You are Helping Us Go Where No One Else is Going
Dr.Tatiana Baeva | Director of International Operations
This spring, we traveled to the Dominican Republic to visit children in the Allies Mentoring Program (AMP) – some of whom live near a massive landfill, surrounded by poverty that’s hard to put into words. Piles of trash stretch across the horizon, where homes are made from scraps, and children find their food, clothing, and even toys in the garbage. Many are Haitianrefugees with no legal status or access to basic services. Their community is unrecognized by authorities – but it is not unseen by God.
When our team arrived, the children ran toward us, eager for connection. “Water, please give us water!” They begged, their hunger and thirst written on their faces. They devoured the sandwiches we brought and asked for more – not just food, but love. The children were so hungry for human interaction.
That’s why AMP is so important in places like this. These children need more than food – they need hope. And people like you are sending them hope through volunteers in this community. These caring mentors accepted Christ and pursued education, and they want to serve the children in their own neighborhood. They are changing the future of their people from within.
Allies Co-Founders Dr. Tatiana Baeva and Chris Burgin
visited children in the Allies Mentoring Program in the Dominican Republic.
We always have more areas with children on our waiting list to receive the Allies Mentoring Program. These children are longing to be seen, known, and loved – but we can’t reach them without your help. At Allies, prayer is our number one strategy. Will you join us in praying for the children still waiting – for open doors, willing mentors, and the resources to expand our reach?
We’re going where the children are thanks to your partnership – Places where no one else is going like landfills, slums, and refugee camps. With your prayers and support, we won’t stop until every orphan and vulnerable child knows: You are not forgotten. You are loved. Your life matters.
A Joy Journey: RuthEllen’s Story of Sponsoring Melinda
RuthEllen Campbell from Trophy Club, Texas never imagined that saying yes to sponsoring a little girl in Peru would change her life, too.
“I had no idea I lived in a sort of bubble,” she shared.
“But then I saw Melinda’s sweet little face and thought, I want to help her. I had to do something.”
What started with a monthly donation quickly blossomed into a meaningful friendship through letters, drawings, and tiny gifts.
“She sent me back this beautiful little letter and a bird-shaped whistle. I don’t even speak Spanish, but I loved looking at her handwriting.”
The translated letter and thoughtful gift reminded RuthEllen of the personal connection sponsorship creates. Through Allies, sponsors don’t just give – they build a relationship with a child in need and receive unexpected joy in return.
RuthEllen’s eyes were opened – not just to another part of the world, but to new joy and purpose in her own life.
“It’s an honor to be part of this. Melinda may be miles away, but not from my heart. I stepped outside my comfort zone, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a win-win for Melinda and for me.”
Now RuthEllen is thinking of creative ways to do more. She wants to sew dresses for girls in Peru, gather friends for blanket-making parties, and dreams of helping even more children.
“I’m just a regular person who has found purpose in helping someone else,” she said.
“We’re just getting started.”
Her encouragement to others?
“If you’re thinking about it – just start. These children don’t have the opportunities we have, and $50 a month to support a child isn’t much. Once you get started, the blessings come back to you tenfold. I wanted to help this darling little girl but, in the process, I found she’s doing just as much for me.”
Scan QR code or click here to view children
still waiting for a sponsor.
Introducing Allies Bags of Hope
Planning an international trip this summer? Whether it’s a vacation or business travel, you can make a meaningful impact by carrying a bag of humanitarian aid for children in need. Our new Allies Bags of Hope program allows travelers like you to hand-deliver supplies to places where shipping isn’t possible. Let us know your travel details and the baggage allowance for your trip. Allies will pack the bags, get them to you, and if needed, reimburse you for baggage fees up to $100.
Eric Tucker delivered Allies Bags of Hope
to Allies area leaders in Cambodia during a
spring trip with Arlington-Mansfield YMCA.
You can deliver smiles to children by
taking an Allies bag on your next trip.
One of our local area leaders will meet you at the airport in your destination country to receive the aid. It’s an easy, hands-on way to bring hope to orphans and vulnerable children – just by taking an extra bag or two with you!
AMP Launches in the U.S.
We’re excited to announce that the Allies Mentoring Program has officially launched in the United States starting right here in Granbury, Texas! During one of the very first visits, 70 children joined in learning about teamwork and communication through fun, hands-on activities like Telephone, 20 Questions, and a group “Dance Off.” Students also created keepsake bookmarks reminding them of a core value: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
One volunteer shared that in her 10 years with the school’s extended day program, she’s never seen a group consistently show up like this to invest in students’ character and emotional growth.
Thanks to your support, children in Granbury, Texas are now experiencing the life-changing impact
of the Allies Mentoring Program for the very first time at their local elementary school.
Fifth-grader Sophia, who comes from a single-parent home, proudly taught her mentor a special game from her culture. Moments like this show how powerful it is when children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Because of your partnership, Allies is now mentoring children in America just like we do around the world – one relationship at a time.
Something Exciting is Coming Soon!
Have you heard the news? Allies is launching the Empowered Life Podcast! Hosted by Meredith Murray, this podcast will inspire your heart with powerful, faith-filled stories of how God is working through Allies and people like you around the world. The Empowered Life Podcast will feature voices from the community – including mentors, donors, global leaders, and more – sharing how lives are being transformed through faith, love, and action.
Allies Founder & CEO Chris Burgin and Podcast Host Meredith Murray
recording the first episode of the Empowered Life Podcast
Each episode will remind you that when we say yes to God’s call, He empowers us to bring light into the darkest places.
Subscribe now on YouTube and follow on Facebook and Instagram: @EmpoweredLifePodcast
Travel with Purpose
There’s still time to join an unforgettable Allies mission trip in 2025!
Argentina: September 11–19
Peru: October 17–26
Experience the beauty of these countries while visiting children in the Allies Mentoring Program. You’ll witness firsthand how in-country volunteers are bringing hope, life skills, and God’s love to orphans and vulnerable children. Ready to go where purpose meets adventure?
Learn more at www.alliesyouth.org/trips
Have Questions or Want to Leave a Legacy?
Doug Price is the newest member of our Allies partnership engagement team and is here to serve you! Whether you have questions about our work, need prayer, or want to explore ways to give – including donor-advised funds (DAFs) or planned giving – Doug is happy to help.
If you’re in the Fort Worth area, he’d love to connect with you personally at (817) 233-2804 or doug@alliesyouth.org