For those I have not met, my name is Van Williams and along with my wife Terri, we have been finding different ways to support the orphaned, abandoned, and abused children of Mexico for over 20 years.

My story and plea is for two of these children in particular. Two brothers, in fact, that we have known for most of their lives - Elias and Angel Garcia (pictured on the cover during one of our recent visits).

Elias and Angel were born into an abusive and neglected family setting and were removed by DIF (Department of Family Services in Mexico) and placed in a great children’s home on Cozumel along with 3 other brothers and sisters.

As little boys, they were adorable and sweet with good hearts that wanted to help others. At 21 and 22, they are still the same.

But, as is often the case with abused children, as they grew older they began to struggle to deal with their past. They suffered from depression, anxiety, and were diagnosed as potentially bipolar.

This is where the story takes a darker turn. In a normal family situation, whether in Mexico or the USA, the parents would be able to step in and get them both the treatment and support they need to lead happy and productive lives while living at home. But Elias and Angel have no such family support to advocate for them and so DIF placed them in a for-profit mental clinic with no hope for release. No education, no activities, only a bed, meals, and “yard exercise” daily. Over the years their rights were consistently trampled and abused. They had lost hope of ever getting out. Even the doctors of the clinic said they shouldn’t be there, but DIF wouldn’t listen and the clinic had no incentive to stop their cash flow. So the boys remained.

But, they were NOT forgotten. We started a vigorous campaign to secure their release. Three attorneys later, many prayers, and some very special people in Mexico making amazing sacrifices, I’m happy to say that they have been released and reunited with family and friends in Cozumel!

This is where you come in. They have nothing. Few clothes, no means of transportation, no phones, no IDs (required for a job), no medical care, no home, and Angel has no high school degree. The list goes on and they need our help.

So, we are seeking your assistance to collect funds for the boys for this next year until they can get on their feet. We have a small apartment for them in Cozumel and a local family is acting as their guardians, but they need financial support beyond just what we are supplying.

Many of you know Elias and Angel well, either directly or through us, so please consider giving to this cause and posting a link on your social media. No amount is too small (or too big) and everything will be applied directly to Elias and Angel's needs. And even if you can’t give, please repost this with your support.