Children sitting on the ground outdoors, sharing a meal from a bowl with a spoon. The focus is on a boy with curly dark hair eating from the spoon, with other children and adults around them.
Group of children and two adults posing outdoors in front of houses, some children wearing white sports jerseys with numbers, under a partly cloudy sky.

“Not all of us can do great things.
But we can do small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

Heart In The Paint was founded by Ivana Rojas, inspired by a lifelong love of sport and a deep commitment to service. Her vision was shaped by Mother Teresa's example of serving the "poorest of the poor" and by the belief that a little love goes a long way.

The mission was clear:

“Be in service to the world’s most vulnerable children, creating safe spaces where they can play, create, and believe in who they can become.”

Heart In The Paint uses each project as a blueprint for long-term community impact. We do not arrive with a one-size-fits all solution. We partner with local leaders, families, and residents to build spaces that reflect the people who will use them.

OUR STORY

See Our Projects In Action
meet the team
A group of children and two adult women standing outdoors, clapping and raising their hands, with a rocky cliff and dried corn plants in the background.

OUr Vision

Our vision is to create 500 safe spaces for the world’s most vulnerable children across the globe. Built through sport, art, and opportunity.

Places where children Around the World can:

  • Play, create, and learn

  • Express themselves

  • Build confidence

What begins as a court becomes:

  • A gathering place.

  • A creative space.

  • A safe haven.

Every child deserves a place where they can simply be a kid.

Courts are the entry point.

Transformation is the mission.

Make This Vision A Reality

Meet the Team

WHAT WE STAND FOR

The lessons kids carry forward.

Teamwork

Icon of two fists bumping, one in front of the other, in black and white.

We rise together.

We listen, support, and lift others up for the greater good.

Gratitude

Outline of two hands holding up a heart symbol.

We honor what we have.

Gratitude builds humility, respect, and perspective.

Discipline

A line drawing of a person pushing a large wheel uphill.

We show up with purpose.

Growth takes focus, effort, and commitment.

LOVE

A large, light cream-colored heart shape centered on a white background.

We lead with heart.

Love is how we care for ourselves, each other, and our communities.