Back to the Basics | Our Mission & Method.

OUR MISSION

We dream of empty orphanages across Latin America and beyond by getting to the root of the problem. Breaking cycles of poverty, drug abuse, trafficking, imprisonment, criminal activity and abandonment by empowering lives with sustainable systems to go further than they could have dreamed. Empowering families to be made whole is what we are going after.

Our Mission is to reach those who are often forgotten about, as well as those targeted by organized crime groups. We exist to partner, build, and create sustainable programs and jobs that both provide education as well as daily needs such as food, clothing, and appropriate medical attention. Our desire is to see the generational cycle of drug abuse, imprisonment, and homelessness broken forever for our kids. We aim to change mindsets and create a culture and legacy of adoption in this generation that is passed down to the generations to come.

OUR METHODS

Empower |  Sustain  |  Transform  |  Repeat

Our methods are simple: we partner with existing children’s homes (orphanages) and establish preventative centers in villages and at risk communities. We identify the problems and/or lack, meet with our team, define major goals, develop a plan and get to work.

Our plan is not to recreate the wheel but to partner with systems, and government that are already in place and need support and direction to succeed.

Although we do have our own and intend to build more bases and centers, we believe that to truly change the world we must carry vision not to just build more structures but rather empty the ones that already exist through a model of empowerment, sustainability and whole families.

We believe in reunification when possible, adoption when necessary and family always. All the while, teaching, training, equipping and empowering families in high risk communities with the tools to succeed, no matter the cost.

Back to the Basics | Our culture.

WE BELIEVE IN FAMILY | No broken families means no unwanted children. 

WE FIGHT FOR WHOLENESS | Wholeness birthed out of a sense of value, identity and belonging 

WE BUILD IN COMMUNITY WITH COMMUNITY | Our staff is all local to the areas in which we work

WE BELIEVE IN GENEROSITY | That generosity is a heart posture and that a culture of generosity will always pay for itself 

WE BELIEVE IN LOVE | We have been MARKED by Love for Love 

Back to the Basics | Our Story.

MARKED was born as a dream developed in the heart of a young girl over 20 years ago. With a rich heritage of family that is full of love for the children and people of Latin America, Jaclyn (founder) took her first trip to serve the orphan community at the young age of 10 years old. Captured by love, this fire-filled girl began to share with anyone who would listen that she indeed would change the world by empowering lives in what is classified as the orphan and vulnerable community. In her highschool years, Jaclyn was given countless opportunities to share her vision in schools, faith based communities and was even featured and recognized on a local radio program for her efforts and achievements. In teenage years she was joined on many short term trips to Mexico by Micheal who would later become her husband. As they began to date as teenagers, she made it very clear that nothing was going to stop her from seeing her vision and dream fulfilled so at the end of her senior year she packed  her bags and moved to Mexico to serve.

A few short years later Jaclyn and Micheal were married and while they took semi-annual trips together Micheal was building a successful career in the banking industry and Jaclyn continued to work full time in the states all the while traveling between Mexico and their home in Seattle. As a VP at one of the world's largest financial institutions, Micheal spent nearly a decade building a career that would support their philanthropic and humanitarian efforts in Latin America for the years to come. As they continually saw countless lives transformed through their efforts it became clear that it was time to build an organization that could support all that was happening in Latin America.

In late 2011 MARKED was born. What began as a vehicle to empower the fundamental needs and education of children, has grown into a movement filled with people and support from all around the world to see the dream of orphanages emptied and generational cycles broken by empowering lives fulfilled. 

We began by reaching a humble 80 children in the support network and one partnership children’s home (orphanage) and have since grown to impact thousands served, dozens of villages, children’s homes, community centers and much more. MARKED is more than just an orphan care organization but a movement of individuals compelled by love and fueled by passion to see cycles broken, lives transformed, roots mended, and families made whole.

In late 2013 as MARKED grew,  Micheal and Jaclyn decided to leave their lives in the Pacific Northwest to relocate to Guadalajara, Mexico. So after selling their homes, cars, and giving the majority of their possessions away, they consolidated their lives into 6 orange rubber bins and on January 3rd, 2014 they relocated to reside full-time in Mexico. Today their story continues to be written as the Millers spend their time in both the US and Mexico, they along with their growing team have and will continue to fight for the dream that is still very much alive in their hearts. They have experienced every challenge imaginable, yet they remain committed to seeing every family brought to wholeness, and a world where no one is orphaned.  Today MARKED is still reaching and seeing a growing impact in Latin America all while traveling across the United States to raise awareness, speaking and building community.

