New Items in the SHOP

We are always adding to the shop and wanted to make sure you saw our latest inventory!

There is something magical when a little gets to create, explore, learn and discover. In our home, we are big fans of the Montessori style of learning and are always searching for items to add to our collection. Not only do we incorporate that personally but also in our centers. Encouraging children to learn through play will always be something we advocate for!

Here is what we have been loving in our home!

Nutrition Class.

Something so simple yet so profound. A class that has opened doors into hearts and homes.

Over the past year, we have partnered with B.E.S.T Academy on training our Kitchen Coordinator on all things nutrition. Weekly she is meeting with a team of nutritionists who are teaching her, so that she can turn around and teach those in our villages.

Twice a month, around 25 mamas funnel into our classrooms to learn not only about the benefits of nutrition, but the why and how they can incorporate it into their own lives and homes.

Not only are these mama’s learning, but daily their kids are also learning during their nutrition class as part of our weekly programs. That means, they’re learning and growing together.

Conversations around food have changed, and the family unit as a whole is beginning to develop a whole new appreciation and perspective on health and we could not be more excited for what the future holds in the area of nutrition and dietary health.

1,500 Kilos of Provision

This past week we received a call from a local tomato farm who had got word about our organization. They called and spoke with our staff and said they would love to donate tomatoes to our center. Little did we know when we showed up HOW many tomatoes they would be giving us.

They shared that they would like to keep the donations coming, and as the seasons change, they would love to donate other types of produce as well.

When our staff showed up to receive the donation, not only was there enough tomatoes for every meal at our centers throughout the week but enough for every family enrolled in our weekly program to take a box or two home.

There is nothing more beautiful for us than when the local community gets involved and generously gives to those in their community that were once deemed as the outcasts.

How beautiful it is to see the spirit of generosity take root in the hearts of those locally.

When Generosity and Love Collide

We received a call not too long ago from a friend from a local church in Guadalajara asking to come see our bases. That they were apart of the missional side of their church and that they wanted to come see how they could be apart of what we were doing out in the La Peña community.

Not more than a couple weeks later they came for a visit and asked to come back and make our base reflect the beauty of what was taking place inside.

We weren’t totally sure besides a couple coats of paint of what they had in mind, but we passed along a few of our thoughts and desires for the space and WOW did they deliver.

They transformed this little run down village space into the most beautiful venue. They went above and beyond in every little detail, from the plants, to the logo, to shelves and more. Then they surprised us with our first hand washing sink at that location (no more buckets of water!!!) and a beautiful prep table for the kitchen.

But more than all of this, their generosity and love was evident in all that they did. They took time with the kids in the community allowing them to be apart of each project. They prayed and prophesied over our staff. They filled our pantry with donations to give, cooked breakfast and brought bags upon bags of donations for our MARKED store.

They loved and encouraged each person that was placed in front of them. They were a walking message of hope. The hands and feet of Jesus.

We cannot thank Maś Vida enough for their love, care, and generosity. The kids came the following Friday and couldn’t believe what they were seeing with their own eyes. You created a space that represents the beauty taking place inside, and left us all speechless.

Back to the Basics | Empowerment in Stories.

There are so many stories that we would love to share, but due to the nature of our work, most we cannot. In those stories, however, there are lives that you have generously given and partnered with to see changed and impacted forever. These are not only their stories, but yours as well: 

To the little girl, who was thrown into a ditch, now rescued and safe in a place she calls home. Whose only future was to be sold, now bold and fierce, learning both Spanish and English, this little girl now only remembers the love that she has felt, and the bond between those who she considers to be her sisters and family. She knows love. 

To the little boy, who was thrown into a dumpster at birth outside of a hospital building, being told he had no hope to live. He is now a teenager who is defying the odds. Full of life, laughter and personality, this one now changed forever. He has been healed.

To the little girl who for the first seven years knew nothing more than abuse, being sold from one person to the next for their pleasure and pleasure of others, she now knows love, safety and the warmth of someone who was willing to fight for her freedom. She is free.

To the little boy who spent over six years in the streets of Guadalajara earning rank among the gangs, stealing, drugs, and exploitation is now safe in rehab, and his life is being restored. Once suicidal, now full of hope. Desiring to see others lives changed. He is dreaming again.

To the little girl who disobeyed and was burned and beaten, scared for her life, mute for years. She is now the most lively in the group, full of peace and joy. She has been transformed. 

These stories don't end here. Every child, teen and young adult we encounter has a story of their own. Our prayer is that every person that we meet will encounter the love that they were made for. That their knowledge of what was, doesn't dictate what can and will be. That there is always hope at their core. May they know that there will always be someone fighting for them. 

Back to the Basics | Vision 2021.

“Creation - The basic origin of something living and breathing that starts at conception. 

Something so pure that when birthed has the potential to become so remarkably beautiful, inspiring, creative and powerful. 

But just think what happens when that same something or someone is birthed not into beauty and opportunity but rather into chaos. Chaos thats met with trauma laying the foundation for a life filled with fear, danger & relentless turmoil. 

Imagine being born into circumstance that wasn’t your choice but instead the choices made from generations of brokenness. Choices that develop roots that are cracked and splintered who exist only to try their best to survive inevitably repeating the same patterns of old. 

For many in our reach this is their story. Splintered roots. Desperate to survive. Products of dangerous patterns. Today the average child earning their rank among some of the worlds more dangerous criminal organizations is just 11 years young. By joining these groups they start the clock on the last years of their young lives with a life expectancy of only 3 years inside these organizations.

To further the devastating reality, Mexico continues to lead the world in child prostitution distributing over 60% of the worlds child pornography to the nations. With over 63% of those under the age of 15 claiming to have encountered sexual violence through organized crime at least once throughout their short lives. 

This is, at least in part, the reality of our world.

But thankfully the story doesn’t have to end there. Our hope is not found in bad news or statistics. These children do not have to have their hope defined by the circumstance of their birth. For these children, Hope has a name. Hope has a face. Hope has a mission. 

Over the past 9 years, we at MARKED have seen with our own eyes those statistics begin to change for good among the communities in which we serve. From reduced crime rates to increased job opportunities for families, allowing thousands of children to come out of the workforce and putting them back into school with over a 95% enrollment rate. 

We have watched as our MARKED soccer team has transformed themselves from gangsters who once represented torment and fear back into young men who now represent pride bringing joy and unity to their drug stricken town. 

Having served now over 1 million meals, we have watched as the faces of thousands light up coming through our doors to receive a meal and a hug and find safe refuge. 

 When hope takes over dreams are recovered, cycles are broken and roots become mended. When hope takes action young men learn to say NO to crime and YES to family. Passing on the “easy way” and pursuing instead the way which sustains and transforms forever.

Hope is alive, because WE are alive.

From splintered roots to a MIGHTY OAK. Healthy and tall and unfazed by cycles that tried to define them and unmotivated by the things of old.

There is a new story being written.  

A story where hope prevails, love takes hold and children along with their families are made whole and set free for freedoms sake. 

This is MARKED. We are MARKED. By Love. For Love. “ 

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