A story of faith, love and hope.
Born of love, strengthened by faith, renewed by hope. This is the story of how two warriors gave our mission its name.
It all began with a conversation and a shared dream: to help those who need it most. With no experience but full hearts, Juan and Johanna founded Una Mano Amiga in their home communities. Their first project —supplies for 25 children— taught them something they never forgot: true happiness lives in the smiles we create.
But faith was pushed to its limitL&M are Lucas and Moisés.
This is their story.
Two brothers with autism. Two warriors who taught us that miracles are real and that hope must never be lost.
Moisés
“From 1 lb 9 oz… to this miracle, walking.”
On December 3, 2023, Moisés came into the world fighting. At 24 weeks and just 1 lb 9 oz, doctors prepared us for the worst. In his first 48 hours he faced his first surgery.
For 7 months at the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, in New Haven —about 50 miles from Groton and one of the best children’s hospitals in the country—, every day was a test of faith. Johanna drove daily to be with him while she worked; Juan cared for Lucas, and on weekends we all went together.
But God had other plans. In June 2024, after 4 surgeries, Moisés left the hospital. Today he walks, he grows, and he’s starting to eat on his own. He is, simply, a miracle.
Endless thanks to the entire staff of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital — and most especially to his lead nurse and the surgeon who operated on his intestines. Their hands worked this miracle too.
Lucas
Lucas was diagnosed with autism at age 3. The changes were hard: we learned to be more patient, more understanding, to give him the constant attention he needs.
Then came an unexpected turn. With the arrival of his baby brother Moisés in December 2023, Lucas began an unimaginable transformation. A brother’s love changed him.
Today, Lucas is almost a different child. Though he doesn’t yet speak, he understands, he’s incredibly affectionate and loves to play. In March 2024 he returned to his original school, where he progresses every day. He taught us that adaptation is possible and that hope is never lost.
Thank you to the staff of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London —part, like Yale New Haven, of the Yale New Haven Health system— for caring for him from day one.
We learned, firsthand, what it means to need a helping hand.
During the 7 months Moisés was hospitalized, the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut gave us something priceless: a home near our son. We lived 50 miles away. We had nowhere to stay. They opened their doors.
Today, when we help a family, we don’t just know what they need in theory — we know because we lived it.
Two hearts, one mission.
“Helping taught me that happiness isn’t in material things, but in the smiles we create and the lives we touch.”
“Every project is a chance to prove that faith moves mountains and love transforms lives.”
The new name honors Lucas and Moisés, but it’s much more: it represents our struggles, Lucas’s transformation and Moisés’s miracle. Renewed and stronger than ever, we keep extending that helping hand.
The principles that guide every decision.
Faith in God
Our engine. Faith sustained us in the darkest moments and drives us forward.
Love
We love each person like family. We don’t help out of obligation, but because we care.
Hope
We bring hope to those who need it. A better future is possible for everyone.
Empathy
We know what it is to need help — we lived it. We don’t judge, we understand.
Respect
Zero discrimination. We serve Dominicans and Haitians alike. We are all equal before God.
We dream big because we serve a big God.
- 01Help thousands more people in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
- 02Expand to every nearby community we can reach.
- 03Keep fighting the food inequality that affects so many families.
- 04Involve more volunteers and partners in our mission.
We promise to never lose who we are: to help regardless of race, color or status. To never lose the faith, hope, love, respect and empathy that define us. These values are our compass.
Want to be part of this story?
You don’t need to be rich to make a difference — just a willing heart. Lucas and Moisés taught us miracles are real. Together, we can be the miracle others need.