Transition FAQs

What is changing is the U.S.-based organizational oversight and operational support. The new organization will now provide leadership in areas such as governance, communications, development, donor care, and accountability.

The most important things are not changing:

• The long-term missionaries (Trautweins, Van Der Molens, O'Briens, Dougans, Kami West Ciprian and Jan Burkey) and short-term missionaries

• The Dominican Republic National leadership and staff

• The children and families served

• The schools, residential facilities, sports ministries, and scholarship programs

• The commitment to Christ-centered, holistic care

The ministry on the ground in the Dominican Republic continues as it always has.

The new organization is a Christ-centered U.S. nonprofit organization qualified under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) formed to support and strengthen the long-term holistic care ministries in the Dominican Republic. It is led by individuals who have deep, long-standing relationships with the Dominican Republic ministry and its missionaries, and by donors who have faithfully supported this work for many years.

You can expect your donation to seamlessly continue to support the mission and vision your gift was intended for.

Its mission is to ensure excellence, accountability, and sustainability so children can thrive spiritually, emotionally, physically, and academically.

The new organization believes that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can transform a child’s life, giving them a purpose, a healthy community, and the strength to pursue their God given talent no matter the adversities they face.

The new organization is a Christ-centered, nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower children from under-resourced communities in the Dominican Republic to experience transformed and abundant lives through physical, spiritual, emotional growth and education.

The new organization’s Vision is that every child will:

1. Enjoy a vibrant, life-changing relationship with God

2. Experience physical and emotional well-being

3. Be equipped for a life of independence and service

4. Live in family and community free of fear and violence

The new organization’s organizational Values are:

• Excellence in Stewardship. We honor the trust placed in us by managing resources—financial, human, physical, relational, and spiritual—with integrity, transparency, and accountability. We pursue operational excellence as faithful stewards of the talents and gifts God provides.

• Collaborative Partnership. We believe lasting transformation happens through strong relationships. We walk alongside our ministry partners—encouraging, equipping, and holding one another accountable—to advance shared impact for the children we serve. We honor cultural differences by adapting our programs and approaches to reflect local context and by inviting our partners into decision-making, learning continuously, and course-correcting when needed.

• Service with Humility. We seek to serve our partners with a spirit of grace and humility, modeling Christ’s servant leadership. Our role is to support and strengthen those on the front lines of ministry, helping them flourish in their calling.

• Innovation with Purpose. We embrace creativity and adaptability, encouraging fresh approaches that respect local cultures and leverage technology wisely. We believe innovation, guided by prayer and discernment, helps ministries grow and remain effective in changing contexts.

• Impact Through Holistic Transformation. We champion initiatives that nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through education, leadership and skill development, access to health and wellness, and the gospel truth. Our goal is lasting transformation that empowers children to thrive and serve others for God’s glory.

• Integrity. We hold ourselves and our partners to the highest ethical standards, measuring outcomes faithfully and ensuring that every decision advances our mission. Our commitment to truth and transparency builds trust and credibility in all we do.

• Accountability. We take responsibility for our work culture and value the thoughts and ideas of individuals, seek resolution in conflict or disagreement, and agree not to create discord among team members. We adhere to established policy and practice for reporting any appearance of misuse of financial resources, abuse, neglect, or actions that jeopardize our mission and vision.

The new organization seeks to fulfill its mission through the ten (10) long-term holistic care ministries in the Dominican Republic.

Together, we will empower children from under-resourced communities in the Dominican Republic to experience transformed and abundant lives through:

• Preschool through 12th grade holistic Christian education

• Discipleship, including through sports and after-school ministries

• Protective care

• Trauma-responsive and restorative care

• Family strengthening

• Life, job, and leadership skills training with a certification upon completion

• On-the-job training in collaboration with local businesses

• Business training for entrepreneurs and leaders

The new organization will be governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors that operates in accordance with established bylaws, policies, and best practices. The Board provides fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and accountability for the organization.

To ensure strong alignment and collaboration with the Dominican Republic ministry, three members of the new organization’s Board will also serve on the Board of Directors of Asociación Vida Para Niños, the local ministry organization in the Dominican Republic.

The new organization is also forming an Advisory Board of up to 25 members. The Advisory Board will provide guidance, expertise, and counsel to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director but it will not have governing authority.

The Board of Directors has hired an Executive Director to lead the day-to-day operations of new organization in alignment with the Board’s strategic direction and oversight. The Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership, development, operations, financial oversight, communications, and ministry coordination.

In addition, a dedicated U.S.-based team will be built to support the ministry through development, donor care, marketing and communications, child sponsorship administration, missionary support, service team support, and operational excellence.

This governance and leadership structure is designed to ensure strong accountability, clarity of roles, and long-term sustainability, while honoring and supporting the leadership and ministry work taking place in the Dominican Republic.

The organization is committed to 

• Strong governance and financial oversight

• Transparent reporting

• Adherence to child protection and trauma-informed care best practices

• Clear policies, audits, and accountability structures

The goal is to strengthen—not disrupt—the ministry’s integrity and effectiveness.

Yes, we will be located at 0S280 Bauman Court, West Chicago, Illinois 60185.

After March 1st, you will be able to drop off in-kind donations and meet with us in our new office space.

The new organization is organized as a not-for-profit organization operating in the state of Illinois with a Federal Employer Tax Identification number (41-2634684). 

The new organization has applied to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition of exemption from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application is currently pending. If exemption is granted, it is expected to be retroactive to the organization’s date of formation November 14, 2025. 

Donations made while the application is pending may be deductible for federal income tax purposes if and when the exemption is recognized; however, no assurance can be given that the IRS will grant such status, and donors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the deductibility of contributions.