This is Our Story:

In 2009, Gina Chavez and Jodi Granado left their comfy lives in Central Texas for cold showers and chicken buses in Central America; to live out of a suitcase in El Salvador, where volcanoes and poverty are too big to miss; to teach girls and live with nuns in a gang-dominated barrio for nine months. They struggled, laughed, loved and were changed.

In an effort to continue their mission and strengthen bonds with the girls got to know and love, Gina & Jodi established Austin 4 El Salvador, a college fund that offers full scholarships (including meals, transportation, school supplies…) to Don Bosco University, a private Catholic school in Soyapango, the girls’ neighborhood.

Education is one of the few doors through which girls like Xiomara, Marta, Esmeralda and Sofia can drastically change their circumstances. Now, we need your help to raise $230/mo. per girl to get them through! It’s a fraction of the cost of higher education here in the States, but it’s nearly impossible for the majority of Salvadorans (and a bit tough for Jodi and Gina by themselves!). But together, we can offer these 4 hard-working, sweet, and self-giving girls a bright future in a place dominated by gang warfare, extortion, and senseless violence.

Change a Life,

Change a Community:

Your one-time or monthly donation is tax-deductible through VIDES+USA 501(c)(3), the volunteer program through which Gina and; Jodi went to El Salvador. Email us if you would like more information!

Start helping out now and DONATE ONLINE (via PayPal)!

Send a Check/Money Order (payable to VIDES+USA, “DB SOS” in memo line)
Mail to: S Mary Gloria Mar, FMA, 2109 East Second Street, Austin, TX 78702

Thank you for your amazing support. These girls are wonderful and deserve every opportunity that we are afforded here in the United States. Thank you for joining us on this journey to bridge communities and changes lives through education and love!

-Gina y Jodi