This is not just the story of a couple and their team trying to make a difference. This is YOUR story. Each of you who have connected, partnered, and supported is a significant part of our journey and impact making this story a part of your own. Our team isn't limited to our staff but it's each of you who make all this possible. This is your legacy. That together, we will see generational cycles broken, families restored, and a world where the term orphan is only written in the history books. 

Calling out the Gold.

This past year, has been a time of growth and training. Not just with our adult volunteers but also with our children. In every group you find that there are just those kids that need a little extra attention. Their pain is deep, and thus, the acting out is strong. These situations I can say with confidence is where my team thrives. With each one, our team welcomes them fully into the fold. Embracing their pain, their strong personalities, and all the disfunction that comes with it. They set clear boundaries, but offer grace. They call out the gold, and offer them leadership roles to show that they are worthy to be trusted. The fruit of their labor is evident in the transformation of hearts.

L-R: Victor, Omar, Joel, Geovani, Sam, Anahi, Joselyn, Jazmin

Meet our La Peña base “staff” volunteers. 7 children who have “grown” with us. 7 children who we have seen come to life in the most profound way. 7 children whose hearts are being transformed through trust, love, consistency and purpose.

The most precious thing was when the girls brought in flowers to set the table with. Wanting to make it even more special for the kids.

This little staff works under our community center coordinator, Sam. They help with set up, distribution of the meals, welcoming the children, washing hands, the lessons and activities, as well as clean up and tear down. They are proud of what they do. They are proud of their roles. And we are proud of them. This little staff we believe will run this center in no time. They are learning the ropes and love that they are apart of something bigger then themselves. Not only do they belong, but they love that they are creating a safe place for the children who walk through our doors, with hopes that those children don’t have to experience what they have experienced in their own short little lives.

A seed that will bear fruit.

One of the things we as a staff and board have been discussing for a while now is how to better keep track of all of the community members in which we serve. Being able to communicate to the government based off of facts and proof of concept was really important to us.

With that said, historically, the community in which we serve was opposed to the idea. They have experienced time and time again of people, organizations and government coming in, recording information and leaving without a trace. Never communicating what information they were taking, and never using it as a tool to actually assist their village. It has been used against them, and for many it felt threatening.

After COVID hit and beginning our newest programs with the parents involved, we brought the idea back to the table. The idea that we together with what Dr. Tavis, on our board recommended, would compile a list of information on each student that felt beneficial, and helped us help them. It was a file that would be open records for families to get a copy of at any point for their own personal records. After much conversation, families got on board. And this past week, we finished files for every person enrolled in our weekly community program!

It may not seem like a big deal, but these are major victories for us! Another level of trust built, but also a tool that we get to share with you over time. A tool we get to use to actually show the government why sports, why nutrition, why education and why regular medical checks are important for these communities. A tool that can empower families to actually hold record of their children and their progress. A tool we can give to those who actually want true information, not falsified information on these villages.

We know this is just a seed. But it is a seed we know that will produce so much fruit.

Even Monkey got to be apart.

We've Been Quiet.

We have been quiet. But quiet doesn’t mean things aren’t still happening! It has been a shift in season for us. A time of once again reflection, pivoting and growing.

In a season where so much has been shut down, we have been behind the scenes quietly working. Quietly growing, quietly building and actively listening.

It has been a season of deepening relationships and trust among the government, honoring their requests and yet holding true to our word with the local communities, and that is, when things get hard, we will still be here. And honoring our commitment to you, in that being as transparent as we are able without putting our team and communities at risk.

In a season where lockdowns have been more common then not, we have been asked by the government to deliver food to families who else would not eat. In a season where most organizations have been “temporarily closed” in our region, for us, it has looked like regular meetings with government officials about what we can do to increase sustainability while keeping people safe and healthy.

All that to say, thank you for sticking with us. For being patient as we have been quiet. And for trusting that we are still working towards our goals of breaking cycles and emptying orphanages by empowering lives.

Side note: If at any point you would like to know more about what is taking place, how you can be more involved in partnership, etc. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Jaclyn@MARKED.org , I’d love to chat!

