At The Emiliani Project, our dedicated volunteer team embodies the compassionate spirit of Saint Jerome Emiliani, the patron saint of orphaned children. Our Board of Directors and staff are entirely composed of volunteers committed to providing a nurturing environment for children in need.
Meet Our Volunteer Leadership:
- Charles Navarrete, President: As the President, Charles leads our mission with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our initiatives align with our core values and effectively serve the children. Charles co-founded The Emiliani Project, inspired by his experiences as a military veteran witnessing the plight of displaced children. Read more about Charles Navarrete.
- Matthew Monroe, Vice President: Matthew cherishes the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of orphans through The Emiliani Project. He emphasizes that even modest contributions can create significant change in Colombia. Matthew and his wife have two adopted children, Johanna and Gabi, who bring boundless energy and joy to their lives. His commitment to family and service reflects his dedication to living out his faith through action. Read more about Matthew Monroe.
- Cristina Ramirez, Director of Fundación Emiliani: Born and raised in Colombia, Cristina has witnessed the challenges faced by underserved children. Cristina oversees our foundation’s operations in Colombia, working closely with local communities to foster a safe and loving environment for the children. Read more about Cristian Ramirez.
- Bryan Hunter, Board Member: Bryan is driven by the singular mission of The Emiliani Project: to support Colombian orphans. He finds fulfillment in building homes that offer love and security to children in need. As the book of James 1:17 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Read more about Bryan Hunter.
Now is the perfect time to plan your volunteer trip to Medellín in 2025! Join us in building and maintaining Hogar de Cristo and caring for the amazing children we serve. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, work alongside our incredible team, unplug from the daily grind, and dedicate time to serving the Lord and others.
Upcoming Trip Dates:
- July 12-20, 2025
- November 12-19, 2025
Our home, Hogar de Cristo, is located 30 minutes south of Medellín in Caldas, nestled atop a mountain at 7,000 feet elevation, offering beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. It’s the perfect retreat for those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in meaningful missionary work.
Join us in the spirit of Saint Jerome Emiliani and make a lasting impact on the lives of these children. For more information and to sign up for a trip, visit our volunteer page.
