February at Mizata Foundation: Empowering Community Through Service & Soccer

At the Mizata Foundation, we believe meaningful change happens when people come together — sharing time, knowledge, and resources with the communities around them.

This February, we were fortunate to welcome inspiring visitors who dedicated their time to service, education, and community projects. From health workshops in local schools to lighting up soccer fields for youth and families, the month was filled with moments that reminded us how powerful collaboration can be.

A Week of Service with Jessica Vélez and Her Group

Earlier in the month, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jessica Vélez and her incredible group of 20 visitors to Mizata. From the moment they arrived, the group embraced the spirit of community and made giving back a meaningful part of their retreat.

Throughout their stay, they supported several local initiatives. The group purchased locally produced gifts from our women’s program, directly supporting female entrepreneurs in the community, and spent time visiting the dog sanctuary, learning more about the important work being done to care for and protect local animals.

One of the most inspiring moments of the week was Thursday’s Community Day, when the entire group dedicated their day to service.

Five volunteers spent the day at the dog sanctuary, helping the team and supporting fundraising efforts for the upcoming sterilization clinic, a crucial initiative that helps improve the wellbeing of animals in the region.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group visited the school in Texicio, where they led engaging workshops for students focused on dental care and women’s health. By sharing their knowledge and experience, they created a meaningful and empowering space for learning and conversation with the local community.

It was truly a special day and a beautiful example of what happens when people come together with open hearts and a shared intention to give back.

We are deeply grateful to Jessica and her group for their generosity, their donations, and for sharing their knowledge and energy with our community.

Lighting Up the Community in Mizata

At the end of February, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Myles Bailey and his team back to Mizata. Their first visit was in 2025, and it was wonderful to see them return to continue supporting projects that strengthen the community.

During their visit, the group helped inaugurate the new soccer field lights installed at the La Vega court. The celebration included a lively soccer match with local players, a joyful moment that marked the beginning of many evenings where the community can safely gather, play, and enjoy the space after sunset.

For many young people in Mizata, soccer is more than just a game, it’s a place to connect, grow, and build friendships. With the new lighting installed, the court can now be used safely at night, creating more opportunities for the community to come together.

Myles and his team are also helping fundraise to bring lighting to more courts across the area, expanding safe recreational spaces for youth and families.

A very special thank you goes to Bessy Martinez, the newest member of our team, who has worked tirelessly to help bring this project to life. Thanks to her dedication and close collaboration with the community, two public courts in Mizata now have lighting, making these shared spaces accessible to everyone even after sunset.

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Together we can continue creating safe spaces where the community can gather, play, and grow.

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