A place where it’s a crime to be young
Sofia has shoulder-length dark brown hair, her captivating eyes are wide and her skin is lighter than most Salvadorans. Despite the 90-degree heat she can usually be found wearing an oversized black fleece pullover. Her head is usually covered with a blue bandana. But her heart, well that is usually uncovered and fully exposed.
She runs to hug you whenever she sees you approaching and if asked about her day she doesn’t respond in the typical one-word format as is customary for most adolescents. Instead, she delves into a detailed account of her daily activities and struggles. There’s no need to use strategic questions with her, as a simple “How was your day?” will engage her heart.
That big pullover? Well, it hides the cuts on her arms. Cutting is her release and drinking alcohol is her escape.
At 13 she has been passed around to various family members and neighbors because her mother just cannot be “bothered with” her. She has 3 siblings, each fathered by a different man and her eldest brother was fathered by her grandfather - a fact that makes me physically sick to my stomach. Her school attendance is erratic at best and she is currently failing but this won’t be the first time. She doesn’t care. Her family doesn’t care. And, up until this point, it seemed that nobody cared.
It is often said that in El Salvador it is a crime to be young. El Salvador is the home of MS-13 and their rival gang, 18th Street. A civil war, gang violence, extreme poverty, and now martial law have left the youth in this country in despair.
But at MAE, we are writing a new story.
In a country where it seems like being young is a crime, we show Sofia and countless others that their lives hold immeasurable value. Through the love of Christ, these youth are discovering that they are not defined by the violence and despair surrounding them. Sofia has found a place where she is seen, heard, and cherished at MAE. Here, hope is replacing fear and healing is breaking the cycle of neglect. Together, we are proving that being young in El Salvador is not a crime—it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with love, transformation, and the promise of a brighter future.
-Britney Hibbs, Co-Founder of MAE El Salvador
Britney Hibbs
ALL FOR THE ONE
The Story of MAE El Salvador
MAE El Salvador began its journey in 2004 when founders Bobby and Britney Hibbs participated in a short-term medical mission trip to El Salvador. Their initial experience deeply impacted them, leading to a lifelong commitment to serve the people of El Salvador.
In 2007, after selling their home and all their possessions, the Hibbs moved to El Salvador to work in a children’s home, focusing on serving teenagers. A year later, they relocated to the small town of Nejapa to continue their mission by working closely with local youth.
In 2016, they established the Hope Center, a central facility for worship services and various community outreach programs. As the ministry grew, MAE El Salvador was formally organized in 2020 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors.
In 2022, the organization embarked on a new phase by launching a fundraising campaign to purchase land and build a new ministry center. This center aims to be a hub for all their activities and provide a safe space for the youth they serve.
The Problem
Until recently, El Salvador had one of the highest murder rates per capita of any country in the world.
In 2015, a Save the Children study showed that El Salvador had the third-highest child homicide rate in the world.
For every 10 Salvadoran children that make it to the 6th grade, only 4 will graduate high school.
El Salvador has the highest femicide rate in world.
our Solution
At MAE El Salvador, we work to restore hope back to the youth in three main ways.
through christ...
Weekly Worship Service
We believe that true transformation and restored hope can only be found in a personal relationship with Christ. Through our engaging weekly worship services, our youth have the opportunity to connect deeply with God and learn how to apply His Word to their everyday lives. This relationship with Christ is the cornerstone of genuine change, guiding them toward a hopeful and purposeful future.
One on One and Group Discipleship
We believe in walking alongside our youth, providing mentorship, teaching, and support that they often do not find at home or anywhere else. Nearly 90% of our youth are engaged in either group or one-on-one discipleship.
Through Education... 2
Hope Center
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We believe in the power of education and its role in molding future leaders. We strive to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to learn and grow.
Scholarships
We believe passionately in removing financial barriers that hinder the dreams of at-risk youth in El Salvador. We are determined to help break down the walls that stand in their way.
through outreach activities...
Sports Outreach
We believe that sports are more than just a game—they are a powerful tool to reach at-risk youth for Christ. Through sports, we teach resilience, integrity, and teamwork, equipping youth with skills that transform not just how they play, but how they live and lead in every area of life.
Monthly Outings
We believe in the importance of getting outside and immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature to nurture not only physical well-being but also emotional and spiritual development.Regular outings and adventures with our youth are intentional opportunities for growth and connection.
who we are
Our Organization
MAE El Salvador is dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth through holistic support, education, and discipleship. We strive to reach the forgotten and offer hope, guidance, and the love of Christ to those in need. With an aim to empower young people to overcome challenges and build a brighter future, our programs include: tutoring, sports outreach, and spiritual mentorship.
Our Mission
Our mission is to fearlessly reach the forgotten youth of El Salvador with Christ’s love, restore hope to their lives, and disciple them to become mature and responsible adults, leaders of healthy families, and authentic followers of Christ.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see Salvadoran youth healed through Christ’s love and leading changed, productive, abandoned lives for His glory.
Our Core Values
At MAE, love is our foundation. Echoing the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13; without love, our efforts are meaningless.