Valentine's Day Special

We know the pandemic has been hard. We know that for many of you life has had to look different. And we know that for so so many, going out is simply not an option. With that in mind, we wanted to offer you something fun this Valentines day.

Maybe it is a gift for you and your significant other, one that you send to a friend, or something you do with your kids. Whatever that may be, we wanted to make it special.

All items have been curated from local artists who believe in our mission, and 1 purchase provides 45 meals! We’d call that a win-win.

**Limited quantities, available while supplies last. All items must be purchased by February 7th to arrive by Valentines day!

Here is a sneak peak into the boxes:

Happy New Year

Wishing you and yours a happy new year!!

From all of us at MARKED, we pray that this new year would be filled with laughter, joy and community. That after a year of so much isolation and fear, that 2021 would be a year MARKED by connection and peace.

To kick off the new year, we wanted to make sure you saw our latest video! Cheers to a new year of impacting the nations together.

Let's Talk Art.

Why art? Hands on, intentional, creativity. A few of the tools we use each and every day working with the kids. Art therapy can help manage behaviors, process feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

It is a tool we use everyday to learn more about each child’s story. It is a non-invasive way to ask questions and learn about their stories. Art expresses dreams, and dives deep into their past experiences. It is a tool that we can use to help pull out the gold but also use as creative insight into strategy and current needs.

Have you ever used art to express yourself when you couldn’t find the words to say? Have you ever sat down with your child, and was surprised by what they shared with you?

Though there is a lot to it, here are some fun tools as baselines. Please note: never assume what your child’s art says (remember people go to school for this, and they too use it as a conversation starter). Always ask. But you can use these tools as a starting point in asking questions. We pulled this list from a few different places to make it easy for you to reference.

—

COLOR:

Blue

This color is associated with calmness, well-being and relaxation. It’s usually the favorite of calm or timid children. In addition, it awakens the sense of creativity and sensitivity in kids.

Red

Red is a color that attracts kids’ attention because of its intensity. You can interpret its use in two different ways: If the child uses it often, he might be a hostile child with feelings of repressed anger. Or if the child uses it moderately, it can describe vitality and energy.

Black

Contrary to popular belief, it’s a color that isn’t always linked to negative or depressed feelings. It actually describes a child with good self-esteem and self-confidence.

Regarding using this color, you also need to look at the intensity of the strokes. If it’s very dark, it could also have other meanings.

Brown

This color represents responsibility . In that sense, when children choose it, they show that they’re diligent and prudent. However, using it excessively shows that they’re overwhelmed by daily activities.

Yellow

Yellow is synonymous with energy, dynamism, joy and sociability. It’s a color that shows happy children. In addition, you see all of the virtues associated with childhood. However, using it frequently in drawings shows problems with authority figures.

Green

Using this color too much can reveal laziness and a certain level of shyness and inhibition. On the other hand, there are also universal meanings for green: hope, tranquility, and a sense of harmony.

Purple

Using this color shows that the child feels melancholic, dissatisfied and restless for some reason. When used with yellow in drawings, it can mean that the child is overwhelmed by some type of pressure.

Pink

Shows a need for love and appreciation and is favored by girls.

DRAWINGS

Happy child: Smiling faces, proportionate, rainbow, sun

Impulsive child: Big figures, no necks, and asymmetrical

Anxious child: Clouds, rain, flying birds, no eyes on figures

Shy child: Short figures, no nose or mouth, tiny figures, arms close to the Boyd

Angry child: Big hands and teeth, long arms, cross eyed

Insecure child: Monstrous figures, tiny heads, no hands

*REF: https://youaremom.com/children/colors-in-childrens-drawings/

Let's Talk Play.

Why are we so intentional about play?

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.

But for us, being intentional with play is even more than that. For many in our reach, childhood is when you start working, and it has been that way for generations. Leaving a culture where parents don't know what play is, and so forth. By teaching the art of play, we get to introduce an entire new culture to a region. One that is fun, but also has so many developmental benefits.

Q: What is play therapy?

A: Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children's natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.

Q: What are some examples of play therapy?

A: creative visualization, storytelling, role-playing, toy phones, puppets, stuffed animals, and masks. Dolls, action figures, arts and crafts, water and sand play, blocks and construction toys, dance and creative movement & musical play.

