Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ann Lacker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ann , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In 2005, while teaching at All Saints School, I was approached by a medical group from a local hospital that required a teacher to develop health lessons for schools in the Toledo district of Belize, often referred to as the “Forgotten District” due to limited road access. Approximately 80% of the population is extremely poor and live under highly disadvantaged conditions.

After fulfilling that role for two years, I was disheartened to discover that the schools had very few supplies and educational resources. I consulted our parish pastor about organizing a team of parishioners to visit schools in Belize with the goal of improving school facilities, sharing educational activities, and delivering supplies and resources. The twenty spots on our roster filled rapidly and included construction volunteers to assist in building a new church. As word spread about our efforts, our volunteer list expanded, and we now travel to Belize three times annually.

In 2018, the increasing diversity of our volunteers from throughout the United States and the broadening scope of our outreach programs led to the establishment of Barefoot Children Ministries, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Our impact expands as volunteers visiting Belize identify needs and take action. We have provided hundreds of fruit trees to several communities and sponsored seventy high school students. We engage with elementary schools to present hands-on activities across various subjects and distribute school supplies, hygiene items, and flip-flops. Depending on volunteer qualifications and interests, we offer women’s workshops, elderly enrichment programs, health discussions, and support for widows and orphans. Additionally, we have initiated a microloan program for small businesses.

Throughout thirty-six visits over the past twenty years, we have collaborated closely with businesses, non-profits, organizations, and individuals in both the United States and Belize to advance our mission. Our mission statement is:

Barefoot Children Ministries strives to overcome poverty, facilitate economic empowerment, and promote human dignity for families in remote villages of Belize by providing education, health, and community improvement resources.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

One of Barefoot Children Ministries’ recent notable achievements was our prompt response to the widespread wildfires in southern Belize last year. We provided food staples for forty-five families over two months, constructed a home for two widows who lost their houses, replenished crops for farmers who produce items essential for their craft sales, and distributed garden seeds to four hundred families.

As the coordinator of our programs and service trips, I often reflect on BCM’s substantial contributions, made possible through collaboration with local volunteers and community leaders in Belize. Our impact is evident as I drive vanloads of volunteers along remote dirt roads, passing by churches, schools, playgrounds, and water systems that we have financed and built over the past twenty years.

Recently, a donor from New York reached out, seeking ways to assist families in Belize because her friend owns property there. She was drawn to BCM’s webpage by our remarkable effectiveness as a small organization, ensuring every dollar is spent advancing our mission. None of us receive monetary compensation; instead, we gain a deep appreciation for our blessings and form lasting friendships with resourceful and welcoming families who bathe in rivers, hunt for their meals, and cook over open fires.

Approximately ten years ago, a missionary sister from Belize remarked, “You know, Miss Ann, people in these communities often perceive service groups as arrogant, arriving with grand ideas and making them feel inferior. But your group isn’t like that. These communities regard you and your volunteers as friends.” I believe this sentiment holds true. Nearly 300 volunteers have traveled with us throughout the years, and witnessing the positive outcomes of our collective charitable efforts is truly inspiring.

On a personal note, I hold as many friendships in Belize as I do here in the United States. As of today, there are four young girls and a turkey named Ann, all from different villages in Belize. This recognition is the highest honor imaginable.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

December 2023 was a big month for me personally. My dad passed away on the 4th and his funeral was on the 14th. My daughter and son-in law were married on the 3oth. I was planning to lead a service trip to Belize with twenty volunteers on January 6th. All of this while working full time as art teacher, librarian, learning coach, and preschool aide at a small private school.
These trips to Belize involve a great deal or preparations with several contacts in Belize and many volunteers here in the states. And then we have a very busy schedule during our week in Belize. I’ve learned to sort of mentally shelve personal issues in order to be an effective leader, and I was able to do that in January 2024. The trip was very productive and many lives were touched.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

A good leader should stay positive, work harder than the team, handle mundane tasks themselves, and welcome suggestions. Humor is crucial for high morale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barefootchildrenministries.org
• Instagram: barefootchildrenministries
• Facebook: Barefoot Children Ministries