HELPING OTHERS — James Ronaldo Meyer, right, holds a check from the Rice Lake Rotary Club in 2020, which funded the construction of a home for a family in Escuintla, Guatemala. The organization has supported the funding of additional homes as well. -- Contributed

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — At just 19 years old, James Ronaldo Meyer is already making a lasting impact on families in need. Born in Guatemala and adopted as an infant by an American couple, Meyer has turned a personal journey into a powerful mission to give back to the country of his birth — one home at a time.

In 2016, Meyer traveled to Guatemala with his parents on a mission trip with Food for the Poor. Moved by the living conditions he witnessed, he returned home determined to help. Since then, with the support of family, friends, churches and community partners, Meyer and his parents have raised funds to build 13 homes for families in need. They’re now working toward a 14th double-unit home, aiming for completion by the end of the year.

Meyer, a sophomore at Franciscan University of Steubenville, is studying sacred music with an organ concentration. He said his mission to build homes is rooted in both faith and gratitude for his heritage.

“I was adopted from Guatemala, and I see my adoption as a blessing — my birth mother gave me a chance at a better life,” he said. “Now I want to give back to the country that gave me so much. Building homes is my way of saying thank you.”

He recalls being only 10 years old when he first traveled with FFTP and realized the harsh reality of families living without safe shelter.

“I remember visiting homes with dirt floors where families slept under mosquito nets because of the bugs,” Meyer said. “Seeing children and parents live in conditions so different from mine in Wisconsin made me realize I had to do something. That’s where it all started.”

Since then, he has inspired a wide circle of supporters, including the Rice Lake Rotary Club and students from St. Joseph Catholic School in Wisconsin, who raised funds for one of the homes as part of a class service project.

“The most powerful way to communicate, even across language barriers, is through a smile,” Meyer said. “When I returned to Guatemala in 2023 and met families in their new homes, the joy in their eyes said it all. That joy is what keeps me going.”

This story of faith and cultural connection is one of several being highlighted as FFTP commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month under the theme “To Honor. To Inspire. Together.” The campaign celebrates the deep heritage, enduring spirit, and vital contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. and throughout the countries where FFTP serves.

“Hispanic Heritage Month, to me, is about celebrating a culture and community I am still learning about,” Meyer said. “In many ways, I’m discovering my roots as I go — and this journey is helping me honor them.”

James’ reflections and determination to serve others have made a strong impression on FFTP leadership, who see his efforts as a shining example of the campaign’s values.

“This is more than a project. It’s a testimony,” said Ed Raine, president of CEO of FTTP. “James and his family are living examples of what it means to honor your roots, live your faith and inspire others to act with love.”

To learn about Meyer’s ongoing campaign or to support the mission, visit foodforthepoor.org/jamesronaldomeyer.