Q: Why is play important in early years?

A: Play is an important part of a child's early development. Playing helps young children's brains to develop and for their language and communication skills to mature. It teaches young children about communication, develop their motor skills and help with problem-solving.

Q: What are the 4 types of play?
A: Functional Play, Constructive Play, Exploratory Play, Dramatic Play.

There are so many more things we could discuss about play! But we will save that for later in the year. For the mean time, we encourage you to get out and play. Do something new, laugh together and explore all that it means to play!

Ref: pediatrics.aappublications, https://cpt.unt.edu/what-is-play-therapy,  https://www.healthline.com/health/play-therapy#techniques, https://babysparks.com/2019/07/31/4-types-of-play-how-is-your-child-playing-today/ 

ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT

ALL IS CALM, ALL IS  BRIGHT 

What a year it has been! For some this may have felt like the longest year and for others it may have felt pretty non-existent. But for all I can likely speak to the fact that it was unprecedented. We have watched as many friends, family, businesses and churches alike had to learn to pivot and pivot quickly. We have been so blown away and encouraged by everyone's ability to lean in, grow and thrive during this difficult time. 

It has been a year of deep reflection, education and adjustment. It has been a year of tears and laughter. A year of dreaming and dreams fulfilled. But mainly it has been a year of thankfulness. 2019 for us was a year of focused establishment. 2020 was a year to take what was established and adjust and amend areas where we saw cracks. It has been a year of growth in the least traditional ways, and yet ways that will sustain us for years to come. 

2020 may have challenged us, but ultimately made us stronger. 

Because of you, our partners, we were able to pivot with ease. You made it possible for our staff and community to be cared for during a pandemic. You made it possible for masks to be made and needed supplies to be purchased to re-open our community centers. You made it possible to establish sustainable garden projects so that when our senior leadership couldn’t be present, the local staff could still run our community gardens and provide food to families. When the local schools were closed down, you made it possible for us to be able to tutor children and continue empowering them in the area of education.  When our lead coaches couldn’t get through due to roads being blocked by the military, you made it possible for our village coaches to still run practices and meet together as a team. 

2020 proved just how much transformation has taken place among our communities over the past 7 years. The growth of our village staff has moved us to tears. Because of YOU, that was made possible. Once timid, hidden behind closed doors, now leading the charge caring for their neighbors and loving them well. It has been the most beautiful thing to watch unfold. 

In addition to the growth among our communities, our family also grew as we welcomed the most precious baby girl home this past February, Miss Everly Brave Miller. Adoption is the most beautiful gift. And this little “reina”  is pure magic. 

We hope that despite all the heartache 2020 brought, that the beauty of 2020 outshined it all. 

We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to us and to our communities. There are not enough words to express our gratitude for your generous partnership, the success we are seeing is because of you! Cycles are being broken and lives are being transformed forever. 

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas. May 2021 be BRIGHT. 

Jaclyn, Micheal & Everly Miller, along with the MARKED Family 

*Thank you for thinking about us in your year end giving. 100% of your donations are tax-deductible and go directly towards the work we do. All donations made on or before December 31st 2020, will go towards your 2020 tax-year. 

Our New Gym.

One of the on going conversations we had been having was needing a safe after work activity for our soccer crew and community. A place where they could come hang out that was off the streets and gave them something to do. An activity that didn’t need a ton of input from our staff other than simply being there, encouraging hearts and loving people.

Out of many conversations, some that even included our soccer team was that a gym sounded like the best fit.

We dreamed up what it could look like, and little by little items have been being donated, and unexpected packages have been arriving. (Thank you ;) )

Though we have only had it open for less than a month, it is already being used daily. Not only has our soccer crew been using it, but little kids to mamas have also joined in on the fun.

We don’t know where this little gym will take us, but we know it’s just another tool in our tool belt for bringing change and transformation into these communities.

Give Back While You Shop | A Breakdown

Happy Black Friday!

We know for many this years ‘shopping traditions’ may look a bit different than years past, a lot more online and a lot less in person. But we hope that as you shop this year, that moments are still special, and that the gift giving experience is filled with joy and anticipation for those you are giving to.

Many have reached out this year to find out how they can shop but also give back. So we wanted to make it easier for you to know how to shop and give back and put it all in one place. Here is a simple breakdown with clickable links of how you can partner with MARKED this holiday season.