LOVE INTEGRITY
Integrity is our guiding light. As Christians, our actions align with our beliefs. Our commitment to truthfulness and transparency is vital in our mission.
RESPONSIBILITY
EXCELLENCE
SAFTEY
Part of our mission is to raise up mature and responsible adults. Through Christ’s teachings, we desire to instill a sense of duty and accountability.
Excellence is our pursuit. With Christ as our example, we strive for excellence in every aspect. We believe that by doing our best, we inspire the same in others.
Safety is non-negotiable. Just as Christ offers refuge, we create a secure haven for at-risk youth. Home may not be safe, and the streets even less so, so we provide a sanctuary.
OVERCOMING
In Christ, there’s no limit to what we can conquer. We guide at-risk youth to rise above challenges, turning their adversities into victories.
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What We Do
Discipleship
Our one-on-one discipleship program pairs each youth with a trained leader, committed to walking alongside them in their unique faith journey. This personalized approach is tailored to their individual struggles and spiritual needs. We also offer weekly discipleship groups that foster community and shared learning. Together, these initiatives support youth as they discover their identity in Christ and embrace hope. We are dedicated to helping them navigate life’s complexities with Christ and break the cycles that have held them captive.
Education
Our Hope Center is open five days a week, offering a comprehensive educational program for children, youth, and adults who are illiterate, have dropped out of school, or are at risk of dropping out. In addition, we provide scholarships, data packages for those without home WiFi, and an incentive program that rewards students with essential school supplies.
Church
Each Saturday, our non-denominational Biblebased evangelical youth church gathers at the Hope Center. The church strives to fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples, baptizing, and teaching young people about Christ. Our main service features vibrant worship through singing, impactful preaching, and engaging activities; all focused on helping youth boldly live out the Word of God in their daily lives.
Sports
We offer sports programs in soccer, softball, and running. These programs are designed to help youth grow not only athletically, but spiritually as well. Our dedicated sports director oversees these activities; guiding our soccer team in tournaments, leading our running club in races, and facilitating softball practices. Through sports, we nurture their growth in Christ both on and off the field.
How We Are Different
Innovative Tutoring and Leveling Program
Our tutoring and leveling programs are one of a kind. These initiatives are designed to provide personalized educational support, helping students catch up academically and excel in their studies. Our programs address the specific challenges faced by local youth, offering them opportunities that are not available through other organizations or the Salvadoran education system.
Exclusive Youth Church
We are proud to be the only fully functioning youth church in the area, and possibly in the entire country of El Salvador. This unique focus allows us to reach an extremely important, overlooked, and practically forgotten age group.
These distinctive features enable us to make a profound impact on the lives of the young people we serve, setting us apart from similar organizations in the region.
Hope Center classes
Our ministry leverages the gifts, talents, and assets of the community in several impactful ways
All of our teachers, leaders, and staff members are local Salvadorans. This ensures that our programs are culturally relevant and deeply connected to the community’s needs and values.
Free weekly music classes
Free Tutoring Program
We collaborate with local public schools who help identify and refer struggling students to our program. Each week, we follow up with their homeroom teachers to track their progress and ensure their continued success.
Free Leveling Program for youth and adults who have dropped out of school
Complete summer school program with a variety of classes
Free Literacy classes for youth and adults who cannot read or write
Free Sports Program
Soccer Running Softball
Be the Church Events
Providing free meals
Community service projects
These projects include painting homes and cleaning the neighborhood.
Community Movie Nights
Benevolence
Assistance with food, utilities, funeral services, etc.
Our Future
Team Housing
We are excited to construct housing for our team members and provide them with a comfortable and convenient place to stay while they serve with our ministry here in El Salvador.
Prayer Chapel
The new prayer chapel will provide a serene and sacred space for both our youth and staff to connect with their Creator. It will serve as a dedicated refuge where they can deepen their faith and cultivate a stronger relationship with God.
Our Future
Perimiter Wall
Building a secure perimeter wall is essential in order to ensure the safety and privacy of our facilities and the people we serve.
Green Space
Creating a vibrant green space will offer a welcoming environment for outdoor activities and recreation. This area will provide a refreshing retreat where our youth and staff can enjoy nature and engage in recreational activities.
Our Future
Classrooms
Full Ministry Center
Exciting plans are underway for a new facility featuring an expanded sanctuary for worship, dedicated discipleship rooms, and modern classrooms. This comprehensive center will provide a dynamic space for spiritual growth, community engagement, and educational advancement, supporting our mission to serve and uplift all who enter.
We will enhance our educational offerings with new, fully equipped classrooms designed to better serve our teachers and students. These spaces provide the resources and flexibility needed to accommodate our growing programs and to support ongoing development.
Site plan
MAE is working with Third Lens Ministries, a nonprofit organization that manages the designbuild process in order to ensure a successful building project for ministries. Third Lens has provided architectural designs and essential services and support for this captial campaign.
PHASE 1 : Building the Team House & Prayer Room
PHASE 2 : Building the Perimeter Wall & Green Space
PHASE 3 : Building the Full Ministry Center & Classrooms
