Ciudad de Ángeles
Ciudad de Ángeles/Our Story/Est. 2002

Rooted in family, fueled by faith, focused on lasting impact.

When a child experiences trauma or abandonment, it can shape the entire course of their life. But when a child grows up surrounded by stability, faith, and family… everything changes.

Give a Child a Safe Home See our timeline

An Intro to Ciudad de Ángeles

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The board-approved mission

Our mission.

Ciudad de Ángeles provides a safe & healthy environment based on Christian principles for orphaned, abandoned, abused and needy children living in Mexico. The home raises children to become Christian adults who are responsible citizens in their local communities.

Stewardship and service

People behind the mission.

Leadership

  • James MaclaskeyJames MaclaskeyExecutive Director
  • Justin ThurmanJustin ThurmanDirector of Operations
  • Jenn FriesJenn FriesResource Director

Anchor Board Members

  • Kelley AdamsonKelley AdamsonA&M
  • Wayne AlsupWayne AlsupNorthside
  • Jeff BurnsJeff BurnsEastside
  • Andy JacksonAndy JacksonHarpeth Hills
  • Alex OlinAlex OlinWoodbury
  • Lori SamsLori SamsGrace Chapel
  • David WhiteDavid WhiteEast Cobb
  • Van WilliamsVan WilliamsCampus

Resource Board Members

  • John CornJohn CornTreasurer
  • Jodi BushJodi BushBoard member
  • David GroveDavid GroveBoard member
  • Kevin SlatenKevin SlatenBoard member
  • Jenny TidwellJenny TidwellBoard member
  • Mike WardMike WardChairman
  • Sarah WestSarah WestBoard member

Meet our partner churches and businesses →

Photographs from the campus
A large group of children and teenagers in pale clothes stand together on a beach, with the sea and tall bright clouds behind them.
The whole crowd, togetherBeach portrait day
Children and adults sit drawing and colouring at a table on the covered porch of a house, with potted plants, a bicycle and a purple two-storey house across the grass behind them.
The porch of a campus house

For over 20 years, Ciudad de Ángeles has been providing more than care for children in need — we provide family.

That is the heart of Ciudad. Not an institution. Not dormitories. Families.

01How It Began

A simple vision. A lasting family.

What began in 2002 as a simple vision from missionaries Phil and Donna Waldron has grown into a thriving, Christ-centered community on the island of Cozumel. With the founding onsite leadership of Gary Gardner and a dedicated team, that vision became a place where children could grow up in stable, loving homes.

Adults and children sit side by side along one long table outdoors, eating from paper plates with cups and a water bottle in front of them, palm trees and an orange house behind.
Everyone at one long table

Today, Ciudad is not an orphanage. It is a campus of family-style homes where children are raised by house parents, surrounded by consistency, structure, and the love of Christ. Each home becomes a place where children laugh, eat meals together, do homework at the kitchen table, and learn that they are loved.

Photographs from the campus
A white and yellow house behind an iron gate and a low white fence, with a sign on the fence reading Ciudad de Ángeles.
The name on the gateoriginal casa 2
02From One Home to Many

What started with one home has grown one child at a time.

2002

1 Rented Home

One rented home. Nine children. A simple vision from missionaries Phil and Donna Waldron.
2026

Multiple Homes, One Campus

Multiple family homes on a permanent, beautiful, safe campus — plus a transition program supporting the next chapter for children stepping into adulthood.
Future

Even More Children Welcomed

The vision keeps growing — more homes, more house parents, more children who get to call Ciudad home.

God has been faithful every step of the way.

Photographs from the campus
An aerial view of a walled campus of small houses, a green sports court and a playground, ringed by dense jungle and a long dirt road.
Home, from up highAbove the campus
03A Legacy of Impact

Over the past two decades, Ciudad has —

01

Safe, Stable Homes

Welcomed 71 children into safe, stable homes.
02

Lives Transformed by Faith

Celebrated 45 baptisms, reflecting lives transformed through faith.
03

Independence & Opportunity

Helped young adults launch into independence, careers, and higher education.
04

Family, Full Circle

Witnessed 12 former children return for 2026 Reunion as thriving adults — some now raising families of their own. NEEDS: graduate success stories
Photographs from the campus
A young woman smiles in a black graduation cap and gown with a blue stole, standing in front of green leaves.
First Ciudad alumnus to receive a college degree.Graduation day

· Living proof

And years later, many return — living proof that family changes everything.

