Never Alone Family Outreach

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Evangelista Batista, alongside Rafael Reyes, who are both dedicated partners in their mission, established Never Alone Family Outreach. Driven by an innate desire to assist others, she was raised by parents who imparted a profound reverence for service and a deep-rooted love for both humanity and the divine. She internalized the belief that every individual holds significance and is interconnected. 

Witnessing her parents' unwavering commitment to aiding others, irrespective of recognition, she understood that true service extends beyond the confines of religious institutions.

What commenced as youthful enthusiasm for aiding others swiftly blossomed into a fervent dedication to philanthropy. Growing up in the nurturing environment of her parents' altruism, she absorbed diverse cultural experiences, languages, and customs, enriching her understanding of the world. However, alongside these enriching experiences, she also encountered firsthand the harsh realities of racism, oppression, and intolerance, which fueled her resolve to combat injustice and equality. This reality also posed challenges in finding allies for her endeavors.

Acutely aware of the profound impact of poverty and educational deprivation on individuals and families, Evangelista dedicated herself to addressing these pressing issues. She encountered communities grappling with the repercussions of trauma, economic hardship, and societal stigma, including mental health challenges and the isolation of marginalized groups. Despite facing resistance and disunity within religious communities and certain sectors that hindered collective progress, her experiences served as catalysts for personal growth and fortified her determination to effect positive change.

Rafael brings a new perspective, born in Puerto Rico but raised in North Side of Camden, New Jersey. The late '80s and early '90s was truly traumatic, not only for him but for the entire community. It was recorded in history as the worst place to live in America for years. Living in a crime-infested area, residents were plagued with drugs, gangs, prostitution, and murders, which were at an all-time high. You weren't really safe anywhere. There was a lack of empathy, trust, and support for families, and no positive outlet for youth were available.

Rafael knows firsthand what poverty looks and feels like—from living in a hostile environment to having barely enough to eat, no heat at times at home, no diverse closet, and being constantly bullied for it. This prompted Rafael, as a young boy, to make a few mistakes. But even then, with barely anything, he helped elders and took under his wing and protected new kids in the neighborhood.

We believe God had His hands on him, keeping him from jail and death, which was the norm for young boys at the time. Unfortunately, a few of his close friends have died, and witnessing this changed him forever. A little older and holding onto new faith, he vowed to be the help he didn’t see nor received.

Throughout their journey, Evangelista and Rafael has generously contributed their time, financial support, resources, and expertise to numerous local and international initiatives, spanning from supporting homelessness and domestic violence survivors to advocating for immigrant rights and youth empowerment. Evangelista's multifaceted roles, from serving as a bilingual nurse assistant to facilitating trauma healing sessions, mentoring youth, and providing educational support, underscore her holistic approach to community development.

As steadfast advocates for education, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment, Both remains actively engaged in grassroots activism, championing causes close to their heart.  Evangelista and Rafael attributes their success to the divine guidance they  received, the unwavering support their children, family, and their shared commitment to the mission of Never Alone Family Outreach.

Grateful for the blessings bestowed upon their journey, Evangelista and Rafael acknowledges the pivotal role of faith, family, and community in shaping their path. With heartfelt gratitude to their supporters and beneficiaries, the family embraces the ethos of solidarity embodied by their organization, affirming the belief that life's journey is not meant to be disconnected. They echo the mantra that faith and community support serve as steadfast companions, ensuring that one is NEVER TRULY ALONE.