The Bertha & Lucrecia Hands of Love Foundation honors the legacy of our founder’s grandmothers—two women defined by their boundless love, generosity, and tireless work for their neighbors. Growing up in an immigrant household, our founder saw these values firsthand. When a surge in enforcement began tearing families apart, those ancestral lessons of service inspired this endeavor to ensure no child is permanently separated from their parents. We provide a sanctuary of hope for those navigating the cruelest realities of deportation.
Inspired by the resilience of families in Ecuador, Laos, and right here in Minneapolis, we provide the advocacy, legal support, and pure human compassion needed to reunite loved ones. We strive to create a world where every child feels the warmth of their family's embrace, regardless of geography.
Bertha & Lucrecia
Our Origins
How We Grew
2018: The Founding
The foundation was established in Minneapolis with a singular goal: to provide a compassionate safety net for families separated by deportation.
2021: Regional Expansion
Recognizing the global nature of migration, we opened support channels in Ecuador and Laos, facilitating specialized care and community reintegration.
2024: Global Advocacy
Today, we serve as a bridge across geographies, advocating for the fundamental right of children to be united with their parents through legal and humanitarian aid.
The Visionaries Behind Hands of Love
Guided by deep personal conviction and a commitment to justice, our founders lead the mission to keep families whole across borders.
Bertha Elizabeth
With over two decades of advocacy experience, Bertha founded the organization to address the systemic challenges faced by immigrant families. Her journey began with a single family in Minneapolis and has since expanded to international waters.
"My vision is a world where no border is strong enough to break a mother's embrace. We are here to bridge the miles with love and legal strength."
Lucrecia Marie
Lucrecia brings a background in human rights law and a passion for unaccompanied youth advocacy. Her work in Ecuador and Laos has paved the way for hundreds of successful family reunifications through dedicated legal channels.
"Justice is not just a legal term; it is the feeling of a child finally safe in their parent's arms. Our mission is to make that feeling a reality for every separated family."
Join Our Mission of Love
Whether you choose to volunteer your time, share our story, or provide a financial contribution, your support helps us bridge borders and keep families together.