These Committed, Compassionate Partners Are Making a Healthier Future Possible
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead
Delivering proven nutrition solutions to those who need them most requires dedication from people all over the world. That’s why we’re so grateful for our amazing community.
The Vitamin Angels community is made up of some of the most caring people on the planet. The kind of people who want to make a difference—and who light up when sharing stories about the women and children they work with.
We provide partner organizations with vitamin grants, support, and training. However, it’s the people who commit their time and efforts that truly help transform our vision into reality.
Like our founder, Howard Schiffer, these are people who saw a need and sought to fill it, whether that meant choosing to work for an organization that gives back to the community or filling a gap in local services by founding a nonprofit. Mission-driven and heart-centered, our community makes a real difference every day.
And we couldn’t do what we do without them. Here are some of their stories.
Celebrating the Dreamers and Doers
Jennifer, MD, Guatemala
Jennifer Hoock, MD, was inspired to found Guatemala Village Health after identifying healthcare needs in the Indigenous Mayan region she visited while adopting her daughter in 2012. With the help of volunteers and village leaders, over the past decade, her nonprofit has expanded to serve more than half of the 17 villages near the Honduran border.
Learn more about Guatemala Village Health.
“We sure do see a lot of malnourished babies, like the one we transported to the hospital yesterday. There is such a survival instinct within the community. They are so strong, so creative, so solution-oriented, and so optimistic.”
– Jennifer Hoock, Founder of Guatemala Village Health, Guatemala
Nerissa, Midwife, The Philippines
Nerissa, a trained midwife, joined Mercy in Action in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, one of the most devastating storms ever to hit the Philippines. Since then, she has dedicated herself to managing the organization’s birthing center, where she passionately educates expecting women about their rights using the International Childbirth Initiative model, prioritizing respectful care. Motivated by her belief in every woman’s right to access these services, Nerissa helped to open a rooftop café at the clinic, it serves as a warm and welcoming space for new moms, offering them a free meal and a supportive community for the duration of their stay.
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“You know, these 12 steps to safe and respectful maternity care – the world needs this model. My vision is that everybody in the world would adopt this model of care, you know, every clinic or facility… It [supports] not just physical safety, but emotional safety.”
– Nerissa, Midwife, Mercy in Action, the Philippines
Carol, Nursery Cook, England
Over 24% of children in Sowerby Bridge live in poverty, higher than England’s average. To combat food insecurity, nurseries like Grass Roots Day Nursery provide healthy meals and snacks and even offer surplus food and recipes to take home.
Carol, the nursery cook, combines a little creativity and a lot of love to introduce new ingredients and encourage children to try healthier foods.
Learn how Carol makes mealtime meaningful.
“I know a lot of these babies. I know the moms and the grandmas. From being fairly local myself, I’ve seen ’em all grow up and I’ve said to my daughter, ‘So and so’s daughter’s had a baby and they’re at nursery now!“
– Carol, Nursery Cook, Grass Roots Day Nursery, England
Good nutrition from the start is truly life-changing. From the health and survival of newborns and their mothers to the long-term growth and development of women and children, this work impacts people’s potential to thrive.
To make change like this possible, you have to manage a lot of moving parts—something our caring and committed community knows too well. Thank you for helping us ensure every child gets the chance to lead a full and healthy life!