Unbound was founded by lay Catholics in 1981 in Kansas City, where our global headquarters remains today. The vision for Unbound began with co-founders Bob, Bud and Jim Hentzen, their sister Nadine Pearce and their friend Jerry Tolle. Explore this timeline to learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Unbound’s mission is to walk with the poor and marginalized of the world. We provide personal attention and direct benefits to children, youth, elders and their families, empowering them to become self-sufficient and achieve their inherent potential.

Unbound was founded by lay Catholics and is grounded in the Gospel call to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

Rooted in principles of Catholic social teaching, Unbound exists to change the world’s view of the poor — to build an inclusive community dedicated to advancing human dignity and eliminating poverty.

Both sponsors and sponsored members of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to join our community, as we walk together building relationships of mutual respect that bridge cultural, economic and religious divides.

Learn about the outreach opportunities that Unbound offers to Catholic parishes and schools across the U.S.

We work in three main regions around the world: Africa, Asia and Latin America. Political climate, exchange rates, poverty levels and economic activity are key factors that influence where we choose to focus our efforts. It’s our goal to provide support in areas where children, elders and families need it most and where your contributions can make the biggest impact.

We have many opportunities that do not require a monthly commitment. You can make a donation to Unbound to support aspiring students, families in times of crisis, community development initiatives and more.

Explore additional ways to get involved with Unbound, including volunteer opportunities and travel.