26Members Giving Back: Maria Ortiz“I always had it in my heart to give to others,” Maria says. “Butmy real motivation began in 2007. I was devastated by the out ofthe blue loss of my mother. I felt my world ended. My pets wereslaughtered by a stray animal. I lost my side business, and I wentthrough a divorce. As it seemed I was about to have a nervousbreakdown, I felt love and a hug from Jesus. It was powerful. Itchanged me. It helped me redirect. From that day I said to myselfthat since God gave me my life back, I am going to show mygratitude by living a life of serving”.The ProJecto Por Amor a Jesus charity was born. Maria’smission became helping firefighters and children, primarily in theDominican Republic, (where she was born), and Haiti. Althoughthey also provide extensive help elsewhere and have assistedin over 12 countries, “Our organization is inspired by the love ofJesus Christ for the world,” she says.Locally, Maria acts as the liaison for other countries that requestturnout gear. She says “when you see the look on the faces offirefighters that get second hand MDFR gear, it’s inspiring.” Sheremembers one place, Boca Chica, DR, where the smiles lit up aroom. … add pic here. That feeling is why she coordinates withMiami-Dade’s GSA, Local 1403, MDFR and the Board of CountyCommissioners. She lives for the happiness she helps create. “Itis a rush being there when they are issued a full set of gear andare beaming!” Maria says.Sometimes Maria personally goes on the delivery and trainingtrips. Her organization has also branched out, giving to Haitianbateys in DR, bringing supplies and shipping goods. “We alsohave built 3 churches over there so far, and counting!”She adds, “I am grateful for the support from MDFR, my givingcoworkers and local 1403. I couldn’t do what I do without thesupport. You are all in my prayers.”If you’d like help ProJecto por Amor a Jesus, she asks thatyou reach out. Contact Maria by cell or e-mail below. Your time,supplies, and even donations will be greatly appreciated.www.ppaaj.com • ppaaj@comcast.netMaria Ortiz Personal cell phone: 786-380-1374Editor’s note: We’ll have a Members Giving Back article ineach edition about the awesome work our people are doing.Got an idea for union members giving back? Are you doingsomething awesome, that may just compel someone else tojoin you? Please send it on over. Help us inspire the troopsand remind everyone of the great work you are doing! Weneed to see it! We’d love to see it! jumpline@local1403.orgOctober 2022 | JUMPLINE MagazineJack Swerdloff, Ret.Jumpline Editor
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