ABOUT US
A world where physical, mental and emotional
well-being are met.
VISION
Supporting the whole being of individuals and families.
MISSION
Faith in Children is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in New York, dedicated to supporting the well-being of individuals and families. Our mission extends to communities in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Malawi, Congo, and beyond. We are committed to providing assistance and resources to those in need, serving all individuals regardless of their religion, race, gender, or political background.
Since 2010, Faith in Children has been actively serving numerous individuals in need. On a monthly basis, we are proud to provide support to approximately 3,000 individuals through our programs and initiatives. We strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, ensuring their well-being and promoting positive change within their communities.
In addition to our ongoing efforts, Faith in Children has also provided scholarships to refugees from Dzaleka Refugee camp in Malawi, South Africa. These individuals have been given the opportunity to receive double certification in Yoga and Mindfulness through the support of Yoga Renew Teacher Training. This initiative not only provides them with valuable education but also opens up opportunities for employment within our Mindfulness Education Program in Malawi.
Our Mindfulness Education Program in Malawi serves 20 schools, reaching an average of 20 children per class. We cater to students from Kindergarten to 5th grade, providing them with valuable mindfulness practices and tools to foster resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. By incorporating these practices into their lives, we aim to empower and support the holistic development of these young individuals.
Through the combination of scholarship opportunities and the Mindfulness Education Program, Faith in Children is actively working towards creating positive change and providing valuable education and employment opportunities to refugees from the Dzaleka Refugee camp in Malawi. We are committed to supporting their well-being and fostering a sense of empowerment and growth in their lives.
In pursuit of our mission, we have also undertaken various projects that positively impact the lives of those we serve. We have facilitated the construction of artesian wells, ensuring access to clean and safe water sources for communities. Additionally, we have built houses for the elderly in Mozambique, creating comfortable and dignified living conditions for senior citizens.
During times of crisis, Faith in Children actively engages in emergency aid and relief efforts. We have responded to natural disasters in Haiti, offering essential supplies and support to affected communities in both 2010 and 2016.
At Faith in Children, we believe in the holistic well-being of individuals and families. Our work is rooted in promoting positive change and improving lives. Through dedicated efforts and strong partnerships, we strive to create a better future for communities in need, promoting equality, empowerment, and resilience. We embrace and serve all individuals, recognizing and respecting their diverse backgrounds and identities. Our monthly support reaches approximately 3,ooo individuals, allowing us to make a significant difference in their lives.
Faith in Children operates three impactful programs aimed at addressing diverse needs within the communities we serve.
1. Mindfulness Education Program: Our organization recognizes the importance of nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. Through our Mindfulness Education Program, we offer mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, emotional intelligence training, coping skills, and strategies for fostering positive change. This program is implemented in the following locations:
- United States
- Malawi
- Congo
2. Nourished Bellies: We are dedicated to combating food insecurity among vulnerable populations, particularly those living on the streets and in slums. Our Nourished Bellies program focuses on providing nutritious food and refreshments to individuals and families in need. This program is active in the following locations:
- United States
- Brazil
- Canada
- Madagascar
- Malawi
As part of our Nourished Bellies initiative, we also deliver clean fresh water to four communities in Madagascar where water is extremely hard to find. By addressing this crucial need, we strive to improve the overall health and well-being of these communities.
3. Community Outreach: Faith in Children actively engages in community outreach initiatives to address various essential needs. Our Community Outreach program serves the communities in the countries mentioned above, providing them with the specific support and resources they require. This includes distributing hygienic products, toys, and clothing based on the needs of each community.
Through these three programs, Faith in Children strives to support the whole-being of individuals and families, offering resources and services that contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life. By focusing on mindfulness, nutrition, and community support, we aim to create positive and lasting change within the communities we serve.
WHO ARE WE?
Raquel D. Murray
Founder and President
Raque Murray, the founder and president of Faith in Children is a remarkable individual, wearing multiple hats as a mother of five, wife, mindfulness and family constellation facilitator, speaker, and the visionary behind Faith in Children. With a deep passion for serving others and addressing basic needs, she established the nonprofit organization in 2010 to make a positive impact on national and international communities.
"I grew up in Recife, Brazil, in a single-parent home, where I experienced firsthand socioeconomic difficulties," she shares. "However, even with all the challenges, I received all the love and support, which helped me flourish as an individual. Therefore, my dream has always been to pass it forward, supporting individuals (and their inner child) to live and feel better."
Driven by the belief in the transformative power of love and support, she dedicates the name of the nonprofit to her mother and family who have always shown unwavering faith in her abilities. She expresses, "So many people have faith in me, especially my mom and family. I dedicate the name of the nonprofit to them. If they have faith in me, I will always have faith in children."
Her educational journey includes a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs with a specialization in development from New School University. She completed this degree in 2013. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Political Science and Sociology from Hunter College in 2009, equipping her with a solid foundation in understanding societal dynamics and systems.
Recognizing the importance of mindfulness in promoting well-being, she holds a certification in Mindfulness Practices Education K-12 from Mindful Schools. This training allows her to effectively incorporate mindfulness practices into the programs offered by Faith in Children, fostering resilience and emotional well-being among the individuals and families served.
To deepen her expertise in addressing family dynamics and inherited trauma, she pursued training in Family Constellation and Inherited Family Trauma with renowned expert Mark Wolynn at the Family Constellation Institute. She completed this training in 2020. This additional knowledge enhances her ability to support individuals and families through their healing journeys.
Embracing the mind-body connection and the power of yoga, she is currently completing her RYT 500hr Yoga Teacher Training and Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Renew. This ongoing training enables her to integrate the benefits of yoga into the programs and services provided by Faith in Children, promoting holistic well-being.
Through her dedication, leadership, and diverse skill set, she guides Faith in Children towards its mission of supporting individuals and families in need, fostering positive change, and empowering communities. Her unwavering commitment to service and personal growth continues to drive the organization's impact and reach.
Vanessa Godoy
Board Secretary
Vanessa Godoy is an artist, educator and therapist. She has a BA in Theatre at CAL-Conservator of Arts - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her studies include literature, children development education and ThetaHealing®️Technique.
“I had volunteered for Faith In Children years before I was invited to be part of the Board of Directors and fell in love with the work that Faith In Children does, embracing the needs of families in many communities in the world.”
Michelle Silva
Treasurer
Michelle Silva joined Faith In Children’s board of directors in 2017 as the treasurer. She comes to the position with over 18 years of accounting experience. Not only is Michelle a board member but also volunteers in the Mindfulness Education Facilitation Program (MEFSP).
“One day I was invited by Raquel Murray to see the program up close. I immediately felt a strong connection with the program and learned how powerful mindfulness education could be in teaching children yoga, games and meditation in dealing with their feelings and emotion…That moment was a call for me to be part of Faith in Children. Helping children one program at a time.”