Moments like this remind us that what happens at Ciudad doesn't just impact childhood. It shapes entire futures.

A woman and a man stand close together on a campus path with several young boys in front of them, the man's arm around the group, palm trees, a basketball hoop and an orange house behind.
A family together on the path
Photographs from the campus
A little girl in a floral dress eating a cookie standing at the foot of a slide in a playground.
The newest little oneOn the playground
04Our Mission

Ciudad de Ángeles exists so every vulnerable child in Cozumel can experience the love, stability, and opportunity every human being deserves.

We believe family — not institutions or cold buildings — shapes a child's future. With Christ-centered values at our core, we provide warm, loving care within small home environments with a host “mom and dad,” educational support, and discipleship, helping each child grow into their God-given potential.

Our work is grounded in long-term relationships — with our house parents, local partners, and with people like you who choose to walk alongside us. Together, we stand for hope, dignity, and lifelong opportunity, because every child deserves a place to call home.

“Command those who are rich in this present world…to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share…so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Looking ahead — as Ciudad continues to grow, the mission remains the same: to ensure every child who comes through our gates grows up knowing they are loved, safe, and created with purpose, in a family rooted in Christ.

05Our Approach
01

Family-Centered Care

We're more than a building for orphans. Children grow up in homes with trained house parents who nurture every aspect of their healing and development — sharing meals around a table, known by name, guided in faith.
02

Holistic Education

Beyond shelter, we educate, encourage curiosity, heal trauma, and prepare children for future opportunities.
03

Community Empowerment

We partner with donors, churches, and international supporters to build sustainability and shared purpose — and we need people like you to come alongside us to serve these precious children.
04

Faith at the Heart

Our care is rooted in spiritual discipleship, prayer, and trust in God's unfolding story for every child.
06What We Value
01

Rooted in Christ

Preparing the children in our care to be responsible Christian adults and encouraging spiritual growth that spreads beyond the gates of Ciudad.
02

Care of Children & Staff

Providing a safe environment for our children, a permanent family commitment to every child, and equipping our house parents and local staff to excel in service to the children.
03

Strong Relationships

Securing and developing meaningful sponsor relationships for all children, enlisting and maintaining volunteers and support congregations, and building strong relationships.
04

Local Culture

Sustaining the Mexican culture in the lives of our children.
05

Ethical & Fiscal Responsibility

Conducting all operations in an ethical manner while maintaining an appropriate level of financial transparency.
07Anchor Church Partners

Faithful partners from the very beginning.

We are incredibly grateful for the churches and leaders who have stood with Ciudad from the very beginning. What started with the faithful support of East Cobb Church of Christ has grown into a strong foundation of anchor congregations who help carry this mission forward every day.

They give generously. They send mission teams. They sponsor children. They lead, pray, and serve with open hands and faithful hearts. Because of them, homes stay open. Children are known. And the love of Christ is lived out daily on this island.

We are honored to partner with each anchor congregation, strengthening this mission for the years ahead. If your church would like to partner with us, please contact us: Contact us →.

Meet our partner churches and businesses →

· Impact at a glance

24
Years serving Cozumel
19
Children currently in family homes
6
Young adults in our Transition program
8
Anchor churches partnering
08How You Can Help

You can change a life — starting today.

01

Sponsor a Child Today

Become part of a child's success story with consistent, personal support.

Sponsor 02

Become a Monthly Partner

Strengthen a home and keep the campus thriving with ongoing monthly support.

Partner 03

Give a One-Time Gift

Help us meet an urgent need today — whatever can't wait.

Give

Your gift is stewarded with care

Board-led oversight Tax deductible US-based administration Financial accountability Direct support to Cozumel campus

One decision can change a life

You can change a child's life — starting today.

Become part of a child's success story. Make a real difference.

Sponsor a Child Now Give a Gift Now

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