Rancho Feliz: An American Charity
I was struck by the mission of Rancho Feliz when I read about it in Gil Gillenwater’s book Hope on the Border. Providing hands-on opportunities for American youth and adults who want to dedicate their time to a worthy cause, and offering a leg up to Mexicans facing homelessness, this charitable haven touches countless lives on both sides of the border. It certainly tugged at this reader’s heart.
What started as a global philanthropic exploration quickly turned into a mission for Gil. His journey to launching this charity began when he left the corporate world and dedicated his life to serving others, plunging headfirst into some pretty astonishing endeavors, including going undercover with the Free the Slaves organization in Kathmandu, Nepal, to expose a child sex slavery ring. These experiences inspired him to transform his life purpose, serving and inspiring others, and documenting his adventures through books and personal ministry.
“When I’m in service, the distinction between you and me is blurred,” he says. “I see myself in others.”
Gil is not only a talented photographer and author but has also built a successful career as a real estate agent, leading one of the largest-producing Century 21 offices in the western United States. Gil is also a Buddhist meditation master, a Kenpo Karate black belt, and a yoga instructor, who took his Bodhisattva Vow of Compassion directly from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
When he retired at 53, he devoted his life to growing and managing his borderline charities—the Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, Inc., and its sister Mexican nonprofit, Vecino Dignos Sin Fronteras. Though Gil and his causes have received numerous accolades and honors, including the Highest Effort Award and the Premio Sonora Philanthropy Award, he solely focuses on making a difference in others’ lives.
The service mindset resonates through him, his brother, and his wife, Izzy, and all at Rancho Feliz. They started this grassroots, volunteer-run, multinational nonprofit in 1987, with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Many people have a misconception that Rancho Feliz is just about helping the Mexican people,” says Izzy. “Nothing could be further from the truth.” Their primary mission is to provide meaningful and uplifting experiences and to ignite heartfelt change in all Americans who come to Rancho Feliz. “Our country is in trouble. We are more divided and unhappy than ever.”
They have found that through support and service, they’re making a dent in the “poverty of purpose, meaning, and connection” so prevalent in our country—”an environment of unparalleled abundance.”
Their two-pronged approach of serving people experiencing poverty while creating a sense of purpose for those who serve is their primary mission. And it’s worked tremendously. Not only does this charity benefit this underserved population, but it also ignites a massive transformation in the volunteers who work there.
“We call this reciprocal giving,” says Izzy. “Everyone benefits equally from the same service transaction.”
“From this often-shocking experience, a profound gratefulness blossoms,” says Gil. “Volunteers return home as better, more compassionate, and understanding people.”
Those from all over the world who volunteer at Rancho Feliz build homes, distribute food, fundraise for educational scholarships, clean the sanctuary, and run medical clinics. But these are just a few of the tasks they perform. “Mostly they empower thousands of Mexicans through providing opportunity,” says Gil. “This makes their families and communities stronger.” By serving the needs of those struggling on the border, it diminishes their need to immigrate illegally into the U.S. “It makes the Mexicans better people,” says Gil. “It makes the world a better place.
This brief spotlight on Rancho Feliz hardly does justice to this charity or Gil and Izzy’s mission. But it’s a cause worthy of your attention and support through volunteering, donating, sponsoring a child’s education, funding the construction of a house, or stocking a pantry.
“When we are engaged in service to others, an amazing thing happens: our focus shifts from ourselves,” says Gil.
Their philosophy extends to trust in the power of divine guidance through their service work. “At Rancho Feliz,” says Gil, “We often say that ‘God’ or ‘Spirit,’ or whatever you want to call it, reveals itself to those with a higher purpose.”
I encourage you to explore the full story of his life-changing book, Hope on the Border, and learn more about how you can support their mission on the Rancho Feliz website.
Images Courtesy of Gil Gillenwater
