be the difference.
Why We Do This
“We were once those children.” Uniting Borders was founded on a personal connection to the challenges faced by many around the world. We understand the impact of poverty, lack of resources, and the importance of access to basic needs, education, and organized activities. By meeting these needs, we hope to give every child the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Uniting Borders was founded on a personal connection to the challenges faced by many around the world. We understand the impact of poverty, lack of resources, and the importance of access to basic needs, education, and organized activities. By meeting these needs, we hope to give every child the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their full potentiality. You’ve got this.
Uniting Borders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of less fortunate children and families worldwide. We provide essential education, resources, and support, consistently working to combine resources and create solutions to issues that directly impact individuals' quality of life.
Our Mission
Uniting Borders is committed to uplifting children and families in need by providing vital resources, educational opportunities, and support systems. Our goal is to empower individuals to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Our Vision
We envision a world where borders no longer restrict access to education, basic needs, and opportunities to thrive. Regardless of location or socio-economic status, every person should have the resources they need to succeed. Through collective effort and compassion, we aim to build sustainable, thriving communities that care for one another.
Our Core Values
Empowerment: We enable individuals and communities to take control of their development, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency through organized sports and extracurricular activities.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of community. By spreading awareness and working together, we can make a greater impact and create lasting, sustainable solutions.
Compassion: Our work is rooted in empathy and respect for the dignity of each person. We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
OUR FOUNDERS
Doug Santos
Born in Brazil in 1996, Doug Santos moved to the United States at the age of five after his father made the courageous decision to seek a better life for their family. Embracing his Brazilian roots while immersing himself in American culture, Doug gained a rich blend of experiences and perspectives.
The transformative journey in the U.S. provided him with opportunities to chase his dreams. Discovering organized sports in the fourth grade, Doug learned invaluable lessons about discipline, hard work, consistency, and gratitude.
In 2020, inspired by his experiences and a desire to make a difference, Doug founded the Uniting Borders Club at Assumption University. The club began by collecting shoes to donate to children in need—each pair symbolizing hope and the chance for children to play, learn, and dream without limitations.
Influenced by philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates, Doug realized his passion for helping others seek better lives. This understanding led to his commitment to Uniting Borders, a community initiative focused on empowering those who cannot help themselves through education, sports, and companionship. He believes that together, we can uplift those around us and transform lives one step at a time.
Sabrina Silveira
A first-generation Portuguese-Brazilian American, Sabrina Silveira is the daughter of two immigrants who instilled in her the value of community service. She has dedicated her life to helping others by working with diverse populations, including community clinic patients, children in the foster care system, and individuals with severe mental illness through assertive community treatment programs.
Sabrina earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, pursuing a career in psychotherapy. At the age of six, she met Douglas Santos, newly arrived from Brazil. Neither knew then how intertwined their paths would become, sharing common experiences and values shaped by their backgrounds.
Founding Uniting Borders provided Sabrina the opportunity to utilize her education to assist her community, family, and beyond. She believes in empowerment and strength-based approaches to help those in need. Committed to the principle that all individuals are equal and deserve equitable rights, Sabrina strives to meet the basic needs of every person.
Daniel Carroll
Daniel Carroll was born in Guatemala in 1995. At nearly four years old, he was adopted by a loving family in the United States, but his journey of discovery continued as he grew. Knowing he was adopted, Daniel was always curious about his life before coming to America. When he learned more, he discovered a challenging start—he had faced hunger, a young mother, and life without stable housing. Upon arrival at the foster home, Daniel and his family were described as “arriving with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.”
In 2018, Daniel took a significant step toward his roots, connecting with his biological family in Guatemala, which became the second happiest day of his life. Just weeks later, he traveled there to meet them in person, experiencing what he describes as the happiest day of his life. This journey not only gave him a sense of connection but also deepened his awareness of the struggles faced by people in Guatemala and other countries—and even within the United States. Knowing how fortunate he was to have opportunities that others might never receive, he felt a strong purpose to give back.
Through Uniting Borders, Daniel seeks to support families in need, inspired by his own experiences and the knowledge that he was once that little child facing scarcity. Now, with the privilege to give back, he is motivated to make a difference for others who, like his younger self, may be waiting for opportunities to thrive.
Outside of Uniting Borders, Daniel is energetic and passionate. He enjoys going to the gym and caring for his body, crediting fitness with boosting his mental health and confidence. He also loves spending time with friends, whether bowling, shooting pool, or finding new ways to connect. Daniel hopes that by sharing his story, he can reach someone who can relate, saying, “Hey, that sounds like me.”
