By Mark Fridell, Project Mexico Board of Directors
Key Facts: 2026 Annual Matching Grant
What: Donors will match every gift to Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage dollar for dollar, up to $317,000.
Deadline: December 31, 2026.
Impact: Doubled gifts help care for 40 abandoned children and build homes for families trapped in poverty.
How to give: Online at projectmexico.org/donate or by check payable to Project Mexico (memo: “2026 Matching Grant”).
Why I Keep Returning to St. Innocent Orphanage
Over 20 years ago, when I first stepped onto the grounds of St. Innocent Orphanage, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Little did I know how great an impact that first trip would have on my life. I have been blessed to return many times since, leading numerous mission teams in Project Mexico’s homebuilding ministry. What began as a short-term mission experience has profoundly changed my life.
I have witnessed the work of God in the lives of the volunteers, missionaries, staff, interns, and, most importantly, the children and families we serve through Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage.
Homebuilding Ministry: Handing a Family the Keys to a New Home
There is something profoundly moving about standing with our “build team” as a family is handed the keys to their new home. To see the joy of parents who know their children will have a safe place to grow, and to witness the realization that something they never believed possible has become a reality, is difficult to put into words.
The Boys of St. Innocent: Education, Altar Service, and Faith
Each visit allowed me a glimpse of the growth of the boys at St. Innocent Orphanage. I would see them studying, working toward their education, and graduating from one level to the next. It was equally moving to see them serve at the altar, learning not only how to become responsible young men but also how to live their lives in faith and service to others.
Umberto: From Shy Boy to Counselor
I remember my first trip in 2006, when I met a shy young boy named Umberto. He was only six or seven years old. Fast forward to today, and Umberto is now a father who has returned to St. Innocent to serve as a counselor to the boys. He is giving back to the very organization that provided for him.
Alejandro: From the Orphanage to Hellenic College
I also think of Alejandro, who arrived at the orphanage at age eight with his brother, Paulo. After high school, Alejandro received support to attend Hellenic College. He graduated, and he and his wife, Evangeline, spent several years serving at St. Innocent: Alejandro worked with the boys, and Evangeline cared for infants at Casa Cuna. These are just a couple of examples of the miracles happening through Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage.
Casa Cuna: Love and Early Care for Infants and Toddlers
It brings me joy to see an infant or toddler at the new Casa Cuna facility smiling, laughing, and playing. These may seem like simple moments, but they represent something life-changing. They prove that a child who may have experienced loss or neglect is receiving the love, attention, security, and nurturing that are so vital to early healthy development. Moments like this change the course of a child’s life.
A New Orthodox Church for the Rosarito Community
Last year, by God’s grace and through the generosity of donors, The Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church was completed for the Rosarito community with the support of Project Mexico. Today, I see a growing community of Orthodox faithful gathering there to worship. To witness that growth, to see people coming together in faith, and to experience the joy this new church has brought is another reminder that this ministry reaches far beyond the homebuilding mission.
Volunteers Are Changed, Too
There is another remarkable part of this ministry: the volunteers themselves. I have watched countless people arrive expecting to give something to others, only to discover that they, like me, have been changed and blessed far more than they could have imagined.
Perhaps you will one day stand beside a family as they receive the keys to their new home. Perhaps you will see the smile of a child at Casa Cuna, watch a young boy at St. Innocent graduate to the next level of his education, or see him serving at the altar during Divine Liturgy. Perhaps you will worship with the growing community of Orthodox faithful in Rosarito. Certainly, these are moments that will stay with you.
Behind the Scenes: Serving on the Project Mexico Board
Several years ago, I was honored when Fr. Nicholas asked me to join the Project Mexico Board of Directors. Serving on the board has given me a much deeper understanding of everything that happens behind the scenes to make this ministry possible. I have come to know and appreciate the many dedicated people (board members, staff, interns, and long-term missionaries) who have answered the call to serve. Their commitment, often involving significant personal sacrifice, is an essential part of the mission. Please pray for them.
After more than 20 years, I can say that the greatest gift Project Mexico and St. Innocent have given me is the opportunity to witness God’s love made visible through the love, hard work, and generosity of His people.
Putting Your Faith Into Action
As St. James writes in his epistle:
“Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
James 2:18
Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage give us a tangible opportunity to put our faith into action. We can provide a family with a safe home. We can give an abandoned child a loving family and a place to grow. We can help a young person receive an education and build a future. We can help establish and strengthen the Orthodox faith in communities where it is taking root. And in doing so, we have the opportunity to answer the call of our King:
“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25:40
Will You Join Us? Your Gift Is Doubled Through December 31, 2026
Please consider making a generous gift to Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage. Your gift is not simply a donation. It is an investment in a child, a family, a home, a community, and a future.
Right now, your gift can do twice as much. A group of generous donors has committed to match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $317,000. We need to raise an additional $317,000 before December 31, 2026 to receive the full match. Your gift will be doubled, and it will allow us to care for 40 abandoned children and build homes for families trapped in poverty.
How to Give to the 2026 Matching Grant
There are two easy ways to give:
Give by Check
Make your check payable to Project Mexico. Write “2026 Matching Grant” in the memo line and mail to:
Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage P.O. Box 8210 Pasadena, CA 91109-8210
Whatever you are able to give, it is a way to put your faith into action and to become part of the remarkable story God continues to write through this ministry.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
Glory to God for all things.
With gratitude,
Mark Fridell
Project Mexico Board of Directors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Mexico?
Project Mexico is an Orthodox Christian ministry that builds homes for families living in poverty and supports St. Innocent Orphanage, where boys and abandoned children receive care, education and spiritual formation.
What is St. Innocent Orphanage?
St. Innocent Orphanage is a home for boys in Mexico supported by Project Mexico. The boys study and graduate through each level of their education, serve at the altar, and grow in faith and service to others.
What is Casa Cuna?
Casa Cuna is the infant and toddler care facility connected with St. Innocent Orphanage, where children who have experienced loss or neglect receive love, attention, security and nurturing.
How does the 2026 Matching Grant work?
A group of donors has committed to match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $317,000. Project Mexico must raise an additional $317,000 before December 31, 2026 to receive the full match.
How can I give to Project Mexico?
You can give securely online at projectmexico.org, or mail a check payable to Project Mexico with “2026 Matching Grant” in the memo line.