About Us

Hands For Humanity is a group of dedicated volunteers working with and supporting the underserved children and their families in Ecuador.

Letter from the Director:

In the summer of 1998, I had just returned from Portoviejo, Ecuador, where I spent seven long months completing the arduous process of finalizing our daughter’s adoption. The country of Ecuador was experiencing turbulent times and economic struggles. I witnessed first hand a devastatingly poor country becoming even poorer…and more desperate.

I returned to the United States with a beautiful, healthy and happy baby girl, and a new appreciation for life. I live in a relatively safe community with access to excellent medical care, education, and clean air and water. The people of Ecuador have no such luxuries; for many, it is a challenge to have their basic needs met. The two countries were worlds apart…more than just the distance on a map.

With the desire to give back to this community, I took my direction from the San Lucas Foundation of the Province of Manabi. They encouraged me to obtain several hundred doses of the Hib Titer vaccine, which I transported to their waiting hands! My plan was to just deliver the vaccinations and return home to continue my comfortable life. This was not to be the case! Seeing the overwhelming disparity in quality of life, I was inspired to give more.  In partnership with my dear friend, Louise Randall, Hands For Humanity was founded. One project has led to another, and our organization continues to grow.

Hands For Humanity has proved to be one of the most rewarding challenges of my life. Ecuador has become my second home, and provided me with a second family. With your generous support, I hope to continue the commitment we have made to the children of this impoverished country.

Kate Welp

Founder and Executive Director

Timeline:

1997: February – Kate Welp traveled to Ecuador for the first time with Global Volunteers.

1998: February – Maya, Kate’s daughter, born in Ecuador.

1999: July – Kate returns home from Ecuador with her healthy, happy baby girl!

1999: October – Vaccines delivered to the San Lucas Foundation in Portovijeo, Ecuador, as a way to give back.

2000: Spring – Second dose of vaccines administered.

2000: Spring – Life changing trip when Kate administered the third dose of the vaccine series and helped with the surgical clinic at the San Lucas Foundation.  She was hooked!

2001: October – Six volunteers scheduled for Ecuador; only two traveled due to 9/11.July 2002 – Hands For Humanity was formed.

2002: Mayo Clinic agreed to help with Ecuadorian child who is unable to receive care in Ecuador.  Little Pedro came to Mayo for heart surgery.

2003: Spring – First medical journey with the San Lucas Foundation.  Operated until midnight on the first day.

2004: October – Non-medical volunteers wanted to get involved.  First community service trip conducted with 15 volunteers.

2005: Jeff Hansel and Jerry Olson traveled with Hands For Humanity and ran a series of articles in the Rochester Post Bulletin, increasing Hands For Humanity’s awareness.

2008: December – Scholarship program began and first scholarship recipient chosen.  Karla Garcia, a student in Portovijeo, received scholarship to study dentistry.

2009: May – Kate traveled with Rochester Community and Technical College Nursing Students to introduce the students to healthcare in a developing country.

2011: September –  First annual Hands For Humanity volunteer appreciation picnic.

Board of Directors:

Executive Director: Kate Welp
President: Cris Fischer
Rochester Volunteer Coordinator: Cindy Benike
Treasurer: Chad Anderson
Medical Team Leader: Dewey Moultan
Special Projects: Holly Hanson

My involvement in Hands For Humanity began with the first humanitarian service trip in October of 2004. My oldest daughter and I had been looking for an international service opportunity and this seemed like a good fit; it was a small and personable group and a relationship had been established with the community of Portovijeo through the medical service trips organized by the amazing founder of Hands For Humanity, Kate Welp. The experience of being with the children and serving the people of Portovijeo gave us a new perspective on our own lives and a heightened interest in international service work. I became involved with the Board of Directors because it was a way to stay connected with the people of Ecuador, and be actively involved locally with a wonderful group of people. As president of the organization, I enjoy the opportunity to work with the Board on strategic planning and policies. Another opportunity for involvement is through the scholarship program. It has been my privilege to sponsor a lovely younglady who is studying pre-law. We are presently Facebook friends and I look forward to meeting her in person!
Cris Fischer, Hands For Humanity President

I first volunteered to Ecuador six years ago, and really had no idea of what to expect. As part of the Hands for Humanity team, I was introduced to a group of people who held the common goal of wishing to help others. During our time in Ecuador we learned from each other; each person brought a unique quality to the group, making our team very special.  What I soon learned, was how special our patients and their families were.  Most had very little in material goods, but all had an appreciation for life; the smiles on their faces, and the gratitude they showed warmed my heart. What I received from them, far out-weighed what I had given. I have returned five more times since then, and still feel I am the lucky one.
Dewey, RN, Medical Team Leader

I met Kate and got involved with HFH when we hosted Johanna Montalvo during her Rotary exchange. Johanna is Mayra’s daughter and so she new Kate from her time in Ecuador. Kate told me about the work the foundation was doing and asked if I would join the board and assist with the treasurer duties.
Chad Anderson, Hands For Humanity Treasurer

I became involved with Hands For Humanity shortly after I moved to Rochester, MN to work as a nurse.  I saw an article about Kate Welp in the newspaper and went to a local church to hear her speak.  I was immediately inspired and have been a part of the organization ever since.  I love working with the board of directors as well as coordinating the scholarship program for amazing young people in Ecuador to attend college.  One of my most cherished memories is visiting the orphanage in Ecuador in 2009.  I got to witness the joy of the children despite the challenges faced in their young lives.  They didn’t let anything stop them from smiling, laughing, singing, and playing.  It was a life changing experience!
Holly Hanson, Special Projects

About Ecuador:

Ecuador is a South American country bordered by Peru and Columbia. The primary health concerns can be attributed to the natural effects of poverty. 41.5% of population is classified as poor and 8.5% as extremely poor.  Malnutrition is a serious problem in Ecuador, as poverty generally translates into fewer meals and less protein and minerals. In 2001, 45% of children under age 5 were malnourished. Chronic malnutrition rates have eased up in past years, yet it is still a serious problem. The lack of safe water and sanitation, in conjunction with prevalent communicable and infectious diseases and malnutrition, lead to innumerable childhood illnesses.  ~ World Health Organization and Foundation for Sustainable Development.

San Lucas Foundation:

Hands For Humanity has developed a close working relationship with The San Lucas Foundation (Fundacion de Ninos San Lucas) in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The physicians of this pediatric-based group have dedicated their careers to help children who would otherwise not receive quality medical care.