1. Shop MARKED: Every dollar spent is equivalent to 1 meal.

100% of proceeds go towards the kids and community.
*Monthly coffee subscriptions also available here.

2. Shop Amazon using Amazon Smile, selecting MARKED by heaven as your charity of choice:

By shopping on Amazon Smile, all your regular Amazon purchases give back. Nothing changes for you, Amazon simply donates a percentage of every purchase to MARKED!

And you can shop using Amazon Smile all year round.

3. Shop our Amazon wishlist to purchase a gift for our community center this year:

These items are via Amazon Mexico. All items on the list are listed in Pesos. If you have a question on how to order due to the site being in Spanish, feel free to reach out!

jaclyn@marked.org

4. Want to give a onetime gift online? Click the link below.

5. Want to become a monthly partner?

6. Want to give via text?

Text any amount and the word MARKED to 45777

(example: marked 50 to 45777)

7. Want to mail a financial gift?

Mail to:
MARKED
9217 irish creek lane,
Redding CA 96001

8. Want to mail a physical gift?

Mail via FedEx or DHL Mexico to:
Samuel Luna/MARKED
Ramón corona 219 poniente colonia centro,
Poncitlán Jalisco Mexico  45950 

Thanks again for believing in us, our kids and communities. Your on going partnership means the world.

Soccer Update.

Updates from the Marked soccer league - From Carlos, Director of soccer operations.

MARKED soccer has continued to grow among the community. What we started for a small group of guys has become the safest pastime for hundreds of children and parents who join in on the fun each and every week for practices and games. Not only have we seen a community grow in desire to play, we have seen a change of heart. Simply through imparting a heart of honor and love through the MARKED soccer team. Culture is shifting.

Today we are not only a team, we are a family made up of 10 children's soccer teams, 8 youth/adult teams and 6 girls' soccer teams (and growing). Every week the field becomes one of the most important places for every child and individual because they have found a safe place within the MARKED family.

With growth comes challenges, this year, though there may have been many, like the simple fact that we have outgrown our field (we need a couple fields!), it has also given us the drive to dream bigger. Dreaming about having multiple soccer fields where we can offer more space and for longer periods of time for these boys and girls. (Who never want to leave!)

The amazing thing, is that it is working! Each week we spend on average 35-40 hours with these individuals. Which means, not only are they being equipped in a sport and discipleship but these hours are now spent doing something other than crime. This is a major victory!

What are some of our dreams?

We dream of uniforms for each team since 90% of our teams do not have one, we dream that we can provide soccer shoes since 98% of our players do not have them (some even play in crocks, and shoes without souls), we dream of more soccer fields since it is the safest place and important to all of our children and community members. We dream of never running out of balls. And a gym stocked with equipment for extra hours of activity. We dream of a community transformed through soccer.

A ball makes a difference and a dream changes everything.

Since establishing our first soccer team we have taught and encouraged the boys dream again. We are now seeing their dreams begin to grow along with ours. Dreaming with action is the key that will change this community.

Though the challenges may continue, today we are growing and we are stronger than before because we have you, our partners. Thank you for transforming the lives of these kids and communities by believing in soccer and how it transforms hearts, lives, and communities.



Validado por la comunidad

They're Always Smiling.

"They're always smiling! Are the kids always happy? I feel like we never see a sad face." - Ahhhhh this is the BEST compliment. The answer is no, they're not always smiling, we do have hard days, but for the most part, YES, they do smile a lot! One of the things that we try our hardest to portray is just how joyfilled our kids and communities are. It doesn't mean that they don't each struggle, have heartache, and that their stories aren't filled with some of the most heartbreaking abuse. But, if we showed you constant pictures of sad children, it wouldn't be honest, it wouldn't be real. We never want to play off your emotions to tell a story. Our kids and communities know how to find joy in the hardest of circumstances. Has it always been this way? No. But it is something we have fought for? Yes. And today, if you visited, you would see that joy fills our streets, our center and our kids.

Physical Touch. Let's chat.

