How FACES began

Kyle and Stanley met in 2013 at the Yale Paramedic Program. At that time, Kyle was a paramedic instructor, and Stanley was a paramedic student. During their conversation, Stanley shared a tragedy that motivated him to pursue the paramedic program. Stanley grew up on a rural farm in Thika, a town in southern Kenya, with his family and siblings. One day, while playing with his 7-year-old brother Gabriel, Gabriel accidentally fell into a river and drowned. Stanley and nearby neighbors watched helplessly as Gabriel struggled against the water's force. A neighbor eventually rescued him from the river, but due to a lack of basic medical training, no one could provide immediate care. Stanley, his family, and neighbors stood on the riverbank, praying as they watched Gabriel's body. Stanley’s mother carried Gabriel back to the house, hoping to find transportation to the hospital. Unfortunately, Gabriel died before reaching the hospital. In light of this experience, Stanley hoped to create a first aid project to help children and future generations in Kenya prevent tragedies like Gabriel's.

A few months later, Paige and Kyle went on a medical mission trip to Tanzania. One of the clinics was held in a church, and near the end of the day, they were asked to see a young boy and his grandmother. The grandmother shared the boy's story, explaining that almost a year ago, he had been playing when he was stabbed in the eye with a metal rod. They tried to take him to the hospital, but lacking funds, they were unable to see a surgeon for eye repair. After the accident, the boy became completely blind in the injured eye. Paige and Kyle were moved by their story and donated money so the boy could return to the surgeon for further treatment. The grandmother was so surprised she dropped to her knees and said, "Only God can repay you." It was at that moment the dream of FACES began.

Upon returning, Stanley and Kyle shared ideas, and that was when Paige and Cecilia were introduced. All four shared a vision of changing lives, one at a time. In 2015, the group traveled to Kenya to assess needs and identify solutions. During the trip, they taught first aid classes to youth and church members. They also met with an orphanage, Bethsaida Home, where they identified several needs for the children. The group also visited Stanley’s village, where he had raised funds to build a well for the community.

After the Kenya trip, the group identified critical needs in education, health, food, clean water, and energy, leading to the creation of the FACES mission.

THE JOURNEY

After establishing the FACES mission, the team organized a fundraiser in 2016 to purchase books for the children at Bethsaida Community. In 2017, an opportunity arose through Quinnipiac University to sponsor a girl from Bethsaida to attend Days for Girls University in Uganda, where she would learn to make sanitary pads. Days for Girls is an organization focused on providing menstrual care and education to girls. Agnes was awarded the opportunity to attend the training, and she was also provided with a sewing machine. Over the years, Agnes became an advocate for women's health, education, and livelihoods.

The FACES team has supported Bethsaida Home through various activities, including the shipment and provision of clothes, books, shoes, and uniforms. In line with FACES' mission to provide education, Stanley and Cecilia have also mentored and assisted several youths and young adults in pursuing education and offering spiritual guidance over the years.

THE STORY

Stanley's story is one of perseverance and transformation. Growing up in poverty, he didn't have the opportunity to wear shoes until the age of 15, faced challenges with basic needs like clothing and food, and dropped out of high school for over 10 years. After marrying Cecilia, Stanley was inspired to return to school, starting with completing his high school diploma at an adult school in Kenya. He later moved to the U.S., where he earned his GED and furthered his education, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a Paramedic, and eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Similarly, Cecilia’s life journey was shaped by the challenges she faced growing up. Raised by a single mother in Githurai, Kenya, she struggled to access education, though she was fortunate to receive support from her uncle. When a visiting pastor spoke about the needs of orphaned children, Cecilia was deeply moved and donated her jacket and shoes. This act sparked her lifelong commitment to helping children. During high school, she organized donations and mobilized her church and peers to support local orphanages, promising to one day open her own orphanage.

These experiences led Stanley and Cecilia to dedicate their lives to giving back. They regularly return to Kenya to mentor and motivate youths and young adults, supporting them through elementary, high school, trade schools, and universities. Their efforts have included assisting the Bethsaida Community with its construction and supporting several young people in their education journey.

Their vision, particularly Cecilia’s dream of opening an orphanage, aims to give children without families a promising future. Together, they believe that by connecting with communities and addressing their needs, significant positive change can occur.

This story reflects the couple's deep commitment to providing hope, education, and opportunity to those who need it most, with a focus on transforming the lives of youths and young adults.