Fundraising Goal: $60,000

Building a Future for Rafelito: A Journey of Hope and Transformation

Meet Rafelito, a 24-year-old young man in the Dominican Republic whose life has been shaped by both challenges and perseverance, but also by a deep love for learning. Since the age of 12, we have had the privilege of walking alongside him, helping him overcome the hardships of a life without adequate food, a safe home, or a means to communicate. Rafelito is deaf, and for much of his early childhood, he struggled to make his voice heard—both literally and figuratively. However, with your support, his life has taken a new and hopeful direction.

A Childhood of Hardship

Rafelito grew up in a poor community near Adonai Ministries, where his voice was once lost in the noise of everyday survival. Ellen Abramson first noticed him when, in the midst of a busy day, she heard a young boy’s frustrated attempts to vocalize. Though she did not see his face, she immediately sensed the depth of his struggles—not only the difficulty of being unheard, but also the spiritual isolation of not fully understanding the gospel.

His family, abandoned by their father and left in extreme poverty, could not provide even the basic necessities. Six children crowded into a single room, sharing three mattresses on the floor, enduring persistent mold and dampness in their rented home. For Rafelito, the obstacles were even greater. Without schooling or a means of communication, his future seemed bleak.

A Turn of Hope

Everything changed when we enrolled him in a school for the deaf. Almost immediately, Rafelito began to thrive. His hunger for learning, sharp mind, and passion for understanding became evident. In a short time, he mastered his lessons and displayed great academic promise.

Now, 12 years later, Rafelito is on the brink of a bright future. He is currently in the 12th grade at a public high school, with the assistance of a translator. Over the years, he has completed several 6-week practicums, exploring different career paths, excelling in each one. Whether working at a garage, taking a computer class, or preparing for a teaching practicum, Rafelito has proven his potential time and time again.

Yet, for all his achievements, one major barrier remains: a stable home.

A Future Built on a Strong Foundation

The next step is clear—we need to build a home for Rafelito. A place where he can find stability, create a future for himself, and eventually start a family of his own. In a country where opportunities for the deaf are limited, having a secure home is crucial for him to reach his full potential.

We are raising $60,000 to purchase a simple home for Rafelito, which will be life-changing for Rafelito, enabling him to take the next steps in his career, provide for himself, and build a foundation for his future.