Someone asked me the other day why I am big on (healthy) physical touch. The question caught me off guard for a moment as it came out of no where, but once I listened to her share her "concerns" of hugs, she expressed the exact reason why I believe physical touch is actually SO important. For SO many both in our communities and beyond, physical touch has had such a negative connotation due to abuse. Teaching children (and adults) what healthy physical touch can look like heals hearts in the most profound way. Not to mention all the ways it actually heals the physical body. We all need touch. We were born for love. Taking the extra step to actually touch someone shows another level of engagement. That they matter. That they are safe. That no matter how dirty they are, or where they come from, that they are worthy of love and connection. A tight hug, holding of the hand, or a kiss on the cheek (culturally for us), resembles that their lives are important. That they are worth your time and attention. That they are worth a simple moment of slowing down and stopping for the one.

The concern I see in our modern day culture is that we are so fear based in our affection. We are glued to our screens, teachers and other adults are often intimidated or scared to give healthy touch because of the negative connotation it has brought. Parents are busier than ever, and in reality, after reading up on this topic, many experts are saying that the lack of physical touch is actually playing into the rising number of those struggling with anxiety and depression.

Berkeley stated that “The science of touch came of age in the mid-1990s, when two scientists traveled to Romania to examine the sensory deprivation of children in understaffed orphanages. The touch-deprived children, they found, had strikingly lower cortisol and growth development levels for their age group.

From the time we are in the womb through our elderly years, touch plays a primary role in our development and physical and mental well-being. New studies on touch continue to show the importance of physical contact in early development, communication, personal relationships, and fighting disease. This sense is essential to children's growth of physical abilities, language and cognitive skills, and social-emotional competency. Touch not only impacts short-term development during infancy and early childhood, but also has long-term effects, suggesting the power of positive, gentle touch from birth.”

It helps increase the level of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which is called the “happiness hormone”, and oxytocin, a hormone involved in human bonding.

How amazing is that? All simply by touch. Something each of us can do, and be more intentional about in our everyday lives.

For us personally, I have seen some of the toughest cases soften in a moment when healthy touch is given. I have seen individuals who would jolt in fear when we first started giving them hugs, to now cling to us because they have learned that touch can and should be safe. I have seen healthy touch begin to be modeled by our older kids to the younger kids. What may have started subconsciously for me has now become something so intentionally profound. It has been a tool our team uses everyday to heal hearts. It has been a huge part of the transformation in these kids lives.

Is there a time in your life where you feel physical touch defined you, positively or negatively? How did it change your perspective on physical touch? Do you feel like maybe you need to reevaluate your relationship with physical touch?

If you have been abused, and physical touch scares you or makes you uncomfortable, know that you are not alone. We are broken that that was apart of your story. But just like so many in our reach, your story doesn’t end there! There is so much hope! And physical touch can be safe again. We would highly recommend finding a counselor who can walk with you on your journey. If you don’t know where to start, reach out. We would love to point you somewhere!

References: 

http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/research-to-policy/research/enhancing-development-through-the-sense-of-touch

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_physical_touch_matters_for_your_well_being

500 year vision.

In today’s world, sometimes it’s hard to have “vision” beyond what we will have for dinner in a few hours, much less a year or two down the road. With things changing and shifting so often, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to set goals, make plans, and run after them relentlessly. In America it’s easy to grab ahold of the “just take care of you” or “this makes the most sense to me” narrative and have no grid for the kind of world we’re creating for our children and our children’s children.

I’ve heard stories of old men in ancient days that would plant hundreds of acres of seeds, with the vision that one day their great grandchildren would have an entire forest of old oak trees to build with and cultivate. They saw beyond themselves and paid a price for something that they would never reap the benefit of themselves. We see the same story with biblical kings that would invest everything they had to build a temple that they would never actually lay their own eyes on, because it would take hundreds of years to complete. What’s the difference between them and us? What has changed?

It all comes down to vision. These people chose to say no to what made sense in a moment because they saw the inheritance that they could leave for their children’s children, and it was worth it to them. 

We talk a lot about our “500-year vision” around here. It seems startling to people sometimes. How can you have vision for something that you may never see come to pass? Our answer looks a lot like the old man with the handful of seeds. We’re thinking about the ripple effect that just one life can make. What’s our vision? An Orphan-less World. We don’t think we’re going to get there overnight. Maybe not even in our lifetime, although we will believe for it and do everything we can to see it come to pass. But every single thing we do, every life saved, every family transformed, every orphan adopted, is one seed in the ground.

