“Had such an amazing weekend, I definitely plan on going back soon! We contributed to the building of a house for a wonderful family, distributed food to the residents, and met so many amazing people! 💛This was such a life-changing experience that I will cherish forever. Nothing would have been possible without the Rancho Feliz!” 💛

Sky Johnson, University of Arizona
Dorrance Scholarship Programs, LLC

“Our trip to Mexico has been the best experience of my life.  I had so much fun reaching out to these children who have lived such different and unfortunate lives than I. Tears built up inside me when I realized that the children were as bare as the small houses built on the dirt floors made out of cardboard. I would go back to Mexico right now if I could and help out as many families as possible. I look forward to going back again next year.”

Christina Wafer, Student Volunteer, Bishop’s School, La Jolla, California

“It’s been 4 years since I’ve been to Agua Prieta and till this day I still refer to that weekend as a life-changing experience. I never thought my two hands could have such an impact on one family, nor did I think they could make such a difference in my life. The building process that began in the morning and was completed just around sunset was truly miraculous. Who would have thought that a handful of 17 year olds could accomplish something like this? On our end it was the best bonding experience one could possibly imagine, but most importantly it was rewarding. This was one of the first times in my life where I felt fulfilled by something non-material. I really appreciated Rancho Feliz and Alejandro empowering us to participate, and I encourage anyone and any group to do so. This experience changed my perspective as well as the way I think. It is part of what convinced me to go into environmental law because I believe I can help the world now.”

Leigha Silberman, Student Volunteer, Catalina High School, Tucson, Arizona

“How can I thank you enough for an amazing weekend?  I am at a loss for words…Three days that felt as though it were a life time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Rancho Feliz is such an inspiration. If we all purposed to do something with our passion as the Rancho Feliz “Guardian Warriors” have done, I have no doubt we certainly could, and would, change the world. I look forward to seeing you again and working with you in days to come.”

Linda Pastori, KJZZ/KBAQ, NPR Radio, Phoenix, Arizona

“We went out to the barrio with our minds set to work hard. Our plan for the day was to mix cement and lay it down as a foundation for a new barrio house. This was extremely hard physical work; mixing cement with a shovel, water, and dirt. However, it became easier after seeing the family who was going to live in the house. We mixed and laid the cement for several hours and when we finally fished we could see the difference we had made. It was the start of a new house and a new beginning for the young family of 4. They were so appreciative, and I will never forget the joy we brought to their faces. Through this experience I learned more about myself and the outside world. I will never forget the places and people I have met in Agua Prieta.”

Jenna Wilson, Student, Volunteer, Service Learning, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, Arizona

“It reminds me of what is important in life and what is not. I ask myself, after I leave, what do I really need? It is in giving that you truly receive. This is truly service to humanity.”

Bill Marcotte, Youth Ministry Coordinator, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Tempe, Arizona

“Finding the right words to describe our volunteer trip is difficult. The emotions and reflections from last week are only beginning to settle in. Thanks the entire Rancho Feliz Family, our group had an experience that we will remember for a lifetime. We are already talking about how we can properly honor the things that we learned during this trip.”

Dustin Reid, Teacher Volunteer, Head Coach – Ryerson University Women’s Volleyball Team, Toronto, Canada

“Sponsoring a child’s education through Rancho Feliz is one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. It is through giving that we receive and this is a gift that keeps on giving. There is a real connection between my wife and I and the young girl we are sponsoring. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity to help.”

Mike Hobin

“In 2014 I was introduced to the Private Scholarship Sponsor Program and began sponsoring two female students.  In 2016 I added an 8th grade male student.  I did this because I believed it was a good thing to help these students acquire a life-changing education.  I exchanged letters and pictures with the students and received regular grade reports to track how they were doing academically, but there was still a certain amount of mental fog as to how all the pieces fit together.

THEN, I participated in the Scholarship Sponsor weekend in Aqua Prieta and WOW, the fog dissipated and I could see clearly what a game changer the scholarship program really is.  The joy of meeting “my three kids” and their families in person was a definite highlight of the weekend, but there was so much more. The insight gained from this experience has given new meaning to the concept, “what we do in a day, can change someone’s life forever.

This program is such a compelling opportunity for us as citizens, I am now assessing where I am spending money in “meaningless” ways that could be re-directed to put education within the reach of deserving children. I have seen it, and I no longer believe it is a “good” thing; I believe it is a necessary thing!”

Jean McCrady, Brownsboro, Alabama

“Percy and I have been very fortunate to be able to sponsor Santiago, and lucky to have adopted the entire family.  To watch Santiago grow and mature is truly a gift to us and the reciprocal love and gratitude is amazing.  What we have taken for granted over our lifetimes in America is not taken for granted in Mexico.  For less than $8 per day we can change a life a family a community.”

Mike Anderson