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FoC Development Director

Todd Mickelson

We just returned from our Chimbote trip with board members, staff
and guests. I could not be more enthused with our performance in
empowering and transforming the lives of the least of our brothers
and sisters nor more confident and excited about our future.
Reflecting on our journey during my 12 years with our Mission through
the retirement of our founders, the pandemic and our metamorphosis
from a social service arm of a parish to a regional community
development and transformation organization, I have a deep sense of
gratitude. Through God’s grace, donor and volunteer support and the
quantum leap of ACAF, we are positioned for an amazing future.
The impact of our work is evident everywhere in Cambio Puente. We
have built and furnished over 60 homes. We built an entire community
nucleus in collaboration with community leaders; a soup kitchen, daycare, learning center, social services support center, a
kindergarten, park and recreation center and most recently a pre-school/kindergarten. These are in addition to perhaps the
greatest impact project, a community-wide water distribution system. These facilities and the programs and services within
them are empowering thousands of people from newborns to the elderly and handicapped.
To reach these milestones, we have received significant donations in funds and volunteer hours. Over the past 8 years, the
designated donations we have received have increased over 700%! Designated donations specify how they are to be used,
like for these projects. We are so blessed and grateful and want you to know the hope and gratitude from everyone in Cambio
Puente is deep and authentic.
The donations that we receive that are not designated, which we use for day-to-day operations, are termed General Funds. Our
General Funds are used for the salaries and programs of our ACAF team who are on the ground every day, hearts, skills and
minds fully engaged. We have an amazing team who have planned and executed all our projects and programs and are laying
the groundwork for transforming more communities like Cambio Puente in the future.
I have been involved in revenue generation for 40 years in for profit and non-
profit organizations. In all those years, with excellent organizations, I have never
been involved in one with a better product or service or impact and it is not
even close. This would not be possible without your support. Transforming your
support into changed lives is our ACAF team on the ground. They are making it
happen. Having been a part of their difficult transition from a social service arm
of the parish to a regional community transformation team, I could not be more
grateful or proud to work with every one of them.
Unfortunately, while our designated donations have increased 700% in eight
years, our general funds have increased 14%. As deeply grateful as we are for
your support, can you help us take care of, grow and retain our ACAF team? This
is the first time in all my years I am asking for more. Any increase in your donation
will be deeply appreciated and will send a well-deserved message to our amazing
team.

In Service & Gratitude,

Todd

PS: Check out your impact - go to friendsofchimbote.org,
“Resources” page for videos

friendsofchimbote.org PAGE 9