When we go after the root system of the problem rather than adding a quick bandaid, it may not look as appealing, many days it may feel as though you are never even making a dent. But day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year something deeper is happening. Real transformation is taking place. Walking with people through their pain, through their questioning, through their real life, ultimately gives way for healing. When lives are healed from the deepest root system, the generational line changes. The cycles begin the break, and we begin to watch as the new lives being born never have to experience or face what their grandparents and parents did. So though it may not be tomorrow that everything changes, we know that over time, even in 500-years, things will look different because someone fought for wholeness even when wholeness looked so far away.

What’s YOUR 500-year vision? What do you want to see transformed in your lifetime? What kind of world do you want to leave for your children and grandchildren? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

New Rhythms. New Programs.

During COVID our team got together (hello zoom) to discuss how we could adjust our programs to create more long term sustainability and wholistic transformation among families. We knew that what got us here, wasn’t going to be able to take us into the next season where we knew we were going. So back to the drawing board we went!

We dreamed for months, then slowly started chipping away and making a plan that we were all excited about.

A plan that on paper looked amazing, but would it work and could we get the families in our communities on board?

The plan? Create a more exclusive program Monday though Thursday. A program that consists of 4 hours a day, broken into age groups and 4 one hour classes. Tutoring, nutrition and cooking, P.E and play. These classes required enrollment as well as parental involvement. The parents are also required to attend a bi-monthly nutrition and cooking class, as well as volunteer and learn how to assist their children with their homework. In addition to this, we will be starting monthly classes parents can take on a variety of different topics. Though this program is evolving. It is working! Our goal of getting parents to not only engage but learn alongside their children for the greatest impact is slowly starting to take off.

A few weeks ago we launched our fall enrollment, not only were lines wrapped around the building, but we hit our current max capacity and have a growing waitlist.

Our fears of parents not being on board was completely shattered by the excitement that they too felt about having an opportunity to learn and grow themselves.

So what about the rest of the kids? Don’t worry! Fridays at our community center are still open to all, and our soccer programs are booming. We are discussing how we can expand our weekly program, and working together to figure out solutions. What a fun problem to have!

Because We Love to Bring you into Our Story.

We always love bringing you into our world. Not only because we genuinely love and believe in what we do, but because this is also your story to tell.

Most of the time, our updates are community or kid related. But today I thought it was important to bring you in on a quiet dream that became a reality this past week for our staff.

For years, we have said, if you honor, celebrate and support your staff well, they will run with you for the long haul. Our heart at MARKED is not for our staff to always give out with nothing in return but for them to feel like in all that they are giving, they are also receiving.

Sometimes that looks like a bottle of coke on a long day, other times it looks like a day trip. But our firm belief is that a culture of generosity will always pay for itself.

And this past week, our staff experienced that in a way they never thought possible.

A few weeks back I received a message from a friend who has partnered with us for years that he and his wife would like to send our staff on a week long vacation to the beach.

Little did they know that this was something that was always discussed as a “we would love to someday make this happen.” But that someday became their reality a lot quicker than any of us would have thought.

Timing could not have been more perfect as the week they had booked for our team was the week before all our programs were going back into full swing.

So for one week, they experienced so many firsts in their lives. Going on a road trip, eating at a restaurant, going to the beach and staying at a resort. It was a time for these parents who are constantly giving out to eat, sleep, relax, and play. It was a time for them to dream together, inspire one and other, and hope for the future.

It was a time of rejuvenation and gaining wind back in their sails. It was a week of joy filled laughter.

I am so thankful for people, like our friends, who see past the everyday and go above and beyond to make dreams a reality. Who are ridiculously generous with what they have been given, so that others lives are forever changed.

This trip MARKED my staff. This trip confirmed that they, just like the kids and the communities, are important to the Father. Which has left my heart singing and my eyes filled with tears.

Shop MARKED | We are LIVE

We are so excited to share our updated store with you! We have been working hard to get items updated and new products created as we come into the holiday season.

Take a look, shop around, and let us know what other things you would like to see!

Quotes that are impactful to you and more!

Our goal in all that we do is to create long term sustainability in the communities in which we serve. Every sale helps break cycles by empowering lives through our community center and soccer programs.

Every dollar spent represents 1 meal for someone in need

We hope that each piece reminds you of the impact you are making and the stories you are creating.

Take a look— and come back often, as we will continue to be updating our inventory.

Happy shopping!