivotal role in implementing best practices and ensuring that support reaches those most in need.

As we set our sights on 2025, we recognize the importance of collecting and analyzing outcome data. Our goal is to enhance our understanding of the impact of our programs and share our successes with the stakeholders who have generously supported our efforts. By tracking objective measures, we can continue to improve our initiatives and demonstrate the real change we are making in the lives of children and families.

2025 is poised to be transformative for HBI, and we are ready to embrace its challenges. With our refined strategies and collaborative partnerships, we are committed to advancing a world where every child can access the resources and support they need to flourish. A world where every child can build a life based on health, hope, home, and purpose.

Together, let’s build a brighter future for the children of Peru.

 

Two things are indelibly etched in my mind as symbolic of the city of Lima. The sepia tone lights of the pueblos jovenes and the polished concrete sidewalks. The soft yellow glow of the sepia lights is quickly being replaced by energy efficient LED. The polished side walks that were the winter equivalent to an urban ice-rink, are also getting a makeover. Although rather insignificant in the bigger global changes occurring all around us, they are changes I find myself mourning.

As an organization we know change. We witness the changes that happen in the children we work with as they grow and mature toward emancipation. We see the bureaucratic shifts that occur within our parter organizations as they move toward new elected leadership. We embrace the dynamic learning we witness as healthcare professionals encounter new knowledge and gain new skills. We watch the ebb and flow of time as it etches a new reality in all our lives.

There is a lot of change happening. All this change brings a sense of uncertainty. Change is not, however, a shift toward doom or gloom. It is not a resignation of hope. It is simply change – like the sun and the moon, the leaves on the trees or the hair on our head.

Knowing that change is inevitably, we embrace change. We invite the opportunities – and the challenges – that come with newness. We look forward to chance to grow with the changes around us.

We are not naive to the fact that change is hard. We know that change will force us to move out of what is comfortable and known, and into a space of new experiences. More than anything, we know that are big part of the way we embrace change is through our grounding in the collaborations, the communities, that we are a part of.

Now, perhaps more than ever, we need bridges. We need collaboration. We need community. As change unfolds, we know that bridges of safety and support will allow us to remain focused on our mission as we transition through the phases and stages of what will unfold.

As a dear friend told me just the other day, “change is the only thing we can be certain will not change.”