Serving With Purpose

Gaspar Barán Ravinal knows the winding mountain paths of rural Guatemala like the back of his hand. As a social worker for Unboundless, he travels them daily, visiting families in some of the most remote communities in the country.

But these paths aren't unfamiliar to him. Gaspar walked them as a child—a sponsored child—dreaming of a different future while carrying water and firewood to help his family survive.

"I remember the day my social worker came to our home and told my mother I had a sponsor. My mother cried. She knew it meant I could stay in school. That moment defined my life."

A Calling to Serve

Growing up, Gaspar watched how Unboundless social workers supported his community—not just with resources, but with genuine care and respect. "They never made us feel less than," he recalls. "They saw our potential, not just our poverty."

This experience inspired Gaspar to study social work. After university, he applied to work with Unboundless, determined to give back to the organization that had given him so much.

Making a Difference Every Day

Today, Gaspar oversees support for 150 families across five villages. His work involves everything from ensuring children attend school to helping families access healthcare and start small businesses.

"When I visit a family and see a child reading a book or a mother starting a small shop, I see hope," Gaspar says. "I see the same hope that changed my life. And I know that with support, these children will go on to do amazing things."

For Gaspar, serving with purpose isn't just a job—it's a way of honoring the gift he was given and ensuring that more children have the chance to dream.