Child Impact International moves to Southern Adventist University campus

Written by: Marian Polanco

Child Impact International moved to Fleming Plaza in November 2023, setting up a space for its operations during Thanksgiving break. Initially focused on Asia when it began a few years ago as Asian Aid, the organization expanded its reach and changed its name to Child Impact International in 2017. Now it operates in 13 countries, including regions in Asia and beyond, and occupies the old Campus Shop space in Fleming Plaza. 

Gabriela Garcia, marketing manager for Child Impact International and Southern Adventist University alum, discussed the move to Southern’s campus in an interview with the Accent. Previously located on Main Street behind Wired Coffee, the organization sought increased visibility among students. The move to Fleming Plaza allows the team to engage more effectively with students, providing internship opportunities and fostering collaboration. 

“Here, we can be seen by students and also have students become involved in the organization,” Garcia said. “We have a few students interning here; some even helped put together furniture.”

According to Garcia, Child Impact International’s mission revolves around empowering vulnerable children through education. Its daily operations involve donor communication, sponsorship programs and rescue projects. The organization sponsors children in 18 schools across 13 countries. 

“Our main two things are rescue projects and sponsorship programs,” Garcia said. “We have several rescue projects supported by Operation Child Rescue. The whole purpose is to help kids who are victims of child trafficking. In Pakistan, we have a project dedicated to paying the debts of Pakistani families who have taken out a loan from a business owner. … Sometimes, debts could be $500, and they cannot pay them off. ” 

Child Impact International is actively working in 13 countries: the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Egypt, Austria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines and Papua New Guinea. In an undisclosed country, it also operates a secret project that helps prevent child marriages. 

While there are no internship positions currently open, Garcia said students can actively engage with the organization through the monthly giving program to Operation Child Rescue. Donations, advocacy and fundraising are highlighted as ways students can contribute.

Other team members behind Child Impact International are Anne Binette, Jason Churchwell and Sheri Gardner.

Binette, Southern alum and a past public nurse, is the operations manager at Child Impact International. Her responsibilities include overseeing crucial aspects such as IT and sales databases. Binette ensures the smooth functioning of essential operations.

Churchwell oversees various projects and contributes to the organization’s efforts in a strategic capacity, working toward the execution of initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable children.

Gardner, Southern alum, is the office manager at Child Impact International. Her role involves managing inquiries related to youth in need, reflecting the organization’s commitment to providing assistance and support.