A New Year and a Renewed Sense of Responsibility

The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection. It gives us space to look back on where we’ve been and, just as importantly, to consider where we are going. For those of us at OSSO, January is not only about new beginnings—it’s also a reminder of the responsibility we carry toward children who are deprived of parental care.

Over the past several years, OSSO has learned that progress is rarely linear. In January of 2025, after years of disruption caused by COVID-related closures, we were grateful to reconnect with our partner orphanages in Quito, Ecuador. That moment was more than a logistical reopening—it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to children and caregivers who had endured isolation, uncertainty, and limited resources. It reminded us that even when circumstances force us to pause, our responsibility to care does not disappear.

As we enter January of 2026, that same sense of responsibility is guiding us forward once again—this time into a new country. We are preparing to expand our work to Tepoztlán, Mexico, allowing OSSO to serve more disadvantaged children in Latin America. This decision was not made lightly. Expansion requires careful planning, trusted partnerships, and a deep respect for local communities. But it is driven by a conviction we hold firmly: when families cannot care for their children, it becomes the responsibility of good people and organizations everywhere to step in.

This belief is captured in OSSO’s fifth organizational value:

Responsibility: We believe that caring for children is a sacred right, privilege, and responsibility that rests first with families. When families cannot or will not care for them, it becomes the responsibility of good people and organizations everywhere to do so.

For us, responsibility means responding when opportunities to serve arise. It means expanding thoughtfully, staying accountable to the children and communities we serve, and ensuring that our programs remain focused on dignity, sustainability, and genuine care. It also means inviting others—volunteers, donors, and partners—to share in that responsibility alongside us.

As this new year begins, I am grateful for everyone who has made OSSO’s work possible: those who supported our return to Quito, Ecuador, and those who are now helping us take the next step into Mexico. Together, we are building a future where more children experience stability, love, and hope.

If you would like to learn more about what guides our work, I invite you to explore OSSO’s vision, mission, and values.

Learn more here: https://ossocares.org/about

With gratitude,

Jerrod

JERROD GUDDAT
OSSO Executive Director
801-214-8849 call or text
ossocares.org