Groundwork Foundation Outreach at Door of Faith Orphanage (Orfanatorio Puerta de Fe)

Camino a San José de la Zorra, Baja California, Mexico

Our mission at Groundwork Foundation has always been to meet communities where they are, listen deeply, and bring meaningful support through connection, mentorship, and jiujitsu. During our visit to Door of Faith Orphanage (Orfanatorio Puerta de Fe) in Baja California, we felt that mission come alive in the most profound way.

A Brief Look at the Orphanage’s Legacy

Door of Faith Orphanage is one of the longest-operating and most respected children’s homes in the region, serving vulnerable youth for more than 50 years. With a focus on stability, education, and long-term support, the facility is home to infants, children, and teenagers who receive care through a dedicated staff and a holistic, family-style model. Many residents stay for years, growing up within the community, often supporting one another and becoming part of the caregiving network themselves. It’s a place built on compassion, continuity, and opportunity.

Sharing Jiujitsu, Confidence, and Connection

During our visit, we were welcomed with warmth and curiosity. One of the highlights of the day was when Groundwork Foundation Co-Founder Alexa Yanes taught a full jiujitsu class to a room of about 25 residents. The mats filled quickly as she led everyone through a progression of foundational drills and more advanced movements — blending technique with lessons in balance, patience, and problem-solving.

After the structured drills, Alexa rolled with several of the teenagers, each of them spirited, enthusiastic, and fully engaged. It was beautiful to watch them come alive through movement and challenge, smiling through the hard work and celebrating small victories. Their natural energy and heart made the room electric.

After wrapping up the class, we gathered everyone together and presented the kids with brand-new gis, giving them the tools to continue practicing long after our visit. In addition to the training gear, we also provided a monetary donation, small toys and essential food supplies to help support the orphanage’s daily needs. It was important to us that we left not only knowledge and encouragement, but also tangible resources that could make an immediate and meaningful difference in their lives.

A Tour That Moved Us

After training, DOFO Coach Jharely Reyes took us on a heartfelt tour of the entire facility. Every corner told a story.

We visited the dorms where different age groups live together in small family-style units. Each space was thoughtfully organized, personal, and full of signs of daily life — schoolbooks, artwork, neatly folded clothes, and bunk beds carefully made by the kids themselves.

But the most impactful moment came when we stepped into the room with the babies.

The atmosphere shifted immediately. Several infants rested, played, or slept peacefully — each one cared for with unmistakable tenderness. What moved us even more was seeing many of the caretakers were actually teenage residents of the orphanage. They handled the babies with such gentleness, pride, and love that it stopped us in our tracks.

It was a moment that quietly said everything about the culture of the place:
family caring for family, and young people learning what it means to give love even as they receive it.

A Visit We Will Never Forget

Our day at Door of Faith Orphanage reminded us why we do what we do. Connecting through jiujitsu is powerful — but connecting through shared humanity is life-changing. We left feeling inspired, humbled, and more committed than ever to continuing this kind of work wherever the need exists.

Groundwork Foundation is grateful for the opportunity, the hospitality, and the trust. We look forward to returning, supporting this incredible community, and building long-term relationships that empower young people with structure, confidence, and opportunity.